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 the RelativeFlow blockage sensing, operators can see the flow rate of both seed and fertilizer from inside the tractor cab. Sensors on all primary towers and secondary hoses monitor the relative product flow, 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 exclusive technology can help you identify any problems before potential blockage occurs.

RelativeFlow Blockage is available on the following models:

• P540 - 12.2-m (40-ft)
• P556 - 17.1-m (56-ft)
• P576 - 23.2-m (76-ft)
• N500C - all widths
• 1890 - 15.2-m (50-ft) and 18.3-m (60-ft)
• N530F - 9.1-m (30-ft)
• N540F - 12.2-m (40-ft)
• N543F - 13.1-m (43-ft)
• N560F - 18.3-m (60-ft)

RelativeFlow Blockage is compatible with hydraulic drive carts for model year 2014 and newer 1910, model year 2013 and newer 550 Carts, C650 and C850 Air Cart.

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 screen on GreenStar™ 3 2630

The RelativeFlow 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 monitoring screen on GreenStar 3 2630

Blockage warning sensitivity allows the producer to set and change the sensitivity of the sensors to meet their preferences. 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 GreenStar 3 2630

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 Relative Flow 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 Firestone® 800/70R38 SFT tires and front single Firestone 900/75R32 CFO tires. The tow-between C650 comes equipped with rear dual Firestone IF850/75R42 CFO tires. These are high-floatation, low-compaction solutions. The Firestone 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

Mitas is a trademark of Mitas, Akciova Spolecnost Corporation. Firestone is a trademark of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC.

Tank capacity measured in bushels

The total capacity of the C650 is 22,905 L (650 bu), measured by conveying product into the tank. The front tank is dedicated for low rate applications and holds 1762 L (50 bu). The remaining three tanks in order of front to rear are 9162 L (260 bu), 4581 L (130 bu), and 7400 L (210 bu).

John Deere air cart tanks are solid molded polymer, known for superior corrosion resistance compared to steel while providing semi translucency allowing for visual verification of product level in day-time operation. Each tank is mounted in a cradle frame to eliminate interference between each other. The polymer material does not require weldments like on steel tanks. Weldments on steel tanks are prone to failure over time as the metal is fatigued under stress.

The improved top bevel design on tanks allow for greater capacity and meets the 22,905 L (650 bu) capacity without the need for shoveling product into the corners while conveyor filling.

Each tank has a wide, single opening, which means it is easy for access for the conveyor and entry to the tank. Inside each tank is a ladder for cleanout access. Ladders in the tanks have been designed so that material cannot build up on steps. Top rails have been capped and sloped to ensure product sheds from the surface. When cleaning out the cart, the tanks slope steeply at bottom for product to flow easily and each tank is accessible for fill and cleanout with the conveyor.

Tanks come equipped with digital pressure sensor, ultrasonic bin level sensing, and camera-ready harnesses mounted from the factory.

Monitoring product levels in tanks has never been easier with the camera-ready feature of C-Series Air Carts. The carts come pre-wired to accept a camera in each tank and one off the rear of the machine. Monitoring product levels is especially reassuring when product levels are low. Cameras also provide the operator with visibility behind the cart when traveling down the road or backing into a shed.

Camera locations on the C-Series Air Cart

Camera location on the C-Series Air Cart

For C-Series Air Carts, the producer can add up to five Voyager® or CabCAM™ cameras while also using a Generation 4 4600 CommandCenter™ Display or 4640 Universal Display. If the producer wants to view more than four cameras, a producer-purchased camera display will be needed.

NOTE: Generation 4 displays support Voyager and CabCAM cameras.

While the C-Series Air Carts come pre-wired to adapt cameras, additional harnesses are necessary for connecting to the tractor, and a tool overlay harness will be needed.  Please use the part numbers below for configuring an existing, compatible tool.

CabCAM is a trademark of ATI Products, Inc. Voyager is a trademark of ASA Electronics, LLC.

Ultrasonic bin level sensor

Ultrasonic waves are reflected off product in the tank

The John Deere ultrasonic bin level sensing system will increase the accuracy of bin level read outs in the cab and on the cart side display compared to the paddle design. The accuracy of this system is within 10 percent of actual product in the tank. Product in the tank is measured utilizing high-frequency sound waves (ultrasonic) that are emitted from the unit and received back when they reverberate off the product in the tank. These sound waves generate a digital signal which can be mapped across the angle of repose for the product in the tank. Using calculus volume can be determined from the convex slope determined from the ultrasonic frequencies. When metering two products into one airstream, ultrasonic can improve the accuracy of detection up to 50 percent more than traditional paddle sensors.

