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!

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

ActiveCal™ display

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

ActiveCal display

SectionCommand™ controls seed and fertilizer output

• Controls seed and fertilizer output by closing and opening gates on the meters
• Minimize skips and overlaps leading to reduced inputs

Example of seeded field with SectionCommand

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

ActiveCal initiated on a C650 Air Cart

ActiveCal initiated on an N500C

The more frequently calibration is completed, the more accurate a seeder will be. A number of variables, including product weight and changing climate conditions throughout the day, will have an effect on any volumetric metering system; with the John Deere ActiveCal system, calibration can be done from the cab of the tractor, while seeding, to minimize the variation in product metering.

The process to calibrate the implement starts with the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter™ Display in the work setup page, where the operator defines product types, rates and selects meter rollers. Based on information entered into the work setup page, a preconfigured meter displacement value (MDV) will populate per meter. An initial manual calibration will give the most accurate MDV to start with. However, the preconfigured MDV will be a good starting point for growers who do not wish to manually calibrate.

The operator engages ActiveCal while stationary by selecting the button on the screen and then begins seeding. When enough product has been metered out, typically after about 3.2 to 4.9 ha (8 to 12 acres), the Gen 4 CommandCenter will prompt the operator to stop when convenient to do so. At that time, the data points are calculated and a new MDV with percent difference is displayed on screen. The operator can accept or reject the new MDV. If accepted, the system automatically calibrates to the new MDV. If rejected, the system continues at the previously calibrated numbers.

Tank scales provide tank weights to ActiveCal system

Main menu on the C650 Air Cart side display

The durable display on the side of the cart will make filling and calibration easier than before. Selecting the menu button on the far left will take the grower to the main menu where they can select:

• Tank: shows product weight and tank fill level
• Meter calibration: preform a bag calibration without going back and forth to the cab to make inputs on the Gen 4 CommandCenter™ display
• Info: shows display and software information
• Tank pressure: shows the differential pressure between the tank and the meter for each individual tank
• Monitor settings: allows the customer to adjust the brightness of the display

Tank screen

Tank weights and bin level will be shown on the first screen when the display is powered on. Navigating from one tank weight to another will be done by pressing the left and right arrow buttons.

Meter calibration screen

Meter calibration can be done cart side. To select the tank or tanks that need to be calibrated, press the display button that matches the icon below the respective tank on the screen.

Tank pressure screen

The digital screen replaces the mechanical tank pressure gauges on previous carts.

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.

Blockage monitoring screen on Gen 4 display

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 Setup screen on Gen 4 display

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.

Blockage monitoring screen on Gen 4 display

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.

RelativeFlow Blockage configured run page

The SeedStar™ 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).

Operators can zoom into flow details by meter section when selecting blockage tiles

Operators can zoom into the row level to access row/sensor information and turn a sensor on/off independently

Blockage sensitivities and alarm delays are all set up on one easy-to-navigate screen

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.

SectionCommand is an effective, integrated, exclusive John Deere solution that reduces costly overlaps and skips that can waste seed and fertilizer, while offering more consistent fields that improve the potential of your yield and your bottom line.

Thanks to individual meter sections that control commodity flow, you can maintain the right application rates and row-to-row accuracy. This helps stimulate even crop emergence during the growing season and promotes consistent crop maturity at harvest. SectionCommand controls output from all meters on the cart up to eight sections.

Owner benefits include:

• Improved consistency of crop maturity at harvest
• Improved consistency during emergence and growing season
• Reduced seed input cost
• Reduced fertilizer input cost
• Increased time between fills due to input savings

SectionCommand is base equipment with optional deduct on all John Deere 1910 and C-Series Air Carts. Each tank and meter will receive SectionCommand components. A two-tank cart will control sections out of both tanks, a three-tank cart will control sections out of all three tanks, and the C-Series Air Carts will control sections out of all four tanks. SectionCommand is also available as an attachment for field conversion (AFC) for all 1910 hydraulic drive carts. See AFC kit story for more information.

SectionCommand controls seed and fertilizer output by closing and opening gates on the bottom side of the meter. When the gates are open, commodity is metered out, and when closed, commodity stays and continues to rotate within the meter. The meter stays full at all times so immediately when the gate opens, the commodity can flow into the primaries and out to the tool. Since each meter section has its own gate, application rates and row-to-row accuracy are not compromised. The gates are utilized to control commodity output on all sections. Once the last gate needs closed, the entire meter will stop turning, stopping product flow.

