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.

Total seeding solution

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 Center™ 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.

John Deere tractor paired with John Deere tool and cart

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 AccuRate™ 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 SectionCommand™ Pro
  • Accurately meter the correct amount of product on a curve with curve compensation

AccuRate™ meters showing eight individual sections

Calibrate faster and easier than ever before with EZCal™

• 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

G5e Cart Side Display

EZCal™ system

ActiveCal™ display Calibrate more frequently from the seat of the cab with ActiveCal™

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

ActiveCal™ display

Save input cost with SectionCommand™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

Example of seeded field with SectionCommand™ Pro

On the go, quick adjust downforce with TruSet™ from the cab

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

TruSet downforce display

Monitor blockage row by row from the cab with RelativeFlow™

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

RelativeFlow blockage sensors

AutoTrac™ 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)

AutoTrac Turn Automation display

John Deere Operation Center™

• 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

John Deere Operation Center web and mobile

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

Operation Center Mobile

Connected Support

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

Connected 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

John Deere color-coded hydraulic hose handles

Color-coded hoses plugging into tractor SCV

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

Seed depth uniformity

Diagonal frame flexibility keeps openers engaged

Producers are more attuned to the importance of seed depth than ever before. A uniform-looking field is not the only goal; yield is too. Proven yield penalties across the world range from 5 percent to 25 percent, depending on depth variance.

The H500 and H500F feature diagonal mainframes and wing flexing – helping openers maintain their depth over uneven terrain.

Side-to-side flexibility demonstrated by H500

The life requirement of these robust machines is four times longer than previous models. That is why the John Deere seeding group has built even more durability into the H500 and H500F Air Hoe Drills. 

An advanced and rigorous testing program has proven the machine durability to the extent that John Deere now offers a three-year frame warranty with each H500 and H500F that rolls out of the factory.

Robust ball joints

Cast rank tube connectors

Robust ball joints connect strong fore-aft tubes to 100-mm x 100-mm (4-in. x 4-in.) rank tubes, which are joined to one another by pivoting rank connectors. Both the mainframe and wing sections share this durable construction that enables the frame to flex diagonally, relieving stress on solid frame members and avoiding frame failures.

Seed smart with confidence that the H500 and H500F will endure the field conditions.

Setting depth is one of the most critical adjustments an operator will make to a seeding tool. John Deere understands every operator needs dependable, repeatable depth control that is easily adjustable. That is why John Deere provides a choice of two depth control options on the H500 and H500F.

Mechanical depth shims are repeatable and reliable

Adjusting mechanical depth shims

Often-heard are comments from producers who say they prefer the positive mechanical depth control offered by the 1820. This popular concept is base equipment on the H500 and H550 air hoe drills. 

Two indexed depth shim packs on the mainframe are not only easy to set, but reduce the number of adjustment sites over previous designs by up to 60 percent.

Less time adjusting means more time seeding.

TouchSet™ depth control

Changing field conditions such as moisture levels and soil types can make setting depth a challenge.  TouchSet depth control makes adjusting depth in response to changing field conditions easy and profitable. On 8R and 9R Series tractors, the operator uses selective control valve (SCV) #1 and the SCV TouchSet control panel to perform all the depth control functions from the seat. Considering yield penalties of 5 percent due to seeding 2.5 cm (1 in.) too deep or too shallow, the convenience of in-cab adjustment pays nicely.

NOTE: Repeatability is +/- 6 mm (0.25 in.) to preset depth. If your seeding operation requires accuracy greater than +/- 6 mm (0.25 in.), the use of shim packs is recommended.

Control arm

CommandCenter™

How does it work? The operator uses the TouchSet (SCV setup panel) to set or change the operator depth.

• With the implement nine-pin connector connected to the tractor, start the tractor; a P will appear in the window of the control panel under SCV #1.
• The remote sensor located on the rockshaft monitors position of the implement.
• After operating depth is measured at the ground engaging tool and the desired depth obtained, press the lower set button on the control panel. That depth is now set.
• On-the-go depth changes can be made by touching the set button to select a new depth.
• Implement raise height selection uses the upper set button on the control panel to preset the distance the implement is raised above the operating depth.

Preset the raise height to:

• Take out wheel tracks on headlands
• Limit raise height for waterway crossings
• Manual depth override capacity

Remote position sensor

Electrical connector

A remote position sensor (1) is located at the rear of the drill; electronically monitors the positions of the implement.

