It is very challenging to get the crop planted during the optimum planting window or as close to the optimum planting day as possible. Rate-of-yield loss accelerates greatly after the optimum window has passed. This is especially true in the northern U.S. and Canada. ExactEmerge maintains accurate speed placement at higher speeds; growers can avoid missing that peak planting time, thereby helping to get the highest crop yields. 

Yield loss after optimum planting day

With the BrushBelt trench delivery system, the spacing in the trench does not change from even to uneven terrain. This can be a problem with a traditional seed tubes. Seed bounce and ricochet may occur as slopes increases, ultimately decreasing seed spacing performance.

The design of the BrushBelt provides the best solution for the lowest release of seed to the bottom of the trench. The use of a brush provides the meter with an infinite amount of placement opportunities for each seed. This is what gives producers the confidence that every seed will have the desired spacing that a seed tube cannot provide.

Maintenance-free BrushBelt

When the brush comes around the pulley, it expands allowing the seed to be transferred from the bowl to the brush very easily. The brush then carries the seed down toward the trench, ensuring that there is no movement as it moves down the length of the cartridge.

Once the brush reaches the lower pulley, the BrushBelt expands again loosening the grip on the seed, and the centrifugal force releases the seed. Another advantage with the BrushBelt and cartridge at all speeds up to 10 mph is the ability to match the seed rearward trajectory to the forward ground speed of the planter. This provides a dead drop of the seed with no bounce and no roll at the bottom of the trench.

BrushBelt conditioner engages brush bristles

John Deere’s ExactEmerge cartridge is self-cleaning. When an operator uses seed treatments or is forced to plant in less than ideal soil conditions, the design of the trench delivery system sheds buildup from the BrushBelt. A brush conditioner is located at the bottom of the cartridge to remove remaining residue and prevent the bristles from sticking together.

Brush proximity helps clean sensor

Another advantage over a seed tube is that the BrushBelt also acts as a cleaner to the seed sensor compared to a seed tube.

BrushBelt removed from trench-delivery system

The BrushBelt requires no maintenance and has a wear life designed to match the wear life of the other wear components. Since operations vary, as do soils and field content, it is recommended to replace the BrushBelt at the same time as the double-disk openers.

Changing the belt is easy. One latch removes the meter over the trench delivery system. Grab the cartridge by the grip and pull toward the body, releasing it from the electric motor fitting. Lift the trench delivery system up and remove the sensor wiring harness to completely pull the cartridge out of the row-unit.

There are two plastic covers that snap off to uncover the belt; remove the covers and then twist the circular spring-tensioner dial with the yellow arrow on it to release the tension on the springs. Once tension has been removed, pull the belt out. It is also recommended to change the stainless-steel wear strip at this time as well, which also slides right out of place without the use of tools.

NOTE: It is recommended to use a talc/graphite mixture with ExactEmerge. Best results have been 80 percent talc and 20 percent graphite. For certain regions and territories talc and talc/graphite mixes are restricted from use, in this case use wax-based fluency agent.

Connect Mobile showing a singulation map and monitoring planter performance

Connect Mobile overview

John Deere Connect Mobile is a solution that utilizes an Apple® iPad® in the cab that provides the operator a better understanding of the planter’s performance. Connect Mobile documents and displays the row-by-row performance of the planter, helping the operator monitor and more easily detect problems that can occur while planting.  Connect Mobile also has a common user interface that makes it easy to use between different pieces of John Deere equipment. Once the job is done, the iPad with the planting data can be utilized to perform basic crop scouting activities in the field.

Planting attributes

Monitor and document key performance indicators in high-definition map layers and dashboard tiles such as:

• Actual population
• Target population
• Singulation
• Seed-spacing CV
• Applied down force
• Gauge wheel margin
• Ride quality
• Ground speed
• Variety

In base equipment

Connect Mobile hardware is factory installed on all model year 2015 and newer planters factory installed with ExactEmerge™ row-units and all model year 2017 and newer planters factory installed with MaxEmerge™ 5e row-units, making it easy to get started with Connect Mobile.