Tank lids in open position

The C650 Air Carts have five tank lids to make filling convenient and quick. The three back tank lids are operated by pushing forward on the foot pedal and straight down on the handle. The lid slides out of the way, contouring the shape of the tank, so it does not interfere with the conveyor. The tank lids seal tight by pulling upward on the handle and stepping back on the foot pedal. The three back tank lids offer a wide opening, making an easy job out of placing the conveyor in the right place during fills. The design is a single per tank design, providing for faster fill times.

Bottom tank lid and bag splitter on front tank

Top tank lid of front tank

The front 1762-L (50-bu) tank has two options to make loading low rate products easier. If the grower is filling the tank with bags, the front lid is accessible from the lower platform of the cart. The two front railings of the cart can be removed to allow for a truck to bring bags directly to the platform. As pictured above, the bottom fill location of the front tank has a bag splitter.

To fill the front tank with a conveyor, the top tank lid is easily reached with the hydraulic conveyance system.

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!

Improve confidence and while reducing maintenance with the new AccuRate™ metering system

• Combination of stainless steel and composite materials ensure an entire corrosion resistant system
• Individual electric meters allowing for more precise seeding
  • Up to 8x more accurate prescriptions with high fidelity prescription
  • Start and stop each meter with SectionCommand™ Pro
  • Accurately meter the correct amount of product on a curve with curve compensation

AccuRate™ meters showing eight individual sections

Calibrate faster and easier than ever before with EZCal™

• Easily calibrate from the side of the cart with the click of a few buttons 45% faster than the leading competitor
• Automatically weigh product and update MDV values eliminating potential user error

G5e Cart Side Display

EZCal™ system

ActiveCal™ display Calibrate more frequently from the seat of the cab with ActiveCal™

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

ActiveCal™ display

Save input cost with SectionCommand™Pro

• Control seed and fertilizer output by starting and stopping each individual meter section
• Eliminate skips and overlaps leading to reduced inputs and higher yields

Example of seeded field with SectionCommand™ Pro

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

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)

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

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

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

Model year 2025 C- Series Air Cart Leading Models

Model year 2025 C- Series Air Cart Trailing Models

New for model year 2025 John Deere offers a complete redesign to the air car lineup to meet your needs. The C-Series Air Cart lineup offers an all new metering system with the AccuRate™ Meters that improve the accuracy and confidence while seeding. In addition to AccuRate™ Meters, the C-Series Air Cart consists of a frame up design replacing the 1910 Air Carts which brings tank scales and ActiveCal™ to the entire lineup.

• Seed accurately with the new AccuRate™ Meters
  • Minimize maintenance cost with stainless steel corrosion resistant meter bank
  • Individual electric controlled meters on each primary allows for more accurate metering
  • Enabling curve compensation, high fidelity prescriptions, and SectionCommand™ Pro
• Calibrate faster and easier than ever before with the EZCal™ System
  • 45% faster* calibration than leading competitors
    • *NOTE: Based off internal testing of a Bourgault air cart calibration taking 4 minutes compared to a new C-Series air cart taking 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
  • Eliminate potential user error with the push of a button through the automated scale
  • Easily transfer the updated Meter Displacement Value (MDV) from the G5e Cart Side Display to your Gen4 or G5 display
• Improve seeding confidence with tank scale available on all cart sizes
  • Calibrate from the cab with ActiveCal™
  • Know the exact amount of product in each tank at all time
  • View tank weights when filling product with the G5e Cart Side Display

With all the new features coming to the C-Series Air Cart lineup the model numbers were also updated. Now customers will be able to easily identify the cart size through the model number. Not only is the bushel size in the model number, we also included an “L” or “T” to identify if the cart is in the leading or trailing configuration of the seeding train.

New model numbers for the C-Series Air Carts

The C-Series Air Cart lineup is available in multiple cart sizes ranging from 350 bushel to 850 bushels. All carts are available in leading or trailing configuration except the C850T. You have choices for the right configuration for your farm’s needs.

