Ames, Iowa, Dec. 1, 2004 - Ag Leader Technology, Inc., a leading manufacturer of precision farming equipment, announced today the new EZ-Steer™ system for affordable assisted steering.  The EZ-Steer system allows growers to maximize productivity and efficiency through improved placement of crop inputs, extended working hours and reduced costs. Growers are able to focus their attention on the task they are performing rather than concentrate on steering. This improves the results of the operation and reduces driver fatigue.

The EZ-Steer system is the easiest and most affordable upgrade to the EZ-Guide® Plus system to provide assisted steering for agricultural vehicles with 6-12 inch pass-to-pass accuracy. The system is ideal for broadacre crops and operations such as spraying, spreading, tillage, hay and silage applications.

The new EZ-Steer assisted steering system sets a new industry standard by using GPS and an electric motor mounted on the steering column to keep the vehicle on line without the use of hydraulics. The EZ-Steer system uses the guidance from the EZ-Guide Plus lightbar and automatically turns the steering wheel. This allows drivers to focus on in-field tasks, such as implement or spray boom operations, to improve job quality and reduce fatigue.

Supported vehicles include wheeled and articulated tractors, combines, and sprayers with power steering.  For broadacre planting applications requiring higher accuracy, use the EZ-Steer system with the EZ-Guide 5100 Guidance System and OmniSTAR® HP™ corrections.

The EZ-Steer system is easy to install, setup, and use. Installation can typically be completed in a half-hour or less with one wrench and set up only takes a minute. For set up, use the EZ-Guide Plus lightbar to enter vehicle dimensions and the operator is ready to go. Once an AB or curved line is set up, press the engage button to begin assisted steering on the swaths. If the operator needs to take control of the tractor steering, simply turn the wheel and the EZ-Steer system will automatically disengage.

The EZ-Steer system can be transferred from one vehicle to another in minutes.  Transferring is as simple as removing the two wing nuts from the EZ-Steer mounting bracket, moving the EZ-Steer motor, EZ-Guide Plus system and controller box to the new vehicle, and reattaching it to the mounting bracket installed in the other vehicle.  Additional mounting kits are inexpensive and available from Ag Leader dealers.

The new AgGPS EZ-Steer assisted steering system can be ordered today from an Ag Leader dealer and is expected to begin shipping in Spring 2005.  Contact an Ag Leader dealer for more information or call Ag Leader direct at 515-232-5363.

Affordability, ease of installation and portability for vehicles makes the EZ-Steer system an ideal option that allows farmers and ag professionals to equip much of their fleet with assisted steering.

About Ag Leader Technology

Ag Leader is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software.  Located in Ames, Iowa, the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions.  Founded in 1992 the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by providing value-based products that help growers achieve and maintain a successful operation.