New WorkSmart Autosteer helps improve accuracy efficiency and field performance
Kubota has expanded access to precision agriculture technology with the launch of WorkSmart Autosteer, a new guidance system designed for compact and utility equipment. The technology brings advanced steering assistance to a wider range of machines, helping operators improve accuracy while maintaining full control of field operations.
The new system is designed to work on both new and existing Kubota equipment. Unlike many precision guidance products that are sold as aftermarket kits, WorkSmart Autosteer is engineered specifically for compatible Kubota models. This integrated approach allows customers to purchase, install, service, finance, and maintain the system through a single dealer relationship.
Precision farming technologies have traditionally been focused on large row-crop tractors. Kubota's latest offering aims to make these benefits available to smaller operations, livestock producers, specialty crop growers, contractors, and turf professionals.
“WorkSmart Autosteer isn’t about removing the operator from the decision; it’s about helping to remove fatigue and error from the equation,” said Austin Hawkins, Senior Manager, Technology Sales and Marketing, Kubota North America. “At your command, the machine holds the line, so you stay sharp, cover more ground and still get home with something left for the people who matter most.”
WorkSmart Autosteer functions much like an automated guidance assistant. It helps equipment stay on a consistent path across the field, reducing operator fatigue and improving overall efficiency. Operators remain responsible for decisions and machine operation while the system helps maintain accuracy during repetitive field tasks.
The technology is available with two levels of correction accuracy. The first option, SBAS (WAAS), provides repeatable pass-to-pass accuracy of approximately six to eight inches and does not require a subscription. The second option, PPP, offers accuracy of up to one inch, making it suitable for specialty crops and operations where precision directly affects crop quality, yield, and profitability. This premium level requires an annual subscription.
Kubota says the system can provide measurable economic benefits. Consistent guidance helps ensure that seeds, fertilizer, and crop protection products are applied where intended. Improved accuracy reduces overlap between passes, helping operators avoid unnecessary use of inputs and reducing operating costs.
Another benefit is improved consistency among operators. The guidance system maintains accurate travel paths regardless of operator experience. Whether a machine is operated by a new employee or an experienced farmer, the system helps deliver repeatable results throughout the season.
The technology can also support a broad range of applications. In addition to row-crop farming, WorkSmart Autosteer can be used for hay production, tillage, cultivation, spraying, spreading, mowing, grading, and orchard or vineyard operations. This flexibility allows equipment owners to use the same guidance platform across multiple jobs and seasons.
Ease of use is another key feature. Authorized Kubota dealers can typically install the system in about two hours and provide training to help operators become comfortable with the technology. The system is managed through a mobile application available for both Apple and Android devices. Additional tutorials, calibration resources, and training materials are available to support learning and troubleshooting.
Early user experiences have highlighted the system's straightforward operation and reliable steering performance. Users have reported positive results in both row-crop and hay production settings, demonstrating the versatility of the guidance technology across different agricultural environments.
“We installed WorkSmart Autosteer with two different customers,” said Tom Butner of Marshall Service Company in Marshall, Missouri. “One is using the system for general row crop farming and the other in his hay production operation, and the steering performance has been excellent. What really sold them is how easy it is to operate, even for operators who have never used precision guidance before.”
With affordability remaining a major concern for many producers, Kubota has positioned WorkSmart Autosteer as a cost-effective entry point into precision farming. By offering an integrated solution backed by dealer support and warranty coverage, the company hopes to encourage wider adoption of guidance technology among producers who have not previously invested in precision agriculture tools.
As precision agriculture continues to evolve, systems such as WorkSmart Autosteer are making advanced technology more accessible for farms of all sizes. By improving accuracy, reducing input waste, and simplifying daily operations, guidance solutions can help producers maximize productivity while maintaining operational efficiency.
WorkSmart Autosteer is now available through authorized Kubota dealers, providing farmers and agricultural professionals with a new option for bringing precision guidance capabilities to their operations.
Photo Credit: Kubota WorkSmart Autosteer