C500L Air Cart with N560 No-Till Air Drill

9RX 830 paired with the P680 Precision Hoe Drill and the C850T Air Cart

Setting up seeding with C-Series Air Carts is effortless and efficient, thanks to the plug and play technology. The John Deere Operations Center™ integration offers seamless data management and planning, optimizing seeding operations. Work Planner simplifies task organization for smooth field execution. Additionally, color-coded hoses provide visual guidance, enhancing user-friendliness during setup between the cart, tool, and tractor. The introduction of EZCal revolutionizes the calibration process, ensuring precise seeding operations with unmatched convenience and speed. Together, these features streamline the user experience, making seeding setup simple and efficient, getting you to the field sooner than ever before.

• Operations Center Integration:
  • Centralized Data Management: Seamlessly manage and analyze all seeding-related data in one location.
  • Planning Efficiency: Plan and optimize seeding operations with ease, leveraging precise data insights for informed decision-making.
• Work Planner:
  • Task Organization: Simplify task organization and execution for seamless operations in the field.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: Streamline work processes and maximize productivity with advanced planning tools.
  • Seamless Data Integration: With Work Planner, the correct field, boundaries, implements, machines, seeding rates, and prescriptions automatically populate onto the Gen4 or G5 display when pulling into the field.
• Color-Coded Aluminum Hydraulic Hose Grips:
  • Visual Guidance: Simplify setup and maintenance with color-coded hose grips, providing clear visual cues for efficient and error-free setup between cart, tool, and tractor.
  • Reduced Errors: Minimize the risk of mistakes and improve operational accuracy with easily identifiable hoses ensuring they are in the proper selective control valve (SCV).
• Display Setup:
  • Streamlined Display Setup: Simplified display setup, offering an intuitive and user-friendly interface that ensures quick and efficient configuration.
  • Clean and Simple Cab Setup: The plug-and-play technology ensures a clean and clutter-free cab environment, allowing for straightforward display setup without the need for complex wiring or additional clutter.
• EZCal Calibration System:
  • Simplified Calibration: Revolutionize the calibration process with enhanced speed, precision, and seamless integration with the C-Series Air Cart.
  • Time and Effort Savings: Save time and effort during calibration processes, calibrate 45% faster than leading competitors

Calibrating with the industry exclusive EZCal System

John Deere color-coded hydraulic hose handles

Color-coded hoses plugging into tractor SCV

These color-coded aluminum hydraulic hose handles make connecting hydraulic hoses from the air seeder and air cart to the correct Selective Control Valve (SCV) on the tractor easier than before. The anti-slip makes it easy to grip the hose and connect or disconnect from the back of the tractor. Each color is laser engraved with the John Deere logo and extend/retract icons to ensure proper matching to the proper function.

• Easily identify function of each hose
• Consistently match hose handles colors to rear couplers on tractor
• Easy to grip for connecting or disconnecting to the SCV
• Base equipment on all trailing air carts
• Base equipment on all seeding tools

EZCal™ System on a C500L

Overview

EZCal revolutionizes the calibration process for the C-Series Air Cart, offering unparalleled convenience and efficiency. By streamlining and automating calibration tasks, EZCal enables users to achieve precision at a remarkable 45% faster rate compared to leading competitors. This innovative system empowers farmers to optimize their operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance overall productivity, setting a new standard for ease and speed in the calibration of agricultural equipment.

EZCal is like pressing the easy button on calibration. With EZCal, users can easily pour a bucket full of product into the hopper, select the roller color on the G5e cart side display, and initiate calibration. They can then proceed to tender the cart while the calibration process runs. Once completed, users can accept the MDV, seamlessly sending the data to the Gen 4 or G5 display, eliminating the need to remember numbers and reducing steps.

Please see the EZCal animation  below for more information.

Benefits

• Enhanced Speed: EZCal accelerates the calibration process, providing a remarkable 45% increase in calibration time compared to leading competitors, saving valuable time, and minimizing downtime.
• Maximize Productivity: Perform calibration with EZCal while tendering, enabling seamless multitasking and efficient utilization of operational resources.
• Improved Precision: By streamlining calibration tasks, EZCal ensures consistent and precise calibration, eliminating the need to manual weigh bags and input weights into the display.
• Simplified Process: EZCal simplifies the traditionally complex calibration process and automatically sends the MDV to the Gen4 or G5 display once accepted, making it more accessible and user-friendly for farmers, ultimately reducing the need for specialized expertise.
• Advanced Technology: EZCal represents a cutting-edge advancement in precision agriculture, setting a new standard for ease and speed in the calibration of agricultural equipment, and keeping farmers ahead in the evolving agricultural landscape.
• Unmatched Convenience: The EZCal System features all meter rollers stored on the side, offering the convenience of swift interchangeability during the calibration process.

