If you can master them, headland management systems have the potential to significantly reduce operator strain. On modern tractors there is the option to not only look after the implements and tractor but even carry out the entire headland manoeuvre – including the steering. We brought together six tractors to see how intuitive they are to use – and discover whether they really do improve the operator’s lot.

It has been quite a while since we compared headland management systems. In fact, it’s been the best part of 14 years (profi 05/ 2004 and before that in 02/2000), and over the intervening period it’ll come as no surprise to learn that much has changed. Today it seems the tractor’s software and automation are as important as the rest of the machine’s engineering……..