N540F SEPARATE FERTILIZER PLACEMENT AIR DRILL

John Deere has the seeding solutions that go above expectations with a complete line of everything needed in small grains. Offering a variety of openers for your chosen practice in a variety of configurations and sizes. All with integrated technology throughout the seeding train allows for effortless setup and seamless documentation.

Setting up a John Deere seeding train is quick and easy with the plug and play technology. All data and technology operate through the Gen 4 display and ultimately up to John Deere Operation Centerâ„¢ that can be viewed from anywhere at any time. Not only does the complete John Deere seeding solution all operate through one display but it eliminates the difficulty and time-consuming tasks of setting up extra displays and harnesses.

With a complete John Deere seeding solution, there are multiple different onboard and offboard technologies shown below that improve the overall seeding production step. Many of these technologies are exclusive to John Deere. Each of these technologies bring different customer value that overall lead to the ultimate John Deere seeding solution!

Improve confidence and while reducing maintenance with the new AccuRateâ„¢ metering system

• Combination of stainless steel and composite materials ensure an entire corrosion resistant system
• Individual electric meters allowing for more precise seeding
  • Up to 8x more accurate prescriptions with high fidelity prescription
  • Start and stop each meter with SectionCommandâ„¢ Pro
  • Accurately meter the correct amount of product on a curve with curve compensation

Calibrate faster and easier than ever before with EZCalâ„¢

• Easily calibrate from the side of the cart with the click of a few buttons 45% faster than the leading competitor
• Automatically weigh product and update MDV values eliminating potential user error

ActiveCalâ„¢ display Calibrate more frequently from the seat of the cab with ActiveCalâ„¢

• Calibrate the meters from the cab utilizing the tank scales
• Improved confidence that the correct seeding rates are being met

Save input cost with SectionCommandâ„¢Pro

• Control seed and fertilizer output by starting and stopping each individual meter section
• Eliminate skips and overlaps leading to reduced inputs and higher yields

On the go, quick adjust downforce with TruSetâ„¢ from the cab

• Adjust downforce pressure to improve uniform emergence
• Set presets to quickly adjust from field to field

Monitor blockage row by row from the cab with RelativeFlowâ„¢

• Seed with confidence while monitoring each row
• Detect blockage early and know exactly where it is

AutoTracâ„¢ Implement Guidance and AutoTrac Turn Automation

• Make every operator an experienced operator
• Precisely placed implements for more accurate seeding, less operator fatigue, and more productivity
• Hands-free turns within field headlands (with AutoTrac Turn Automation enabled)

John Deere Operation Centerâ„¢

• Setup and manage your farm operations: equipment, team, fields, and crop inputs
• Plan work in advance to increase job quality and efficiency with Work Planner
• Map based prescriptions can be used with variable rates
• Analyze this season’s results to improve next season’s crops

Operation Center Mobile

• View your data on the go; remotely monitor job quality, productivity, machine performance, and quickly make informed decisions
• Manage and monitor from anywhere at any time with near real-time field and machine updates

Connected Support

• Expert Alerts proactively notifies your dealer of any issues
• Remote display access allows for easy on the go support

For more information regarding Large Tractors and Precision Ag, view the following landing pages

• 8 Series Tractor Family
• 9 Series Tractor Family
• Precision Ag

These color-coded aluminum hydraulic hose handles make connecting hydraulic hoses from the air seeder and air cart to the correct Selective Control Valve (SCV) on the tractor easier than before. The anti-slip makes it easy to grip the hose and connect or disconnect from the back of the tractor. Each color is laser engraved with the John Deere logo and extend/retract icons to ensure proper matching to the proper function.

• Easily identify function of each hose
• Consistently match hose handles colors to rear couplers on tractor
• Easy to grip for connecting or disconnecting to the SCV
• Base equipment on all trailing air carts
• Base equipment on all seeding tools

With RelativeFlow Blockage sensing, operators can see the flow of both seed and fertilizer from inside the tractor cab. Sensors on all secondary hoses monitor the relative product flow row to row, giving you a better view of the flow rate of both seed and fertilizer from the cart to the opener from inside your tractor cab. This technology can help you identify any problems before a potential blockage occurs.

RelativeFlow Blockage is available in all run configurations on the following models (all widths):  

• H500
• H500F
• P500
• P600
• N500
• N500F
• N500C
• 730LL

RelativeFlow Blockage is compatible with hydraulic drive carts: model year 2014 and newer 1910, all 19,381.5-L (550-bu) 1910 Carts, and C650 and C850 Air Carts.

