Crop yields have increased through the years along with the amount of residue left in the field after harvest. At the same time, tillage practices have changed, including different tillage operations which maintain large amounts of surface residue, and even no-till practices. Row cleaners are an essential tool in managing this increased amount of residue.

John Deere seeding group offers a variety of row cleaner options to meet the needs of a producer's operation. Compatibility varies by model, row spacing, and other planter equipment.

Screw-adjust, unit-mounted row cleaner

Screw-adjust, unit-mounted row cleaner

The screw-adjust, unit-mounted row cleaner is mounted directly to the face plate of the row-unit, placing the ground engaging components just in front of the row-unit opener blades and depth gauge wheels. This close proximity allows the gauge wheels to control the depth of the row cleaner as well as the row-unit. This compact design also allows greater compatibility with fertilizer openers and other planter attachments.

SharkTooth® wheels are standard equipment on the unit-mounted row cleaner. The swept-tooth design of the wheel provides a clear path for the row-unit openers while resisting residue buildup on the wheel. The screw adjustment knob is accessible through the top of the parallel arms, providing convenient access for adjustments. The row cleaner can be adjusted in 1.6-mm (1/16-in.) increments, providing plenty of flexibility to meet the needs of changing conditions.

Floating row cleaner with unit-mounted coulter

Floating row cleaner with unit-mounted coulter

The floating row cleaner allows a row cleaner to be used in conjunction with a unit-mounted coulter. This combination is often desired in heavy residue loads and reduced tillage planting conditions. The row cleaner provides a clear path for the row-unit, while the unit-mounted coulter helps penetrate tough soil conditions.

Accommodating the unit-mounted coulter means the residue wheels are farther forward from the row-unit face plate than in the case of the screw-adjust row cleaner. To maintain performance, this row cleaner has the capability to float above a defined minimum depth.

Standard depth-gauging bands on the wheels allow the row cleaner wheels to float independently of the row-unit openers, allowing both to perform in varying terrain. The unit may also be set in a fixed position by simply pinning through the bracket if desired. This row cleaner also features SharkTooth wheels as standard equipment.

The floating row cleaner and unit-mounted coulters are available on many planters as factory-installed equipment.

NOTE: Screw-adjust row cleaners are not compatible with MaxEmerge™ 5e row-units with long parallel arms.

NOTE: DB models have the option for either unit-mounted coulter, screw-adjust row cleaners, or pneumatic row cleaners (only compatible with MaxEmerge 5e or equipped ExactEmerge™ models). The DB60T is only available with a less row cleaner option.

SharkTooth is a trademark of Yetter Manufacturing, Inc.

Connected Support technology

When you buy John Deere equipment, you expect reliability. You also know that problems can happen, and a product is only as good as the support behind it. That’s why John Deere equipment is prepared with technology that senses potential issues and can alert you and your dealer promptly—in the cab or anywhere you are.

John Deere Connected Support is a revolutionary change to support that leverages technology and the connectivity of JDLink™ telematics to prevent downtime and resolve problems faster. These tools decrease downtime by an average of 20 percent, enabling faster responses to unexpected problems and reducing technician trips to your machine. For some issues, unplanned downtime can even be prevented altogether through prediction of the issue.

With your permission, John Deere Connected Support:

• Keeps you running by monitoring machine health and promptly alerting you and your dealer of issues
• Saves time by remotely viewing in-cab displays, reducing trips to the machine
• Reduces or even eliminates technician trips to a machine through remote diagnostic and remote software reprogramming capabilities
• Connects experts with the information needed to respond to downtime faster and prevent it altogether

With more than a decade of experience leveraging connectivity to solve problems, no one else has the experience, tools, and knowledge to keep you running as John Deere and your John Deere dealer can. Connected Support is an in-base feature on all John Deere products with factory- or field-installed JDLink.

VRD shown on a 1775NT

The seed variable-rate drive provides the ultimate planting productivity by utilizing one, two or three hydraulic motors (varies by model) to turn the seeding drive shaft. Hydraulic control of the seeding drive allows for on-the-go seeding rate changes right from the display mounted inside the tractor cab. 

Combine this seeding flexibility with the map-based planting option, and seeding rates adjust automatically based on a prescription map.

