Its AES/25 exchange kit has another advantage in that it does not clutter up the tractor cab with hydraulic hoses, with its new exchange kits able to be swapped between most machines being used on a farmstead.

“If you’ve got four machines, for instance, you can buy one of our new steering kits and save yourself the many hundreds of dollars needed to set up hydraulic systems,” Position Partners’ Queensland area manager, Felicity White said.

“Installation is a fraction of the time associated with hydraulics.”

All that is needed is to pull off the old steering wheel, ready to slot in the new unit which is secured by placing it over the splines of the existing steering column.

Topcon’s AES/25 looks to be appealing to those farmers wanting a simple console that offers precise steering performance.

As a bonus it offers a reverse steering capability – a feature that is claimed to be exclusive to electric steering systems.

Speaking at a recent field day, Ms White said a System 150 and AES/25 combination would provide 2cm accuracy, thereby appealing to most broadacre operations.

The company also makes the point the quiet operation associated with the high torque electric motors adds further user appeal, with its replacement kits fully compatible with its new System 150 and also its System 200 (X20) console.

When combined with this technology, the AES-25 innovation is said to provide solutions ranging from basic autonomous steering through to real-time kinetic (RTK) accuracy guidance.

Topcon says its System 200 (X20) features GPS+ capability, using signals from both GPS and GLONASS satellites.

Meanwhile, its System 150 with G3 technology receives signals from all available satellites.

It makes the point that more satellites means higher accuracy, plus 24/7 round-the-clock operation.

Currently, the new steering kits are available for popular brand name tractors like John Deere, Challenger, Massey Ferguson and New Holland brand names.

More will become available later down the track.