Below are the Gen 4 display screens for the blockage monitoring system. For complete details and information, see the owner’s manual.

The RelativeFlow Blockage sensing chart shows the amount of flow through each sensor on the selected tower. Sensitivity for the blockage system can be adjusted if desired, as shown below.

Blockage warning sensitivity allows the producer to set and change the sensitivity of the sensors to meet their preferences and varying crop/fertilizer types. Increasing the sensitivity means the system is more likely to show a false blockage, while less sensitivity means the system is more likely to miss a blockage.

Multiple run-page alarm behavior options are available for selection.

Below are the Gen 4 display screens for the blockage monitoring system on the N500C.

For complete details and information reference, the owner’s manual.

The SeedStarâ„¢ system run page displays the five major run settings. Clicking on any of the tiles will take an operator to that specific page (shown below).

Blockage alarm delays can be set up by clicking on the advanced settings button from the blockage set-up screen.

• A blockage delay is how long a blockage should occur before an alarm is sounded.
• The blockage alarm reminder is how often the alarm should sound when a blockage occurs.
• The meter on delay is the time from when the meter is turned on until the blockage sensor should start monitoring for blockage.
• The meter off delay is the time from when the meter is turned off until the blockage sensor should start monitoring to verify no flow.

For more detailed information, see the owner’s manual.

Air tools with RelativeFlow Blockage are not compatible with 1910 air carts with ground drive.

Setting the opener down pressure is convenient and easy to adjust.

For 9.1-, 11.0-, 12.2-, and 13.1-m (30-, 36-, 40-, and 43-ft) widths the down pressure on the front fertilizer rockshaft is adjusted independently of the middle and rear seed opener rockshafts. Simply dial in the required pressure using the knobs.

The seed opener pressure gauge face is color coded to provide a guide for normal pressure operating ranges.

The valve has two internal checks to reduce possibility of damage to valve when charging the system.

The down pressure cylinder is connected to live hydraulics and extends or retracts to maintain uniform down pressure on openers.

This system is compatible with either closed center or pressure flow compensated tractor hydraulic systems.

IMPORTANT: Tractors with open-center hydraulics require an open-center kit with change valve (order code 6505 to make the air drill compatible). The open-center application does not provide an opener flexibility feature.

If you need high rates in your operation, AirPower 2 delivers. With the dual fan system, you get twice the fans than the original AirPower. Plus, each fan is larger than before. So when you need that additional power to generate a higher level of input flow, AirPower 2 has the capability to deliver what you need. And the fan housing is cast aluminum, making it lighter in weight, but more durable than ever before. You can trust your fan system will stand the test of time.

Dual fan design

John Deere AirPower 2 system uses two separate, high-capacity fans – one for top shoot, one for bottom shoot. Using both fans can deliver a total of 550 pounds (249.5 kg) at 5.5 mph at 15 degree slope of material per acre, precisely metering product into the primary air stream. The results: Greater consistency across the entire drill, more uniform seed emergence, more even flowering and canopy development, and greater yields.

Enhanced air seeding performance would not be possible without the updates to the 15,152.8-L (430-bu) and 19,381.5-L (550-bu) 1910 and C-Series Air Carts. For the wider seeding width, more fan capacity has been added.

Air Power 2 provides two independently controlled fans – one for seed and one for fertilizer. Along with large, 76.2-mm (3-in.) primaries, more accurate delivery rates are possible across the full width of the seeding tool, from opener to opener. Plus, Air Power 2 allows growers to deliver high rates under field operating conditions – up to 40 percent more product delivery per primary compared to the single-fan system.

Dual fans are required for tow-between and tow-behind carts on the 23.2-m (76-ft) P576 and 18.3-m (60-ft) N560F models along with the eight primaries. Each fan will direct air to one set of primaries. Two selective control valves (SCVs) are required for the fans. The fan speed will be controlled through the SCV flow control.

Air Power 2 will also be compatible with the 17.1-m (56-ft) P556 and 23.2-m (76-ft) P576 Air Hoe Drills, as well as the 13.1-m (43-ft) N543F and 18.3-m (60-ft) N560F Disk Drills, plus the 15.2-m (50-ft) and 18.3-m (60-ft) 1890 models. An option is available for stainless-steel primaries to resist corrosion from high fertilizer rates.