Learn more about Connect Mobile in the Field and Crop Solutions section within the Precision Ag Technology product line and how it can improve the quality of a planting job.

iPad and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc.

Convenient stack-folding design can be used rigid or flexible

The 1725C stack-fold design provides narrow transport capability for these integral, large-frame planters. 1725C Stack-Fold Planters have the ability to operate in both rigid-frame and flex-frame configurations. The 1725C utilizes a three-section frame that can flex up to 8 degrees up and 8 degrees down. 1725C is not offered with markers.

The 1725C Stack-Fold Integral Planter is available in the following configurations: 12Row36, 12Row38 or 12Row40

The 1725C is only available without lift-assist wheels. This allows for increased maneuverability around tighter field conditions and bedded crops.

Vacuum run through the frame provides a cleaner look.

The vacuum is run through the planter frame rather than the black conduit on top of the frame. This cleaner frame design provides improved visibility when seated in the cab.

Hydraulic cylinder on 1725C frame for wing downforce/gull wing functionality

Optional wing downforce/gull wing is available on the 1725C. When traveling at speeds above 5 mph (8.05 km/h), the wings may become lighter, sacrificing ground contact and consistent depth. Hydraulic cylinders have been added to maintain force on the outer wings to keep desired depth. Operators also have the ability to pin the outer wings rigid with or without the wing downforce/gull wing option.

The same cylinders are used to enable the gullwing feature on the 1725C. Gullwing flexes the outer wing up to 8 degrees upward allowing for more vertical wing clearance.

Uptime:

Hydraulic locking mechanism for in-cab wing locking

An automatic hydraulic-wing locking feature is available on the 1725C. Once the operator engages the frame-fold selective control valve (SCV), the hydraulics release the locking mechanism and the planter starts folding. This reduces trips up and down the tractor and provides for a much quicker fold/unfold process.

Active pneumatic downforce compressor

Active pneumatic downforce is in base on the 1725C. This provides the proven downforce solution for growers to maintain consistent depths even at speeds up to 10 mph (16.1 km/h).

Coulter Combo row cleaner

Easy Adjust row cleaner

Easy Adjust row cleaner and coulter combo provides a pneumatic row tillage solution that is controlled from the seat of the tractor.

Every decision to make an adjustment during spring planting reduces the acres planted per day and can increase or decrease profitability. An adjustment that can be overlooked is row cleaners due to planter size, difficulty to make the adjustment, varying conditions across fields and time.

GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display view for Row Cleaners compatibile with SeedStar™ 3HP

4600 CommandCenter™ and 4640 Universal Display view for Row Cleaners compatible with SeedStar 4HP

With the Easy Adjust row cleaners on ExactEmerge™ planters, operators now have a pneumatic solution to make on-the-go adjustments that is controlled directly from the seat of the cab. They can be raised from the cab as needed with the push of a button for wet areas, waterways, or end rows. For growers using SeedStar 3HP, the row cleaners are completely integrated into the John Deere GreenStar 3 2630 Display as well as the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter or 4640 Universal display. For growers using SeedStar 4HP a 4600 CommandCenter or 4640 Universal Display is required.

The Easy Adjust row cleaners have the capability to save three presets for varying ground engagement based on field conditions. The system is controlled in three sections, each wing as well as the center (frame or wheel) track rows. The pneumatic lines use air from the active pneumatic downforce compressor requiring no additional compressor to be installed on the planter. The Easy Adjust row cleaners utilize down and up force air bags. The adjustable air pressure setting for each bag allows the operator to set the ride of the row cleaner depending on the field conditions and the desired results. Making these on-the-go adjustments from tractor cab increases productivity and performance during planting.

For Easy Adjust Row Cleaner retrofit kit options, see the ordering guide.

The row cleaner only option utilizes parallel linkage to provide the floating action growers require in their fields. Parallel linkage allows for the unit to float up and down in the situation of hills or hard objects. The cleaner and coulter combo does not have parallel linkage, however, the row cleaners have floating rings installed to help provide the same benefits.