Additional details

EZCal features an integrated load cell that automatically measures the initial and final weights of the hopper, enabling the calculation of the product distribution amount during calibration. Upon completion of the calibration, the measured weight is utilized to determine the meter displacement value (MDV), which is then seamlessly transmitted to the Gen 4 or G5 display in the cab, provided the farmer accepts the calibration.

Built in load cell on EZCal System

EZCal is controlled from the G5e cart side display, removing the requirement to repeatedly move between the cart and the cab during calibration. This streamlined process reduces numerous steps and eliminates the need to physically maneuver on the ground during calibration. With the G5e cart side display, users can easily calibrate one or multiple tanks simultaneously, selecting the desired meter roller for each tank.

Operating EZCal from the G5e Cart Side display

Individual electric stainless steel AccuRate metering system

Overview

New for model year 2025 - the enhanced AccuRate™ metering system. This new technology brings a host of improvements, most notably a significant increase in seeding accuracy through the incorporation of individual electric meters per primary run. By introducing electric meters, John Deere empowers customers with more precise seeding capabilities across the entire width of the tool. This enhancement is made possible through a range of innovative features outlined in the benefits section.

The new AccuRate meters not only provide unparalleled accuracy, but also drastically reduce the maintenance required. To ensure maximum durability, the AccuRate metering system features a robust blend of stainless steel and composite materials. This combination guarantees a completely corrosion-resistant meter bank, providing customers with a reliable solution that stands the test of time.

Please see the AccuRate Meters animation below for more information

Benefits

• SectionCommand™ Pro – Effectively manage seed and fertilizer metering to reduce overlaps and skips by halting the rotation of each meter, thus preventing potential seed damage and spillage.

SectionCommand™ Pro illustration

• Curve compensation – Guarantee precise product seeding across the entire drill by detecting tractor turns and making necessary adjustments to the metering outputs across each primary.

Curve Compensation with AccuRate Meters

Curve Compensation with no AccuRate Meters

• High fidelity prescriptions – Capability to adjust the speed and volume of product within each primary run, enabling precise customization of the desired product amount offering up to 8 times more precise on farm management.

High Fidelity Prescription Illustration

• Seed accurately on hills – Up to 8 percent more accurate seeding up and down hills compared to previous John Deere metering systems.

Air Seeding Train accurately seeding up a hill

• Metering system with superior corrosion resistance – The stainless-steel meter housing combined with anti-static composite shoots forms a durable metering system designed to endure diverse abrasive commodities for an extended period. The anti-static composite shoots and primaries also help to minimize crop buildup. This helps provide consistent seed flow to your tools, driving accurate seeding rates

Stainless steel housing, anti-static composite shoots, and corrosion resistant hardware throughout the entire meter bank

• Revised swing-open clean-out door – The newly engineered bottom clean-out door now swings completely open and effortlessly latches against the primaries, providing ample space for the hopper when emptying tanks.

Clean-out door latched open for easy cleanout

Closing swing out door

• Ergonomic tank shutoff – Easily shut off the product flow from the tanks to the meters with the ergonomic tank shut off lever that uses a 5 to 1 mechanical advantage to close or open the gate.

Ergonomic tank shutoff

• Electric tank shutoff – With the flip of a switch easily open or close product flow to the tanks utilizing a 1500 lb actuator.

Electric tank shutoff actuator

• Easy to use shoot selector – Newly designed ergonomic shoot selector that automatically adjusts the correct blower to pressurize the tank.

Shoot selector on a double shoot cart

• Updated anti-static composite shoots – Redesigned the anti-static composite shoot to have a larger opening allowing for large seeds to flow smoothly to the bottom shoot eliminating any potential plugging seen in the past.

Anti-static composite shoot for a double shoot cart

• New agitator – Stainless steel agitator with brass bushings improves strength which allows for product to easily break up and flow into the anti-static composite shoots.

Agitator on 8 primary air cart

John Deere C-Series Air Cart running SectionCommand Pro

SectionCommand Pro  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 the new AccuRate individual electric meter we can control commodity flow by maintaining the right application rates across each primary. All while eliminating potential seed damage and dumping effect by stopping the meter when each section is shut off. This helps stimulate even crop emergence during the growing season and promotes consistent crop maturity at harvest. SectionCommand Pro controls output from each meter on the cart.