There is a slide at the meter to choose bottom or top shoot for each meter. There is also a valve on the tank pressure system to choose top or bottom shoot. This same valve is used to adjust the amount of air to the tank to create the proper pressure differential.

The arrow on the valve handle should be pointing to the top of the range for the top shoot and the bottom of the range for the bottom shoot. If the tank will not be in use, set the pressure valve to the middle setting to not pressurize the tank. The operator should use the gauge to find the correct setting. An electronic pressure sensor will send a warning to the display if the tank pressure differential is out of range.

If pressure is in the green operating range, the tanks are sealed and operating correctly. The electronic pressure sensor is located behind the mechanical gauge on the side of the cart.

TruSet downforce allows operators to set downforce pressures from inside the cab. Downforce can easily be changed by the push of a button as soil conditions vary. Proper downforce is directly related to a consistent seeding depth, which leads to improved even emergence, plant density, and maturity. The range of downforce adjustability begins at 74.8 kg (165 lb) and tops out at 181.4 kg (400 lb). 

Exclusive TruSet downforce control has taken adjustability on no-till John Deere seeding tools to a whole new level. Rather than using a valve on the tool, pressure control dials on the monitor let operators make incremental adjustments conveniently from the Gen 4 display inside the tractor cab. This also saves time and makes it easier to adapt to changing field conditions.

Seeding tool compatibility:

• N500
• N500F

NOTE: It is recommended that 15.2-m and 18.3-m (50-ft and 60-ft) machines use power beyond to run TruSet.

Display compatibility:

• Gen 4 displays
• GreenStarâ„¢ 3 2630 Display

Competitive tractors do not require add-on components for TruSet to function properly.

The ProSeries Opener is John Deere’s most advanced opener for your seed and separate fertilizer placement. When it comes to seeding precision, consistent seed depth, and uniform emergence in virtually all field conditions, you can superSEED your expectations with ProSeries.

Two of the three daily grease points were removed. The only remaining grease point is a yearly interval. The narrow seed boot travels behind the shadow of the blade, causing less soil disturbance. When attaching the boot to the shank, the bolt has been replaced with a flag pin. Now the flag pin is the wear point, not the casting, reducing overall maintenance. The seed press wheel is also redesigned; it has a narrow profile, a double-wall bearing, and is made of a flexible material. The quick-change blade feature reduces the time it takes to change each blade, saving time and money. Lastly, the seed tab is UV resistant and profiled similar to the trench. There is also the added option of the serrated closing wheel.

ProSeries Openers are in base equipment on all N500 and N500F Separate Fertilizer Placement (SFP), N500C, 1990 Central Commodity System (CCSâ„¢), and 1590 Air Drills.

The ProSeries Openers:

• Work not only in no-till conditions, but also in minimum or reduced-till conditions
• Provide 51 mm (2 in.) of free travel in the opener before spring down pressure takes over
  • Benefit: allows the opener to move over uneven ground conditions and minimize the chance of the gauge wheels bulldozing soil in soft or mellow conditions
  • The opener spring travels a maximum of 203-mm (8-in.) up or 150-mm (6-in.) down before the hydraulics react to uneven seedbeds

Separate fertilizer placement offers nutrient placement at a 5 or 7-degree angle

The 5-degree fertilizer opener:

• Is required for liquid and anhydrous (NH3) fertilizers
• Will also apply dry fertilizer  
• Opens a smaller trench than the 7-degree opener
• Is better able to capture anhydrous and liquid fertilizer and seal fertilizers in the soil

Fertilizer tubes

There are four choices of interchangeable fertilizer tubes:

• Dry fertilizer tube to be used with 32-mm (1-1/4-in.) secondary fertilizer hose from the 1910 Cart
• Liquid fertilizer tube (for 13-mm [1/2-in.] i.d. hose)
  • IMPORTANT: Using this tube for anhydrous may cause loss of retention.
• Dual fertilizer delivery tube – allows for placement of dry or anhydrous. If applying both simultaneously, the operator may need to provide a relief system to relieve air from dry tube for adequate anhydrous retention. Without air relief, the operator will need to adjust air plenum to restrict all airflow to SFP dry tubes when anhydrous is being applied
• Anhydrous tube (for 10-mm [3/8-in.] i.d. hose)
  • Liquid or NH3 fertilizer metering/delivery system is not provided by the John Deere Seeding Group.