The row cleaners utilize the field-proven SharkTooth® design. Row cleaners play a major role in maximizing yield toward uniform emergence, reducing row-unit bounce and maintaining proper depth. The easy-adjust row cleaners provide growers with quick and stress-free solutions to customizing the planter in variable field conditions. Easy Adjust row cleaners are available on ExactEmerge and MaxEmerge 5e equipped planters. The Easy Adjust row cleaners are not integrated into RowCommand™ feature.

SharkTooth is a trademark of Yetter Manufacturing Incorporated.

SeedStar 4HP is designed to optimize the in-cab monitoring experience exclusively on the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter™ display or 4640 Universal Display for growers with ExactEmerge™ planters and MaxEmerge™ 5e planters model year 2018 and newer. With SeedStar 4HP, operators will easily see key planter information with customizable run pages, zoom functionality, and simultaneous graph and performance measurements. SeedStar 4HP is included in base on all model year 2018 ExactEmerge and MaxEmerge 5e planters.

Features overview:

• View multiple planters’ at-a-glance bar charts simultaneously
• Three default planter run pages show key planter functions in easy-to-view layouts
• Highly configurable run pages allow SeedStar modules to be customizable
• Zoom feature allows quick row-by-row detailed information
• View dual bar graphs to see multiple planter details at one time
• SeedStar application to make adjustments to planter functions
• Simplified setup through the work set-up page
• Custom rates allow up to six different rates across 48 rows
• The SeedStar 4HP monitoring system requires the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter or 4640 Universal Display. These displays allow the operator to benefit from the updated interface, enhanced processing speeds, and easy setup (learn more here). 

Default planter run pages

Planter summary default run page

Planter overview default run page

Planter details default run page

Three default run pages show key planter functions in different views to give fast and easy access to important planter information.

Custom run pages

Customizable run pages

There are customizable run pages that allow the operator to build pages that fit their operation with different modules, like the example shown above.

Zoom functionality

Zoom feature showing a group of rows

Zoom feature showing a single row

The zoom feature allows the operator to touch a section or row of the planter and get detailed information quickly.

Custom rates in SeedStar 4HP

Variety set-up page

Rate set-up page

Group rate set-up page

Custom rates allow for individual row population control and row-by-row documentation where up to six different rates can be assigned across an up to 48-row planter. This allows growers interested in planting seed corn with ExactEmerge or MaxEmerge 5e the capability to assign specific populations to male and female rows for planting. This feature can also be used to create tram lines or other applications where custom rates by row are needed.

NOTE: Individual rates are tied to varieties, so each induvial rate needs a unique variety name.

Dual bar graphs

Dual bar graph showing singulation and population simultaneously

Dual bar graphs allow operators to view multiple planter details at one time.

SeedStar application page

SeedStar application run page

In the SeedStar application, many adjustments can be made, including manually activating section control. SeedStar 4HP allows up to 48 individual row sections. There are several setup features such as crop, seed disk, number of rows being planted, population alarms, and limits. Seed rates can be modified, electric power generation (EPG) can be turned on or off, vacuum can be adjusted, and the fill and purge functions can be used from the SeedStar application. Frame control, as well as diagnostics and calibrations, can be accessed at the bottom of the screen.

Settings Manager in SeedStar 4HP

Settings Manager screens

Reduce set up time between changing crops or field conditions by recalling saved settings used previously with Settings Manager, included with every SeedStar 4HP system. This feature allows saving and recalling planter and tractor settings for optimum performance in different conditions.

Settings Manager can be used to save all of the adjustment and inputs associated to a particular crop or condition. An example would be to store all population rates, downforce pressure, row cleaner adjustments, and closing wheel settings for planting corn and storing a separate unique set of adjustments for soybeans. In addition, Settings Manager stores tractor settings such as selective control valve (SCV) flow and detents, infinitely variable transmission (IVT™) settings, eco modes, and more.

