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
• 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.

Seed depth adjustment

When seeding small grains and oil seeds, consistent seed and fertilizer depth control are critical for even emergence. By using two independent hydraulic accumulator force systems, the John Deere opener allows the seed and fertilizer opener trip forces to be set independent of each other.

The use of independent hydraulic accumulator technology, combined with the separate packer wheel force, allows seed-depth gauging to be done on each individual row by the press wheel.

The breakout force for the fertilizer shank is set by adjusting the large accumulator pressure. The press wheel and seed opener down force are set by adjusting pressure on the smaller accumulator. Trip force for the seed opener is set by adjusting a spring shock attached to the seed opener.

Hydraulic controls to adjust trip force and packing pressure on 12.2-m (40-ft) and 17-m (56-ft) models - the 23.2-m (76-ft) P576 will have TruSet™ technology for depth control

Seeding with the P500 gives uncompromised control for seeding operation. Producers are able to maintain safe seed and fertilizer separation with depth placement up to 15.2 cm (6 in.) for the fertilizer.

Setting the fertilizer and seed depth is a very simple process. Fertilizer depth across the machine is set by the frame. Adjusting the seed tube up or down on each individual row-unit sets the preferred seed depth. The tube is positively locked tight by the freshly designed cam system.

Rear cart duals are recommended to help reduce deflection on the front hitch of the tool with a tow-between cart. Adding air pressure, without exceeding maximum psi, will also assist with reducing deflection.

For the 23.2-m (76-ft) P576 TruSet technology will control depth and pressure. Read more about TruSet here.

Whether using dry, liquid, or anhydrous ammonia, the John Deere P500 opener has the options that fit the application needs.

Anhydrous high top tip (left) versus aqua anhydrous tip (right)

This picture shows the difference between the anhydrous high top and aqua anhydrous tips pictured in the chart above. On the left, the anhydrous high top has a thicker tube wall (1.3-cm [0.5-in.] outer diameter) than the aqua anhydrous tip, though the inner diameter of both tips are equal. The NH3 knives may also be used in combination with the included dry-delivery tube for those wanting to apply NH3 and dry fertilizers simultaneously in the same fertilizer trench.

Additional information for code 1235: the mud-proof combination of dry-fertilizer tube and tip, code 1235, is available for those applying dry fertilizers only. This is recommended for running in sticky, heavy clay-type soils. However, it works well in all soil types to prevent mud from plugging the fertilizer tube opening. This opener is included as base equipment.

If seeding with dry fertilizer only, this option is highly recommended. The fertilizer exits the tube at a lower point, allowing growers desiring to place fertilizer at shallower depths more consistently.

The lower fertilizer exit point also allows the fertilizer to get to the bottom of the trench when more fertilizer and seed separation is desired, and for those light soils that tend to cave in the trench before the fertilizer is placed.

P500 fertilizer shanks engaged in the ground

Fertilizer tubes
1.) AA69266 (1250) - Dry fertilizer
2.) AA69271 (1220/50/55) - Dry fertilizer with NH3 or liquid
3.) AA69272 (1215) - Liquid tube

Downforce control from the cab

TruSet downforce control enables operators to conveniently set values for the seed and fertilizer ranks independently from the cab. This feature enables them to meet optimal downforce pressure while in varying soil conditions. TruSet downforce control improves seed placement accuracy in varying field conditions, leading to improved emergence and plant maturity.

TruSet screen on GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display

Exclusive TruSet depth and pressure control has taken adjustability on the 23.2-m (76-ft) P576 to a whole new level. Rather than using manual valve handles, pressure control dials on the monitor let operators make incremental adjustments to trip force and packing pressure conveniently from inside the tractor cab. This also saves time and makes it easier to adapt to changing field conditions.

Controls on the GreenStar 3 2630 Display also allow operators to predetermine a targeted seeding and fertilizer depth. Changes to target maximum and minimum working depth can be made easily on the same run screen. A flick adjustment feature will move openers up or down in short increments if desired. There is no longer a need to get out of the cab to add or remove shims and spacers for depth changes. Plus, TruSet makes side-to-side frame leveling easier. It adjusts at the press of a button on the GreenStar 3 2630 Display.

There is a rotary position sensor under the TruSet plate. In the lower right-hand corner is the valve that regulates the flow of oil to and from the cylinder. There is a sensor associated with each wheel module – or six per machine.

Competitive tractors require an add-on selective control valve (SCV) kit for TruSet to function properly.

Paired row vs. side banded

Paired row soil profile

The P500 has two cast seed boots available. Depending on a grower’s seed and fertilizer placement preference in different soils or different crops, the P500 can meet the user’s needs. The cast opener was designed with simplicity in mind. One tube is all that is necessary. Switching from single to paired row has never been easier; simply remove the two bolts holding the cast opener in place, remove the opener, and replace with the new opener.

Paired row

With shanks on 30.5-cm (12-in.) spacing, paired rows can be planted with 22.9-cm (9-in.) spacing. Seed is banded in two rows above and to the sides of the furrow. Total tillage in this zone is 7.6-cm (3-in.) wide with about 25 percent seedbed utilization (SBU).

Seed is laid on a 2-cm (0.75-in.) shelf while fertilizer is placed in a 2.5-cm (1-in.) band between and below the two seed rows.

With paired row placement, the crop is able to access the fertilizer when it needs it. The separation is enough to safely keep the seed from burning. The P500 provides a well-prepared seedbed for quick emergence and quicker canopy, which will help eliminate weeds. If the operator is looking to swath wider rows, support the heavy green crop. 

Paired row opener - rear shot

Single row/side banded soil profile

Side banded

If the seeding operation calls for side banding, the P500 is the needed tool. The side-banding seed tube places the seed on a firm bed of soil above and to the side of fertilizer as required. There are 30.5-cm (12-in.) rows across the machine with positive separation between seed and fertilizer up to 11.4 cm (4.5 in.). As the seed germinates and begins to emerge, its roots will be 7.6-cm to 10.2-cm (3-in. to 4-in.) deep and into the nutrient zone.

John Deere recognizes not all seeding conditions are identical and, with the P500, offers solutions to meet seed and fertilizer placement needs.

Single row/side banded

Single row/side banded - rear shot

Single row seed boot in-line

Paired row seed boot in-line

High-flotation package for P576

Large front mainframe tires

For small-grain producers who want to increase flotation and reduce compaction, high-floatation tires are in base beginning with the model year 2020 23.2-m (76-ft) P576 Precision Hoe Drill.

Benefits

The high-flotation tires on  the 23.2-m (76-ft) P576 Precision Hoe Drill provides producers with excellent performance, a boost in uptime, and reduced cost of operation. The high-flotation package consists of two main components: larger front mainframe tires and an in- frame lift assist system. This complete package results in:

• 91.7 percent increase in flat plate area for front wheels
• 60 percent improvement in stuck factor for wheels
• Reduction in tire inflation pressures
• Reduction in ground pressures
• Ability to get in the field sooner if desired