There are a multitude of powered steering wheel options on the market, most of which require the original wheel to be removed and replaced with a less sleek alternative. This is where Ag Leader SteadySteer wins, as it just fastens to the original wheel. And it has other advantages, too.
Tractor ergonomics have come a long way, and this includes the steering wheel, not just its size but keeping the powershuttle and indicator stalk all within finger-flicking reach. These attributes tend to go out the window if you retrofit an auto-steer system that requires the original wheel to be replaced by a generic unit, with an integrated motor to do the turning. This is where SteadySteer wins: it simply fastens to the spokes of the OEM wheel; you don’t even have to remove it from its spindle.
The SteadySteer’s predecessor, the OnTrac 3 (MDU-G4 steering motor), boasted this same feature but went with a wrap-around handcuff locking system that’s also utilised by other manufacturers. What makes Ag Leader’s own unit that bit better is that it’s less bulky and the motor can be quickly detached to reduce drag on the steering wheel when not using the auto-steer system. There’s also less noise from ‘dry running’ the disengaged motor.
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