Single- or dual-motor systems for variable-rate drives are available for all John Deere planters except the 1785 Rigid Frame. Dual- or three-motor drive systems are commonly used on larger (12-row and more) planters and offer the capability of half-width or three-section drive disconnect.

The VRD is available as a factory-installed option for all applicable planter models. Single- or dual-motor systems are available as field-installed attachments for most planter models; however, a three-motor VRD field-installed attachment is not available.

The seed VRD requires the SeedStar™ monitor and a radar input signal. Either tractor or planter radar may be used. Planter radar is ordered separately.

VRD offers the following advantages over common, contact-tire drive systems: 

• Almost instantaneous rate changes – there is no ramp up or ramp down of system as in some competitive systems
• Permits the operator to match seed population based on different soil types or irrigation practices
• John Deere design that provides added operator safety by eliminating any possible drive creep found in some competitive variable rate drive systems

Half-width drive disconnect

The half-width drive disconnect feature is excellent for the producer concerned with controlling seed costs. This feature helps the operator place seed in the desired area and limit the amount of costly overlapped planting. 

The half-width drive disconnect allows the operator to turn off half of the planter at a time for planting end rows, point rows, etc. Variable-rate-equipped planters require two drive motors to utilize the half-width disconnect feature. 

Half-width drive disconnect within frame control

With a 1765, 1765NT, and 1775 12-Row Planter, a single switch box is required for planters that are ordered with variable rate drive and half-width disconnect.

For the 1775NT, 1775NT Central Commodity System (CCS™), and 1795 Front-Folding Planters, the half-width drive disconnect switch is contained within the frame control box, conveniently located in the tractor cab. The function easily shuts off the drive for the left or right half of the planter row-unit seed meters.

Three-width drive disconnect

Three-width drive disconnect control

Three-width drive disconnect is an option on 1725 12-Row Planters and is base equipment on the 1725 16Row30 Planter. This feature is activated by three individual console mounted switches (control box), conveniently located in the tractor cab. The function easily shuts off the planter row-unit seed meters by one-, two-, or three-drive segments independently.

Integrated innovation is what operators will appreciate with the SeedStar 2 monitoring system and GreenStar™ 2 Display. An increasing number of acres combined with rising seed costs drive the need to easily understand planter functions and monitor performance. It is all about making every seed count and that is what SeedStar 2 delivers. 

The SeedStar 2 monitoring system is a full-feature, color, seed population monitor used in conjunction with the GreenStar family of displays. SeedStar 2 is compatible with the GreenStar 2 1800 and 2600 Displays, GreenStar 3 2630 Display, the Gen 4 4200 CommandCenter™ Display, the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter Display, the 4240 Universal Display, and the 4640 Universal Display. SeedStar 2 is not compatible with the Gen 4 Extended Monitor. Conveniently, SeedStar 2 planting functions are fully integrated with the full spectrum of Precision Ag Technology applications—guidance, coverage maps, and field documentation can be shown all on one display.

When a SeedStar 2 system is used on a planter, there is no need for a ComputerTrak™ monitor. All vital planting information is displayed in one central, easy-to-read location.

SeedStar 2 features

SeedStar 2 full-screen planter run page

SeedStar 2 is a user-friendly system that has retained all the valued features of SeedStar and incorporated the next generation of enhancements. For example, on-screen color indicators show drive engagement/disengagement status. In addition, three color planter-at-a-glance bars (black, orange, or red) visually inform the operator of row population status.

Not only does SeedStar 2 incorporate the use of color, it also utilizes an intuitive icon and folder based operator interface. Icons are easy to understand across many languages and reduce the need for text. Icons for planter main run page, planter setup, seed/crop setup, totals, and diagnostics are located in the soft-key region of the display. Setup is performed by selecting the appropriate icon and then choosing the tabs to enter/select information.

The SeedStar 2 monitor offers all the features and functionality of the ComputerTrak 350 monitor and much more. SeedStar 2 monitors the following planter functions:

• Row population/spacing
• Row failure
• Average population (entire planter and by variable-rate drive [VRD] motor section)
• Vacuum level
• Fertilizer pressure
• Acre counter
• Total acreage
• Tractor speed

In addition, planter operational information is available within the SeedStar 2 monitor system. Such operational information includes population charts, seed disk vacuum settings, and setting recommendations for the piston pump liquid fertilizer system.