Key features of the SFP opener are:

• 457.2-mm (18-in.) opener blades operate at 5 degrees, resulting in a narrow trench with less soil disturbance
• Fertilizer tubes are interchangeable among dry, liquid, or anhydrous (NH3)
• Closing wheel assembly is closer to the fertilizer delivery tube; provides increased fertilizer retention
• Serrated closing wheels are base equipment on anhydrous openers and optional on liquid and dry openers
  • NOTE: Closing wheels are recommended when dry soil conditions are common.
• Extended-wear (chrome alloy) fertilizer boots are standard equipment
• Choice of five different gauge wheels
• Depth adjustments in 6-mm (1/4-in.) increments from 13 mm to 89 mm (1/2 in. to 3.5 in.) deep

Opener furrow-closing wheel

The 25-mm x 305-mm (1-in. x 12-in.) cast closing wheel follows the press wheel to close the furrow, placing soil over seed or fertilizer after the press wheel secures the seed in the furrow.

• A double-row ball bearing to reduce wear is located in the arm of the closing wheel
• Mounted parallel to the furrow opener, the closing wheel can be adjusted laterally to allow running on top of the furrow for sandy or mellow soils or to side of the furrow for heavier soils
• Down pressure is adjustable from 11.8 kg to 19.5 kg (26 lb to 43 lb) (no tools and three adjustments)
• A grease fitting in the pivot arm provides free movement for the arm

SFP upgrade kit

SFP scrapers can bolt a sealing wing to the bottom of the improved anhydrous (NH3) retention by reducing outgassing. It is made of steel and has carbide titles brazed to the edges for long life.

• Parts: AA102150 and AA102151

The SFP opener closing arm spring will better hold the notched retention position. When selecting options for anhydrous fertilizer delivery, the SFP opener has a carbide sealing wing. The sealing wing agitates the trench sidewall and helps seal the top of the furrow with soil. This helps facilitate the binding of anhydrous ammonia to the soil, which reduces outgassing, keeps more fertilizer in the ground, and provides a boost to young plants. 

Upgrade your current 90 Series Opener to the ProSeries Openers by ordering a Precision Upgrade. Information on the ProSeries Opener can be found here.

Two offerings are available for seed openers, a two-row (AA98693) and eight-row (AA97392) upgrade. The breakdowns are as follows:

AA98693

AA97392

ProSeries retrofit calculator

NOTE: Upgrades are subject to change.

Why cover crops?

With proper management and the right selection of cover crops, you can slow soil erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, suppress weeds, control pests and diseases, increase biodiversity, and reap numerous other benefits for your farm’s health and profitability. Cover crops act as a protective shield for the soil, reducing the impact of heavy rains and wind, which in turn minimizes topsoil loss. They improve soil structure by adding organic matter and fostering beneficial soil microorganisms, which enhances nutrient cycling and retention.

Additionally, cover crops can break up compacted soil layers, improving root penetration and water infiltration. By suppressing weeds, they reduce the need for chemical herbicides, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Cover crops also provide beneficial habitat for insects and pollinators, boosting on-farm biodiversity. Furthermore, they can help in sequestering carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Overall, integrating cover crops into your farming system can lead to more resilient and productive agricultural landscapes, ultimately enhancing long-term profitability.

What tool works best for you?

The N500C model machines provide extensive crop compatibility, making them an excellent choice for customers looking to seed multiple crops and crop blends using a single tool. These machines can be customized with two unique rollers in multiple sizes to meet the specific needs of each operation. Refer to the crop compatibility link by roller below. Additionally, the N500C is capable of seeding in various soil conditions and residue types. Featuring the Pro-Series No-Till opener, it is designed to handle a wide range of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.

N500C crop compatibility

N500C model

Box Drills are an excellent choice for seeding cover crops, offering simplicity and high placement accuracy. Equipped with the Pro-Series No-Till opener, the 1590 Box Drill can handle a variety of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. The 455 and BD11 Series Box Drills, featuring a double disk opener, are ideal for tilled seed beds. They also provide wider widths and a range of spacing options. For more information, see the Sales Manual link below.

Box Drills

Already have an Air Seeder?

Any John Deere air cart compatible tools are excellent options for seeding cover crops. Air carts come with multiple tanks, enabling you to combine or blend your cover crop mixes effectively. With a wide range of meter roller options, air carts can be easily tailored to meet your specific cover crop needs and paired with the most suitable tool for the job. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.

Air Seeding

Air cart roller information