An electrical connector is used for easy hookup of TouchSet depth control sensor on the implement to the tractor system (8R Tractor illustrated).

NOTES:

1. For use with all 8R and 9R (or older models) Series John Deere tractors.
2. TouchSet depth control requires additional tractor parts for hookup; see appropriate tractor section in the Sales Manual.

TruPosition 250-kg (550-lb) trip force

250-kg (550-lb) trip-force TruPosition standard

Unmoved

That is how John Deere's TruPosition standard may be described. When the seed depth consistency and row spacing integrity are top concerns, this low-maintenance design will not compromise.

This can translate to a more than 5 percent yield increase by maintaining seed depth in tough ground conditions. The no-bolt design means avoiding maintenance costs and damaging downtime down the road.

It has a 51-degree shank.

Harrow

Seed depth consistency is a function of initial seed placement below the soil surface and displacement of soil over the seed row. When soil throw from the openers is great enough to cover up neighboring seed rows, a harrow is recommended to level the seedbed and equalize displaced soil over all seed rows prior to packing.

H500 with sweeps, harrow, and 14-cm (5.5-in.) packers

Equipping an H500 with the optional two-bar harrow helps level the seedbed before packing, ensuring an even distribution of soil over all seed rows. Adjustments include both vertical and tine-pitch, allowing the operator to set the harrow for the level of aggressiveness needed to level the seedbed.

NOTE: Not recommended for seeding into surface residue levels exceeding 35 percent.

NOTE: Harrow is not compatible with H500F.

H500 on 25.4-cm (10-in.) spacing, 30.5-cm (12-in.) sweep, harrow

1. Disturbed soil packed over seed row with 14-cm (5.5-in.) semi-pneumatic packer.
2. 25.4 cm (10 in.)
3. Tilled soil
4. Seed-placed phosphorus
5. Seed-placed nitrogen
6. Seed
7. 17.8 cm (7 in.)
8. Seed floor created by sweep

The seeding profile behind an H500 equipped with a harrow and sweeps will look similar to the image on the left. A flat seed floor with seed distributed over 50 percent of the row spacing for 25.4-cm (10-in.) configurations using the Perma-Loc™ boot and sweep.

Knife bodies and points

Knife body

Knife body with 10.2 cm (4 in.) point

Many producers enjoy the moisture-saving benefits of low-disturbance seeding. To make it easier for them to reap the rewards of low-disturbance seeding, factory-installed knife bodies are available for H500 and H500F Drills.

The knife bodies are available in 2.5 cm (1 in.) or 10.2 cm (4 in.) spread points. 

Use the 2.5-cm (1-in.) point for low disturbance or, if a wider spread pattern is desired to increase seedbed utilization, use the 10.2-cm (4-in.) point. The points can be quickly changed with a single roll-pin fastening system and feature carbide tips to ensure long life. 

The knife bodies also feature a positive hose retention system with provisions for a hose clamp to hold the hose in place.

These knife bodies may not perform as designed in wet, sticky soil conditions.

NOTE: Points and roll pins are not included. Points and roll pins are available through Service Parts.

Perma-Loc™ spoons and sweeps

Perma-Loc spoons and sweeps from John Deere offer reduced maintenance because the Perma-Loc design enables a change-out up to five times faster than traditional bolt-on components.

They also offer cost savings because with Perma-Loc spoons and sweeps, there is no more purchasing hardware each time spoons are changed out. This can save $309 USD list price when changing out the spoons on a 18.3-m (60-ft) tool with 19-cm (7.5-in.) spacing. 

Save time and money and seed smart with John Deere Perma-Loc spoons or sweeps.

10.2-cm (4-in.) Perma-Loc spoon

10.2-cm (4-in.) Perma-Loc spoon

Shown is the 10.2-cm (4-in.) Perma-Loc spoon; 7.6-cm (3-in.) spoons are also available. 

Spoons are not included in base price and must be ordered separately. 

Below is the seedbed profile that can be expected if using a 10.2-cm (4-in.) spoon in conventional tillage with the H500F Separate Fertilizer Placement (SFP). 