Compatibility

Additional information

For additional information on feature functionality on the Gen 4 Display, visit the links below:

• Individual Row Hydraulic Downforce (IRHD)
• Easy Adjust Row Cleaners

The MaxEmerge 5e is designed to improve population accuracy, spacing, and avoid wasting inputs for maximizing yield. The ‘e’ in MaxEmerge 5e stands for electric drive. It is driven by one electric motor per meter with a small controller. This does away with the shafts and drivelines of a typical mechanical drive. That means more reliability, less maintenance, and easier access to row-unit components. For producers who want uniform seed spacing, the MaxEmerge 5e is a great option.

One of the biggest advantages of the MaxEmerge 5e is how it improves population accuracy by compensating for curves on the outer rows of the planter. The MaxEmerge 5e Row Unit eliminates shafts and drivelines from the planter, allowing better access to row-unit components and decreased planter maintenance. Additionally, the MaxEmerge 5e allows corn and soybean growers to achieve up to a 20 percent improvement in population accuracy on the outer rows of a 24-row planter while planting on curves utilizing curve compensation.

While the MaxEmerge 5e uses a seed tube, it offers some of the same important advantages as ExactEmerge row units. The MaxEmerge 5e also improves reaction to population changes in the field when conditions dictate a higher or lower population. Enabling producers to more accurately plant to the variable-rate prescription that maximizes profit potential. High-performance vacuum automation, automatically maintains target vacuum setting throughout the day – with less time monitoring and making adjustments. It uses SeedStar™ 4HP system and is compatible with Connect Mobile monitoring – for near real-time, row-by-row planting performance. The MaxEmerge 5e offers plenty of options. Easy-adjust row cleaners, individual-row hydraulic downforce, pneumatic closing wheels, fertilizer attachments (frame dependent) are all available options, while active pneumatic downforce is standard equipment.

The MaxEmerge 5e delivery system options include mini hoppers with Central Commodity System (CCS™) , 56.4-L (1.6-bu) hoppers, and 105.7-L (3-bu) hoppers.

NOTE: MaxEmerge 5e Row-Unit requires tractor power generation on a 30 Series or newer tractor with power take-off (PTO). MaxEmerge 5e Row-Units are compatible with the following models: 1725NT, 1725C, 1775NT, 1795, DB44, DB60, DB66, DB80, DB88, and DB90 (not available on 54R 50.8 cm [20 in.]).

Terraces or waterways are two of many field obstacles that make planting on a curve challenging. When planters utilize drive shafts, they are not able to control each individual row-unit; as a result, planting on a curve presents an issue of maintaining 100 percent population. Since the inside rows are moving slower than the outside rows, the inside rows will be over populating while the outside rows are under populating.

With ExactEmerge™ Planters and equipped MaxEmerge™ 5e Planters, the curve compensation feature allows each row to receive an individual signal based on the speed the row-unit is moving, maintaining the correct population across the width of the planter. Without curve compensation, there could be as much as a 24 percent drop in population accuracy, which is equivalent to 8,600 seeds per acre when planting at 36,000 seeds per acre. Curve compensation measures acceleration within the main planter controller and utilizes speed inputs to ensure each row has desired population accuracy.

Sensors for trench delivery system

Reflective seed sensor

Sensor on trench-delivery system

On all ExactEmerge row-units, each cartridge will be equipped with sensors. As the seeds are being delivered through the BrushBelt™ controls, they pass the reflective seed sensor. The delivery system slides every seed past the seed sensor to read and send the signal to the controller. The seed sensor and design is able to provide sensor performance at higher seeds per second with no population adjustment as needed with seed tube sensors. This seed sensor data is actual row-unit performance data. In comparison seed tube sensors add 10 percent population in soybean planting to adjust for the seeds missed due to placement within the seed tube The BrushBelt holds each seed in place until released in the trench, allowing the seed sensor a more accurate read.

1725C 35 bu CCS

CS seed delivery adds productivity through increased seed capacity, bulk fill capability, and easy cleanout.

The single tank on the 1725C has a capacity of 35 bushels. CCS tanks are manufactured using a rotomolded, polyethylene design to ensure maximum durability. The translucent tank allows for easy viewing of seed in the tanks.

The following crops can be planted with CCS: corn, sweet corn, popcorn, cotton, sunflowers, soybeans, and sorghum (milo).