Benefits

• Improved consistency of crop maturity at harvest
• Improved emergence consistency
• Reduced seed input cost
• Reduced fertilizer input cost
• Increased time between fills due to input savings
• Eliminating seed damage and seed dumping by shutting off the electric meter

SectionCommand Pro controls seed and fertilizer output by stopping and starting each meter with the electric motor. This ensures accurate metering across each meter section eliminating potential seed dumping or seed damage.

SectionCommand Pro illustration

Section Control activation or subscription is required on the display to utilize any features of SectionCommand Pro. As with other John Deere Section Control products, a StarFire™ SF1 signal is the minimum level of accuracy recommended for operation.  Please reference John Deere Section Control under Precision Ag Technologies for more information. The activation is included in the following.

• Gen 4 CommandCenter™ Premium activation
• 4640 Premium subscription
• Command Center and G5Plus Universal base feature set
• Optional permanent license on the G5 and G5 Universal display

Due to the varying lengths of product delivery hose used across the drill, SectionCommand Pro 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 each individual electric meter.

Please see the SectionCommand Pro animation for more information.

AccuRate™ individual electronic controlled meters enabling high fidelity prescriptions

With input costs rising, it is increasingly important to manage inputs through variable rate application to manage cost and maximize crop potential. New for MY25, the AccuRate™ meters enable more precise control of inputs to achieve higher fidelity prescriptions for variable rate. With an individual electric meter per primary, the AccuRate meters can vary rate up to 8x more precisely than previous John Deere air carts. This allows you to place the correct rate down in each section, reducing overapplying when the width of the seeder is in multiple prescription zones.

Benefits

• Change the volume of product by each primary run allowing you to place the correct rate down in each section
• Reduce over and under applying rates for robust plants and a better opportunity for increased yield
• Manage, apply, and document your seeding prescriptions more precisely
• Better match your fertility rate at seeding to your soil nutrients and yield potential for added Nutrient Sufficiency

Model year 2024 and older models of John Deere air carts had limitations when it came to seeding prescriptions. The seeder could only apply a single rate across the entire width, even when in multiple different prescription rates. The default setting was to apply the rate from the highest zone across the entire width resulting in over applying in lower rate zones.

However, with the introduction of the AccuRate meters, this limitation has been overcome. The AccuRate meters have the capability to reduce the width of the zone rate by up to 8 times. This enhancement allows for a much closer match to the target rate specified in the prescription.

To give you a visual representation, below is a graphic illustrating the reduced zone widths on a P670 Precision Hoe Drill.

High Fidelity Prescription illustration

Please see the high fidelity prescription animation for more information

Seeding in fields with obstacles such as terraces, waterways, and utility poles can pose difficulties. Traditional air carts using one-meter sections face limitations in varying the seeding rate across the seeder, resulting in uneven distribution when maneuvering around curves to avoid these difficulties. This disparity arises from the difference in distance covered between the inside and outside rows, causing overpopulation in the inside rows and underpopulation in the outside rows.

Fortunately, the challenge of uneven seeding on curves is effectively tackled by the curve compensation feature in the new AccuRate™ meters. This feature ensures that each section of the seeder receives a unique signal based on the speed of the seeder, resulting in accurate seeding rates across the entire width of the seeder when going around curves. Thanks to this technology, farmers can achieve consistent and uniform seeding even when navigating curves in the field.

Curve compensation with AccuRate meters

Curve compensation with no AccuRate meters

Benefits

• Decreases overpopulation and underpopulation by 23 percent when seeding around curves*
  • *NOTE: Disclaimer for an 80-ft drill with 8 sections seeding at 4.5 mph around a 150-ft curve radius.
• Ensures accurate seeding across the entire drill
• Improved consistency of crop maturity at harvest
• Improved consistency during emergence and growing season
• Reduce weed pressure by having proper canopying

Please see the curve compensation animation for more information.

Blower Speed Automation Run Page on G5 Display

Overview

No more manually adjusting hydraulic flow levels to chase your desired blower speed, set the blower speed for a given product application rate and forget it. John Deere blower speed automation maintains air cart blower speed within operator preset thresholds when C-Series Air Carts are operated with John Deere tractors*. The system adjusts hydraulic flow to maintain the blower  speed as operating or environmental conditions change.  You can preset target blower speeds for up to 6 product application rates on your Gen 4 or G5 display.

*Consult your dealer for compatibility details.

Benefits

• Avoid risk of blowing valuable seed or fertilizer out of the trench
• Prevent blockages by maintaining target blower speed at preset product rates
• Enables peace of mind for operator by setting target blower speed instead of flow rate
• Preset target blower speeds for up to 6 product application rates

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