Tractor auto-steer RTK – John Deere, Fendt, CNH

RTK for tractor auto-steer via NTRIP: what your receiver needs and where to set it up on McCormick, John Deere, Fendt, Case IH, New Holland, Claas.

8 min read

Almost all modern auto-steer systems can work with NTRIP RTK corrections. The common requirements are:

RTK accuracy level/licence unlocked on the receiver (with some manufacturers this is a separate activation).
Internet – a built-in or external 4G modem (or a connection via phone, where the system allows it).
Support for an NTRIP client and third-party RTCM 3 corrections.

Menu names differ between software and terminal versions. Typical menu paths are given below – if something doesn't match, send us a photo of the screen or your terminal model and we'll help.

McCormick, Landini (Argo Tractors) – Topcon

McCormick guidance systems (PSM – Precision Steering Management) and Landini solutions are typically based on Topcon equipment (X-series terminals, AGI-4 / AGM-1 receivers and newer). On Topcon, RTK over the internet is configured in the GNSS receiver settings as an NTRIP correction source (built-in or external modem):

Correction source: RTK → NTRIP / Network
Server: rtk.ba, port 2101, mountpoint AUTO, your account username/password
Enable sending GGA (if the option exists)

John Deere – StarFire

StarFire receivers with RTK activation use "Mobile RTK" (via modem/MTG) to receive corrections. Newer software also allows a third-party NTRIP network – in the StarFire settings select RTK, then the mobile/NTRIP source, and enter our details. Availability depends on the receiver model, activations and software version; your John Deere dealer can confirm what is unlocked on your machine.

Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Valtra (AGCO)

AGCO systems (Fendt Guide/VarioGuide, MF Guide, Valtra Guide) support an RTK correction source via NTRIP with the appropriate accuracy level and a modem. On the terminal: guidance settings → correction source → RTK NTRIP → enter host, port, mountpoint and account.

Case IH and New Holland (CNH) – AFS / PLM

Case IH AFS and New Holland PLM systems (Pro 700 / XCN / IntelliView terminals, Nav-series receivers) use RTK via modem and NTRIP with an RTK activation/licence. In the GPS receiver settings select RTK, correction source NTRIP / Cellular, and enter our parameters.

Claas, Deutz-Fahr and others

Claas GPS PILOT and Deutz-Fahr Agrosky systems also support NTRIP RTK with the appropriate licence and modem. The setup logic is the same: correction source → NTRIP → host/port/mount/username/password.

Universal systems – Trimble, Topcon, Ag Leader, Raven, Hemisphere

Retrofit auto-steer systems (Trimble GFX/NAV, Topcon, Ag Leader, Raven, CHC NX510 and similar) are installed on older and newer tractors of all brands and routinely support NTRIP via a built-in or external modem.

AgOpenGPS (open-source)

In the AgIO module, open the NTRIP settings: caster rtk.ba, port 2101, mount AUTO, username/password. Enable sending GGA (AgIO does this automatically when the option is on) and check that the receiver (e.g. a u-blox F9P) is receiving RTCM over the USB/serial connection.

Tips for the season

AB lines recorded with RTK.ba stay accurate year after year – don't switch correction sources mid-season unless necessary.
Check your mobile operator's coverage on your fields – no internet means no corrections.
Some systems offer "RTK-X"/"xFill" bridging of short correction outages – useful in hollows and along tree lines.

Related: Read more about the benefits of RTK in the field on RTK for precision agriculture, and check whether your fields are in range on the coverage map. The general procedure is in connecting via NTRIP, and if FIX does not come – troubleshooting.

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Need help with the setup?

Send us your device model and a screenshot – we will help.