Near Intersection of I-35 & I-90 Southern Mn. | Here is my experience with a very similar situation.
I have a Deere 8310R with the ILS front. The tractor came from the factory with the Deere Steering valve as I believe the 8xxx tractors did at that time. That meant that it could have been steered by Deere components.
I had used Ag Leader for many years prior to the purchase of that tractor and wished to stay with them. For the last 2 or 3 years, this tractor has been equipped with an InCommand 1200, GPS 7500 and Steer Command Z2 as you are considering. The SCM (Steering Control Module) is mounted on the floor just to the right of the seat. The output from the SCM is connected to the tractor's CAN system so it can use the built in Deere steering valve.
Steering is engaged by using the Deere switch on the Command Arm or the steering Icon on the InCommand 1200. To disengage the steering we just turn the steering wheel although other methods to disengage are possible.
This setup did involve two unlocks. One unlock was for the tractor itself and needed to be performed by a Deere Tech. The other unlock was for the SCM and needed to be done through Ag Leader. These were both one-time costs.
Since I wished to use a higher level of GPS correction, my GPS 7500 has the Terra Star Pro C unlock. This is a one-time charge. I do need a yearly subscription for the Terra Star Pro C service. I have not subscribed for this year yet but I will need to purchase the subscription later this month. Last year it was $900.
Other corrections sources such as RTK would certainly be possible. During certain times of the year my GPS 7500 is busy on the combine, so another GPS 6500 on WAAS is used with the tractor. It works acceptably for Fall tillage.
When Ag Leader added the Turn Path feature to their steering systems, I investigated it. This is a one time unlock that stays with the display that I use for planting. When it first became available Ag Leader had a free trial period so I investigated and decided it would be useful.
We have been very happy with this combination of equipment. While this InCommand is in the planting tractor, it steers the tractor, makes the turn arounds on the ends, monitors the seed population, works with section control for seed, controls a spray system, monitors a ground driven starter fertilizer pump and reports down force on 6 planting units. This meshes together nicely.
At Harvest time, I move that InCommand 1200 and GPS to the combine. It works with yield monitoring in the combine. Two years ago, I added Ag Leader's Steady Steer assisted steering controller to the combine. It works very well in soybeans.
I would think that your situation would be extremely similar since although your tractor is different, I suspect Steer Command Z2 could work with your Deere steering valve in the same way as mine does.
I get my systems through L&D Ag, Hartland Minnesota they are very knowledgeable in these matters.
Edited by tedbear 4/4/2026 06:55
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Jd 7930 autotrac to ag leader
