Electronic population rate control

With seed prices on the rise, producers want the ability to monitor and control seed populations on the go.

Electronic population rate control (EPRC), in base equipment on the 1590 Drill, allows producers to adjust the population rate right from the convenience of their tractor cab.

The system:

• Features an in-cab rocker switch to adjust the electric motor that controls the population rate 
• Is manually adjusted – the operator must hold down the adjustment switch until the desired rate is met
• Can be overridden by pushing back on the motor to allow the producer to make a manual adjustment to the rate if needed

NOTE: To give producers the ability to monitor the population rate on the go, it is highly recommended they equip the unit with a ComputerTrak™ monitor or SeedStar™ population monitoring.

NOTE: One system is used with 3.05-m (10-ft) and 4.6-m (15-ft) drills. The 6.1-m (20-ft) models require two systems.

Seedbox

Seedboxes have large capacity for longer intervals between stops for refilling.

Plain grain or combination grain/fertilizer seedboxes are available to match the producer's needs and crops.

The versatile grain/fertilizer box with 19-mm (7.5-in.) row spacing can be set for 100 percent grain or 60 percent grain/40 percent fertilizer.

The bulkheads in the seedbox reduce material shifting in the box for increased seeding efficiency.

The sight glass located near the end of the box on combination grain fertilizer drills allows the operator to view seed level at a glance.

Capacities with grass seed attachment

Seed tube

A long, internally smooth seed tube with a molded elbow is supported at the seed tube support. From there, it is connected to a short, convoluted seed tube, allowing product to flow smoothly to the openers and still flex.

The tube flexes to avoid crimping for consistent seed flow. It is made of non-corrosive nylon material for long life. Long tubes are 55.4 cm (21.8 in.) and short tubes are 10.8 cm (4.25 in.).

Elbow at meters to angle the seed tube directly to the openers.

The smooth inside diameter provides smooth seed flow from the meters to the furrow openers.

Seed tube with Y-adapter

The combination grain/fertilizer drill with 19-cm (7.5-in.) row spacing features a convoluted tube directing fertilizer from the discharge hole to the top of the steel seed tube at the seed boot. From there, a special Y-adapter lets seed and fertilizer mix before going into the furrow.

Seed placement with ProSeries™ Opener

1590 Series down pressure

ProSeries single-disk no-till openers are included in base equipment. The single-disk openers are mounted on one rank on the 38.1-cm (15-in.) row spacing single rank units and on two ranks on the 19-cm (7.5-in.) and 25.4-cm (10-in.) row-spacing units. The single-disk openers provide consistent and accurate seed placement.

The single-disk openers are gang mounted and are hydraulically raised and lowered. The hydraulics also work to provide a wide range of downforce settings for the openers.

The active hydraulics work in conjunction with the opener spring to provide an adjustable range of 74.8 kg to 181.4 kg (165 lb to 400 lb) of down pressure per opener to penetrate hard soils and heavy residue. 

The down pressure is easily adjusted with the pressure valve located on the front of the mainframe, giving the operator the ability to quickly adjust, or dial in, the down pressure as operating conditions change.

For additional ballast in hard-to-penetrate conditions, tractor suitcase weights may also be added to obtain maximum down pressure per opener. 

The no-till openers work not only in no-till conditions, but also in clean-till conditions. There are 5.1 cm (2 in.) of free travel in the opener before spring down pressure takes over, allowing the opener to move over individual rocks and minimizing the chance of the gauge wheels bulldozing soil in soft or mellow conditions.

Secondly, the opener spring will then travel a maximum of 20.3 cm (8 in.) up or 15.2 cm (6 in.) down before the hydraulics react to uneven seedbeds.

Lastly, the cylinders will allow the openers to travel up or down an additional 40.6 cm (16 in.) with active hydraulic down pressure to follow the ground. The hydraulics will give the openers additional pressure when needed or allow the openers to go into relief if the pressure becomes too high. 

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?

N500C No-Till Air Drill

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

1590 No-Till Box Drills

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?

C-Series Air Cart tendering

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

Capacities Plain Grain 10

3.5 bu./ft.

Meters Type 10

Fluted-feed