10.2-cm (4-in.) Perma-Loc spoon

1. Tilled soil
2. Disturbed soil packed over seed row
3. 25.4 cm (10 in.)
4. Separate fertilizer placement nitrogen
5. 10.2 cm (4 in.)
6. 50.8 cm (20 in.)
7. Seed
8. Seed-placed phosphorus

30.5-cm (12-in.) Perma-Loc sweep and boot

Seedbed profile - H500 and 30.5-cm (12-in.) Perma-Loc sweeps

1. Disturbed soil packed over seed row with 14-cm (5.5-in.) semi-pneumatic packer
2. 25.4 cm (10 in.)
3. Tilled soil
4. Seed-placed phosphorus
5. Seed-placed nitrogen
6. Seed
7. 17.8 cm (7 in.)
8. Seed floor created by sweep

Perma-Loc removal tool

Perma-Loc removal tool

This handy Perma-Loc removal tool should be ordered for each drill ordered with Perma-Loc components.

Fertilizer inputs can represent 30 percent to 35 percent of the cost in small grain and oil seed production. It is no wonder farmers are concerned about nitrogen losses from gas escape, volatilization and leaching.

One opener combines four key processes to minimize nutrient losses through precise nutrient placement at seeding. John Deere’s SFP disc opener features:

• Active hydraulic downforce
• Depth gauging at the opener
• Ultra-low soil and residue disturbance
• Positive closing system

All of these lock in dry, liquid, or gas forms of nitrogen.

There is no more worrying about pre-season nitrogen loss due to denitrification and leaching. Operators can forget about volatilization of top-dress applications, and maybe most notably, endure a day of seeding without the burning nasal passages that accompany poor anhydrous ammonia retention.

SFP opener with 5-degree angle

SFP opener

Key features of the opener include:

• Depth gauging at the opener with 11.4-cm (4.5-in.) or 7.6-cm (3-in.) semi-pneumatic gauge wheels
• Depth adjustments are in 6 mm (1/4 in.) increments from 1.3-cm (1/2-in.) to 9-cm (3-1/2-in.) deep
• 5-degree operating angle creates a narrow trench and minimizes soil disturbance
• Close-coupled closing wheel assembly for quick trench closure and maximum fertilizer retention
  • NOTE: Closing wheels are base equipment on anhydrous openers and optional on liquid and dry openers. Closing wheels are recommended.
• Extended-wear (chrome alloy) fertilizer boots
• Sealed, non-greaseable bearings

Fertilizer tubes

There are four choices of interchangeable fertilizer tubes:

1. Dry fertilizer tube to be used with 32-mm (1-1/4-in.) secondary fertilizer hose from the 1910 Commodity Cart
2. Liquid fertilizer tube (for 13-mm [1/2-in.] ID hose) – using this tube for anhydrous may cause loss of retention*
3. 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.*
4. Anhydrous tube (for 10-mm [3/8-in.] ID hose)*

* NOTE: Liquid or NH3 Fertilizer metering/delivery system is not provided by the John Deere seeding group.

Opener gauge wheel

11.4-cm x 40.6-cm (4.5-in. x 16-in.) semi-pneumatic wheel gauges depth

• Standard smooth plastic hub for minimal soil disturbance in mellow soils
• Depth can be controlled from 0.6 x 9 cm (1/4 to 3-1/2 in.) in 6-mm (1/4-in.) increments (13 total adjustments)
• Runs on sealed, double row tapered ball bearings

7.6-cm x 40.6-cm (3-in. x 16-in.) gauge wheel (optional)

• Less stubble or residue disturbance
• Depth can be controlled from 0.6 to 9 cm (1/4 to 3-1/2 in.) in 6-mm (1/4-in.) increments (13 total adjustments)

Opener furrow closing wheel

2.5-cm x 30.5-cm (1-in. x 12-in.) cast closing wheel follows the press wheel to close furrow, placing soil over seed or fertilizer after the press wheel secures seed in 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 furrow for sandy or mellow soils or to side of furrow for heavier soils
• Down pressure is adjustable from 12 kg to 19.5 kg (26 lb to 43 lb) (no tools and three adjustments).

NOTE: Closing wheel is optional on fertilizer openers.

Serrated closing wheel

Serrated closing wheel

The serrated closing wheel offers an improved closing system when seeding in harder, dryer conditions. The notches on the wheel break up the dryer conditions while offering an improved sealing that will directly promote better germination which supports and increases flowering and even / fuller canopy overall. By sealing off the trench, there is less outgassing of anhydrous, offering a safer environment for the producer. By less outgassing, there is a higher opportunity for increased yields stemming from better germination

SFP Openers

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.