Seeded fields photo

When commanded, electric over-hydraulic solenoids engage actuators to instantaneously close the gate for the needed section. The actuators are powered via hydraulics from the same circuit as the hydraulic drive motors. When power is cut, oil is diverted to retract the actuators and open the gates. The retraction is both powered and spring assisted, so it will always default to the seeding position. The oil from SectionCommand drains back through the fan motor case drain line and is coupled with an accumulator on the valve block to provide extra drainage capacity.

SectionCommand components as seen on back side of meter

SectionCommand components as seen on front side of meter

SectionCommand incorporates gate detection, which gives producers the satisfaction of knowing the gates are in position as commanded. Magnets on the back side of the gates are used in close proximity to the gate detection sensors to determine if the gates are open or closed. Should a gate not be in the commanded position, an alarm will alert the operator of the gate(s) in question. The blockage warning system works in conjunction with SectionCommand to give further confidence whether a given section is seeding or not when commanded.

SectionCommand meter cartridge showing one gate closed and magnet on backside of gate

Gate detection sensor

For maximum performance, SectionCommand should be controlled through John Deere Section Control. Coupling SectionCommand with John Deere Section Control provides the ultimate in precision seeding and productivity. If a Section Control activation is held by the producer, that same activation can be utilized for SectionCommand.

SectionCommand introduces the orange roller, which has the same number of flutes and spacing as the blue roller, but shorter flutes. It is for use only with SectionCommand when seeding seeds larger than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter (soybeans, chick peas, etc.). The orange roller is not for use with cereal grains or fertilizer.

Orange roller for use only with large seeds and SectionCommand

SectionCommand equalizer

Due to the varying lengths of product delivery hose used across the drill, SectionCommand has a built-in equalizer feature to ensure consistent product delivery across the width of the drill when entering and exiting headlands. The software allows the producer to set the on/off product delivery times separately for the outermost opener and the innermost opener on the drill. Product delivery times are inputted for each tank on the cart, and the software creates a time delay for actuation of the gates.

Please see the Using SectionCommand video for more information.

Enabling SectionCommand equalizer

Input on/off times for outer opener versus inner opener on each tank

A meter cartridge at each tank effectively meters seed or fertilizer into the primary manifold. Air carries the material to the secondary distributor for delivery to the openers on the seeding tool.

Meters are contained in a cartridge for convenient removal and are color coded for easy identification.

Metering system

A manual half-width disconnect is incorporated into the meter system:

• Allows one-half of the metering system to be manually shut off for irregular shaped headlands, point rows, etc. on mechanical drive carts.
• Allows the meter cartridge to be removed with material still in the tank(s).
• Allows tanks to be emptied with meter and primary manifold in place.

Electric actuator on C-Series Air Carts

On the C-Series Air Carts, an electric actuator controls product flow from the tank to the meter housing:

• Allows complete shut off of product flow with little effort
• Allows the meter cartridge to be removed with material still in the tank(s)
• Allows tanks to be emptied with meter and primary manifold in place

Unloading product from tanks

The C650 Air Carts come standard with the wireless-controlled hydraulic conveyance system with a low-profile hopper. Maneuvering the conveyor can be done from the wireless conveyor remote or the remote tethered to the cart. With five pivot points on the arm, all tanks can be filled from one spot. The pivot points also allow the conveyor to be easily positioned and moved when filling from a seed tender.

This conveyor moves up to 3524 L (100 bu) of product in a minute with a 48.26-cm (19-in.) belt inside the 30.5-cm (12-in.) tube. By moving the hopper under meter, the conveyor can be used for clean out on each tank as well.

Remote to operate conveyor

Conveyer shut off switch

The shut-off switches on the conveyor are located at the bottom of the tube, above the hopper and at the top of the conveyor near the spout. Filling at night is easy with the light-emitting diode (LED) 900-lumen lights on the cart and conveyor conveniently placed to illuminate each meter, the stairway and platform.

Dual rear tires on the C650

Single front tire on the C650

The tow-behind C650 Air Cart comes equipped with rear dual 800/70R38 SFT tires and front single 900/75R32 CFO tires. The tow-between C650 comes equipped with rear dual IF850/75R42 CFO tires. These are high-floatation, low-compaction solutions. The  tires run at an inflation pressure of 131 kPa (19 psi). Super flexion tire (SFT) technology means that the sidewalls on the tire are developed with additional reinforcement and superior rubber compounds, which enables the tires to run at a very low pressure while under higher loads without damaging the sidewalls. By running at lower pressure, the tire can flex its sidewalls and squat, allowing for a much wider footprint and improving floatation.

To see how the tire pressures on the C-Series Air Carts compare to the 1910 Commodity Carts, please reference the tire pressure guide.

Wheel measurements in mm