With the RelativeFlow blockage system, growers can see the flow rate of both seed and fertilizer from inside the tractor cab when seeding with the 15.2-m (50-ft) and 18.3-m (60-ft) 1890 and the 23-m (76-ft) 1870. Sensors on secondary hoses monitor the relative rate of product flow. An easy-to-read display clearly visualizes relative product flow – across the drill, from opener to opener. This exclusive technology gives a better view of what is happening from the cart to opener – to spot problems before blockage occurs.

Below are the GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display screens for the blockage monitoring system. For complete details and information, see the owner’s manual.

Blockage monitoring main screen

The RelativeFlow 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 set-up screen

Blockage warning sensitivity sets the sensitivity of the sensors. More sensitive equals more likely to show false blockage, less sensitive equals more likely to miss a blockage.

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

Blockage set-up screen

Blockage alarm delays can be set up by clicking on the advanced settings button from the blockage setup 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, please see the owner’s manual.

Paired row vs. side banded

Paired row soil profile

The 1870 has two cast seed boots available. Depending on a grower’s seed and fertilizer placement preference in different soils or different crops, the 1870 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 and replace with 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 1870 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 1870 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 1870, 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

TruSet Screen on GreenStar™ 3 (GS3) 2630 Display

Exclusive TruSet depth and pressure control has taken adjustability on the 23.2-m (76-ft) 1870 to a whole new level. Rather than using manual valve handles, pressure control dials on the monitor let growers 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 GS3 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 GS3 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.

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) 1870 will have TruSet™ technology for depth control

Seeding with the 1870 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) 1870 TruSet technology will control depth and pressure. Read more about TruSet here.

Whether using dry, liquid, or anhydrous ammonia, the John Deere 1870 opener has the options that fit the application needs.

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: 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.

Additional information for part number AA69274: the standard knife is paired up with the 3.2-cm (1.25-in.) dry-delivery tube to provide accurate dry fertilizer placement. If seeding with dry fertilizer only, the mud-proof combination is highly recommend.

1870 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

Implementing moisture conservation farming practices

Hydraulic shanks are the workhorses of the 1870 Air-Seeding tools. They provide consistent depth control for enhanced seed placement, resulting in more even emergence and more uniform crop maturity at harvest. The hydraulic shank seeding tool uses a rigid frame for strength and support. The openers are designed to allow independent downforce for a more uniform depth across the entire width of the frame.

Seed and fertilizer separation are not compromised when seeding with the 1870. The opener design allows for banding fertilizer to 15.2 cm (6 in.) within the seedbed and up to 11.4 cm (4.5 in.) of separation between the seed and fertilizer. The deep fertilizer opener doubles as a tillage tool to shatter the hard pan for improved root development, water infiltration, and seedbed warmth.

John Deere 1870 key agronomic benefits:

• Freshly exposed black soil is now able to attract the sun’s radiation, warming the ground
  • Warmer soil temperature promotes early germination
• Good seed to soil contact
  • Necessary for germination to take place
• Seed row has been cleared of any residue or straw
  • Provides a clear growth path
  • Allows for abundant access to sunlight once the seedling has emerged from the ground.
• Starter nutrients placed next to seed on the shelf, promote early plant growth.
  • As the plant strengthens, roots are sent off through mellow dirt into higher rate fertilizer just below the shelf
• The trench left behind helps in cupping rainfall and preventing water run off
  • Provides more moisture for the plant during dry years