Buying used autosteer in Australia: unlocks, subscriptions and what to check

Before you buy a used tractor or guidance kit, check what software actually comes with it.

Autosteer is often the most valuable part of a used tractor's tech, and the easiest to get wrong. The hardware (receiver, display, steering kit) is only half of it. The other half is software activations and subscriptions, which may or may not come with the machine.

1. Know the three parts

Hardware: GNSS receiver, display/terminal, and steering (integrated valve or an add-on motor/kit).
Activations (unlocks): software licences that enable features such as autosteer or a higher accuracy level. Some are permanent; some are time-based.
Correction service: the RTK or satellite correction signal that gives repeatable accuracy. This is usually a separate subscription with an end date.

2. Ask to see the licence screen

"Autosteer ready" can mean the hardware is fitted but the activation isn't. Ask the seller to show the licence or activation screen on the display and photograph every feature listed and any end date. John Deere's dealer guidance, for example, explains that permanent licences stay with the display they were activated on, while time-based licences stop working when they expire until renewed (Koenig Equipment).

3. Confirm the licence can transfer, in writing

Transfer rules differ by brand. John Deere's guidance licence terms allow the licence to be permanently transferred with the sale of the receiver it is activated on, with the buyer accepting the same terms (John Deere licence agreement). For Trimble, licence ownership is reassigned through the reseller or Trimble, and the new owner needs a Trimble ID (Trimble Community). For any brand, ask the local dealer to confirm before you pay, and watch for a seller moving a portable licence or display to their next machine before the sale.

4. Check the correction subscription

Which correction service does it use (RTK base, network RTK, satellite)? Is it available where you farm?
Is the subscription active, when does it expire, and does it transfer or must you buy your own?
If it uses a local RTK base or network, what does access cost in your area?

5. Firmware and compatibility

Record receiver and display firmware versions and ask a dealer if they're still supported.
Check compatibility with your other displays, implements and ISOBUS gear, and whether you need extra cables, licences or a different steering kit.

6. Data and accounts

Boundaries, guidance lines and telematics usually live in the seller's cloud account, not on the machine. Ask for the machine to be removed from the seller's account (and telematics transferred or cancelled), and wipe or export guidance lines as agreed. The NFF Australian Farm Data Code is a useful reference for questions about who controls farm data.

7. Before you pay

Test autosteer in a paddock: engage, line acquisition, pass-to-pass repeatability.
Search the PPSR for money owing on the machine and major components with serial numbers.
Get a receipt listing each tech component by serial number and the licences included.

Quick checklist

Photo of licence/activation screen with end dates
Dealer confirmation the licence transfers
Correction subscription status and cost
Firmware versions and compatibility
Machine removed from seller's accounts
Paddock test
PPSR search
Receipt with serial numbers

Sources

General information only, not financial, legal or agronomic advice. Check details with the manufacturer, your dealer and product labels. Last reviewed 16 October 2026. Spot an error? Tell us.