Filling the tank is convenient due to a central filling location. The ladder provides access to the filling platform. The tank has an adjustable, bin-level sensor to alert the operator when it is time to fill.

For those who work into the night, a standard fill light package is available on machines equipped with CCS. This option includes one light conveniently mounted on the railing of the machine. The lights are turned on and off with their own switch located at the bottom of the ladder.

Seed delivery process

CCS is about reducing the time spent filling the planter with seed while maximizing the time spent planting. CCS for planters is a form of seed handling and delivery. The row-units perform the final task of seed metering and placement.

The CCS seed delivery process relies on a hydraulically driven fan to move seed from the CCS tank to the row-units.  When the planter is lowered, hydraulic flow is sent to the seed delivery fan. A flow control valve and gauge, located near the tank, allows for the proper tank pressure setting based on seed type.

Air from the fan pressurizes the CCS tanks and delivers seed to the seed hoppers. Airflow enters the seed tank through a nozzle in the manifold which pressurizes the tank. The air then picks up seed and moves out the other end of the nozzle into seed delivery hoses. These hoses route the seed toward the hopper. A small amount of seed is traveling in the delivery hoses only when needed.

The hopper fills with seed until the delivery hose (discharge elbow) is covered. Once the opening is restricted, seed flow through the hose stops. Air flowing to the row-unit travels into the hopper and is vented which is the source of air for the vacuum system. This provides a much cleaner air source than previous meter designs. As the seed is picked up by the meter and planted, the seed pool shrinks until the end of the delivery hose is uncovered. At that time, the airflow and seed delivery resume and the seed pool in the hopper is replenished.

CCS seed cleanout

CCS seed cleanout

Seed cleanout could not be much easier with a CCS Planter. When finished planting any remaining seed can simply be removed via access doors at the bottom of the CCS tank.

Because seed is only traveling through the CCS delivery hoses when required by the meter, there is not much left to clean.

Next, CCS seed delivery hoses are then purged with air from the CCS fan and the excess seed is pushed to the individual meters.

Lastly, the vacuum meter door is opened and seed is removed with the supplied catch pan.

Small seed CCS components

Manifold nozzle and nozzle with cover installed

Straight-seed inlet installed in mini hopper

CCS seed delivery system increases planting productivity across the seven approved crops listed above. While highly effective delivering seed from the CCS tanks to the vacuum meters, small or light seeds (sorghum and small cotton) will require two additional components to aid in proper seed delivery.

Manifold nozzle covers (clips) should be installed to ensure seed is adequately picked up into the air stream for delivery to the row-unit. Mini-hopper discharge elbows should also be changed from the standard elbow (holes) to the small seed elbow (slotted openings) when planting sorghum (milo) and small cotton.

Two 56-V brushless electric motors

Improve productivity with two 56-V brushless electric motors

Two 56-V brushless electric motors provide ExactEmerge the upper hand over any other row-unit on the market. One motor controls the high-performance meter and the other powers the BrushBelt™. Both feature a closed loop system ensuring they operate at the correct rpm.

The motor is controlled at a rate of 200 times per second and a decision is made every 5 milliseconds. The controller also keeps each motor operating at independent speeds of each other. The meter speed is determined by a combination of ground speed and desired population rate while the BrushBelt speed stays consistent with the forward ground speed of the planter in order to place the seed at the bottom of trench.

Brushless motors are maintenance free

Industry-proven 56-V brushless motors give confidence to the operator that the row-unit will perform in any condition. The advantage of 56-V over 24-Velectric motors is a lower amperage draw.

Brushless motors are maintenance free and give the producer the most optimal solution to achieve the highest performance and the lowest amount of work to the planter.

Built-in RowCommand™ system

Manage seed output, reduce yield drag, and improve harvest capabilities are features built in to every ExactEmerge row-unit with electric motor shutoffs.

The electric drive version of RowCommand row-unit has the potential to get 2 to 8 percent reduction in seed usage from being able to control the meter and BrushBelt rather than a clutch disengaging and some seeds still falling down the seed tube.