In harsh environments, choosing the right display means lower maintenance costs, higher operational efficiency, and seamless data integration.

With the rapid development of precision agriculture and smart agricultural machinery, displays have become an indispensable "digital cockpit" for modern farms. They must not only present critical data but also operate reliably under demanding conditions. With numerous products and specifications on the market, how can you make an informed choice? This article provides a comprehensive selection guide to help you decide.

Step 1: Understand the Specific Operating Environment of Agricultural Equipment

The working conditions for agricultural equipment displays are far more demanding than those for standard commercial displays. This is the primary consideration during selection:
 
Intense Light: During outdoor operations, direct sunlight requires screens with high brightness and anti-glare properties to ensure visibility.

Extreme Temperatures: Whether in scorching summer or freezing winter, displays must reliably operate across a wide temperature range (e.g., -30°C to 85°C).

Dust and Moisture: High levels of dust in the field and potential water splashes demand displays with high dustproof and waterproof ratings.

Vibration and Shock: Continuous vibrations from agricultural machinery operating on uneven terrain require excellent shock resistance and mechanical stability.

Step 2: In-Depth Look at Core Performance Parameters

2.1 Size and Resolution
The display size should be determined based on installation space, viewing distance, and the amount of information to be presented. Common sizes include 10 inches, 12 inches, and 15 inches. Resolution determines the clarity and detail of the image. In agricultural applications, XGA (1024×768) and WXGA (1280×800) are common specifications. Higher resolutions are better suited for displaying complex maps and detailed data.
2.2 Brightness and Readability
In outdoor bright light, high brightness is essential to ensure clear visibility of screen content. For agricultural use, it is recommended to choose a display with a brightness of at least 1000 nits (cd/m²) to cope with intense direct sunlight. Higher brightness levels come at a higher cost, so select the appropriate brightness based on your specific needs.
2.3 Touch Technology and User Experience
Modern agricultural displays often use touchscreens to simplify operation. In wet conditions or when operating with gloves, resistive touchscreens or industrial-grade capacitive screens that support wet-hand and glove-on touch input are more reliable choices.
2.4 Wide-Temperature Operation
Displays must support a wide operating temperature range (e.g., -30°C to 85°C) to ensure reliable startup and performance in both freezing winters and scorching summers, preventing display issues or device damage due to temperature extremes.
2.5 Interfaces and Compatibility
It is crucial to check whether the display’s signal interfaces (such as LVDS, eDP, etc.) are compatible with your agricultural machinery’s control system. Also, consider its compatibility with GNSS navigation controllers, various sensors, and farm management software (e.g., Trimble’s Precision-IQ) to ensure it integrates seamlessly into your overall precision agriculture system.
2.6 Protection Rating and Durability
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is an international standard that measures a device’s resistance to dust and water. For agricultural equipment, a rating of at least IP65 (fully dust-tight and protected against water jets) or higher is recommended to effectively safeguard internal components from dust and moisture. Additionally, anti-vibration and anti-shock designs help extend the device’s service life in harsh environments.

Step 3: Application Scenarios for Different Types of Displays

3.1 Navigation Module
Function: Displays high-precision maps, vehicle position, autonomous driving paths, and deviations. This is the most demanding module in terms of screen performance.
(Requires high contrast and sunlight readability. The surface must feature strong anti-glare treatment, reduced reflection via full lamination technology, and enhanced visual performance through optical bonding.)

3.2 Basic Information Monitoring Module 

Monitoring Tier	Size	Resolution	Brightness	Color Performance	Touch
Information Display	10+ inch	≥800×480	≥1000	Clear color zoning display	/
Precision Decision-Making & Interaction	12+ inch	≥1280×720	≥1500	High color gamut display	Capacitive touch with high processing power Split-screen support for simultaneous display of maps, operational monitoring data, and machine settings

Aplication Scenario Summary：

Functional Priority	Recommended Screen Grade	Cost Reference (Relative)	Applicable Scenarios
Basic Navigation + Monitoring Only	Entry-level (7-inch segment screen)	1.0x	Small farms, basic operations (e.g., ploughing)
Precision Agriculture Entry	Intermediate (10-inch TFT screen)	2.5x	Medium farms, variable-rate fertilization/seeding
Full-process Smart Management	High-end (15-inch IPS screen)	5.0x	Large farms, fully automated operations + data-driven decision making

Step 4: Application Scenarios for Different Types of Displays

3.1 Navigation Module
Function: Displays high-precision maps, vehicle position, autonomous driving paths, and deviations. This is the most demanding module in terms of screen performance.
(Requires high contrast and sunlight readability. The surface must feature strong anti-glare treatment, reduced reflection via full lamination technology, and enhanced visual performance through optical bonding.)

Step 5: Selection Process Checklist

Assess Needs: Define your specific agricultural applications (e.g., plowing, seeding, harvesting), primary operating environment, and data integration requirements.

Identify Key Parameters: Determine the required size, brightness, touch type, protection rating (IP), and temperature range based on the above analysis.

Verify Compatibility: Ensure the display’s interfaces are compatible with existing or planned machinery control systems, navigation modules, and sensors.

Shortlist Brands/Models: Pre-select candidate models based on performance, cost, reputation, and service support.

Consult Suppliers: Engage with technical sales representatives from specialized display distributors or manufacturers to obtain detailed specifications, samples for testing, and support commitments.

Make a Comprehensive Decision: Balance performance, price, brand credibility, and after-sales service to finalize your choice.

Step 6: Conclusion

Selecting a display for agricultural equipment is a critical investment decision, directly impacting the efficiency and technological advancement of modern farming. A clear selection guide empowers you to make an informed choice. By thoroughly understanding operational environments, focusing on core performance parameters, and holistically evaluating brands and services, you can find a bright and reliable “digital eye” for your valuable agricultural machinery—even in the most demanding field conditions.