Technology: AutoTrac — how a tractor or combine holds the row by GPS on its own

AutoTrac is John Deere's automatic steering system: the machine holds a set line by satellite signal while the operator focuses on the implement and the field. Based on John Deere pages, here is how it works and what a farm needs.

Key figures

• Automatic steering
• StarFire receiver + display
• Signals: SF1, SF-RTK, RTK
• Less overlap
• Rain, dust, fog: no problem

What it is

AutoTrac is automatic steering. According to John Deere, it helps keep consistent spacing from pass to pass and improves field efficiency. The operator brings the machine onto the set line and turns the system on, and the tractor, combine or sprayer holds the line itself. The operator stays in the cab and can concentrate on the implement.

How it works

A StarFire receiver on the cab determines the machine's position. The StarFire 7000 receives signals from GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS satellites and gets corrections from the StarFire network satellites: it tracks three at once and picks the best one itself. A built-in terrain compensation module accounts for roll, pitch and yaw, which helps on hilly fields. Accuracy levels:

• SF1 — comes with the StarFire 7000 receiver.
• SF-RTK — satellite corrections, 2.5 cm (1 in.) horizontal accuracy, no radio needed; requires a renewable one-year license.
• RTK — corrections by radio or cellular; requires a permanent RTK Ready license.
• SF3 — the StarFire 6000 receiver level; John Deere compares SF-RTK with it (17% better accuracy).

What you need

The setup according to John Deere:

• A compatible display: the StarFire 7000 works with the GreenStar 2 1800, GreenStar 3 2630, CommandCenter and Gen 4 displays; the GreenStar 2 2600 and original GreenStar are not supported.
• A StarFire receiver on the cab or implement.
• AutoTrac activation on the display (AutoTrac Activation, GS3).
• A license for the signal level you need; a higher level can be added without buying a new receiver.
• For a used machine: check which licenses are installed — SF-RTK is a renewable license.

What it gives the farm

Less overlap and fewer skips between passes, so seed, fertilizer and crop protection go further. Row spacing is more even. The operator tires less: according to John Deere, they can confidently drive even rows in rain, dust or fog while paying attention to the implement.

Source: John Deere, AutoTrac Activation and StarFire 7000, November 13, 2026