All SeedStar 2 systems have the capability, through a single controller, to perform both the seed monitoring and variable rate drive functions. SeedStar 2 monitoring is required for VRD population control. Even though the planter may not be equipped with SeedStar 2 VRD, the SeedStar 2 monitoring system is available and will allow for future installation of VRD.

SeedStar 2 is compatible with the RowCommand™ system and Section Control

SeedStar 2 enhancements

SeedStar 2 half-screen planter run page

SeedStar 2 showing half-width disconnect status

The SeedStar 2 enhanced planter features include:

• GreenStar 2 display integration – eliminates the need to operate the GreenStar 2 2600 Display in the original GreenStar monitor mode or the use of dual displays.
• User-friendly, intuitive icons
• Half- or full-screen run page
• On-screen, color drive status – a quick glance at the display tells the operator if the half-width disconnect is engaged or disengaged.
• Three-color planter-at-a-glance population bar – a black bar indicates that population is close to target and within established limits; orange shows the population is above/below the alarm set point; and red signals the population is out of operating range or is not planting.
• Three-piece, color VRD indicator – each piece of the VRD gear pie turns green when the wheel motion sensor is active, planter is lowered, and drives are engaged.

SeedStar monitoring original features

SeedStar 2 retains all those SeedStar features that producers value and have come to expect:

• Planter at a glance – allows operator to view relative population levels of all rows on one screen.
• Automatic valve calibration – with the SeedStar VRD, this is now completed automatically. There is no longer a need to manually calibrate the hydraulic valves.
• Increased population updates – SeedStar will now update population levels once a second at planter start up then approximately once every three seconds.
• Mapping of actual seed rates – When combined with Field Doc™ system, actual and target seeding rates can now be mapped in APEX™ software.
• Reprogrammable utilizing controller area network (CAN) via Service ADVISOR™ diagnostics system.
• Improved diagnostics/event recorder – on SeedStar VRD planters, additional diagnostic information is available, as well as an event recorder to capture system performance data at a specific point in time.
• Ability to run motors at different population levels – on SeedStar VRD, operators running multiple motor systems can run each motor at a different speed, allowing different population levels within a planter.
• User-configurable high fertilizer pressure alarm – allows the operator to be warned when fertilizer pressure reaches a specific level.
• Automatic quick-start for SeedStar VRD – the operator no longer needs to press the quick-start button on end row turns to resume planting.
• Automatic tractor speed source selection – when equipped with an 8000/9000 Series Tractor, the system selects the radar speed or allows for manual speed input selection.

Individual Row Hydraulic Downforce (IRHD)

IRHD system

IRHD has been specifically designed to meet the needs of producers that are looking to adjust to the toughest field conditions and provide maximum yield potential from field to field, season after season. IRHD works as a closed-loop downforce system that reacts quickly on an individual row basis to changing soil conditions supporting increased ground contact, which can lead to improved seed depth consistency. When setting planter downforce margin, the system will apply the needed downforce by row to maintain ground contact. From the factory, the margin will be set at 45.4 kg (100 lb), changes may be required based on varying field conditions.

The system allows operators to maintain gauge wheel ground contact leading to desired seed depth placement. IRHD can adjust five times per second and make adjustments of 45.4 kg (100 lb) in less than a second. The system has a total range of applied downforce from 22.7 kg (50 lb) to 204.1 kg (450 lb) and utilizes the power beyond circuit on the tractor. IRHD is 58 percent faster than the active pneumatic downforce solution. Fast reaction and increased ground contact can lead to improved emergence. With uniform emergence, some studies have shown a yield impact from 5 percent to 9 percent.

IRHD is controlled through the display with SeedStar™ 3 HP or SeedStar 4HP. As shown below, operators can view ground contact or applied downforce using the toggle button.

IRHD screen showing the ground contact graph through SeedStar 4HP

IRHD screen showing the applied downforce graph with SeedStar 4HP

Hydraulically driven compressor

Pneumatic valve

The hydraulically driven air compressor can deliver up to eight times the air flow when compared to the electric compressor, allowing for more and faster downforce changes to be made. This more robust design features a 37.8-L (10-gal.) storage tank across all models with active downforce.

At approximately 15.1 L/min (4 gpm), hydraulic demands are low and ties into the machine’s lift and Central Commodity System (CCS™) hydraulic circuit so it does not require any additional selective control valves (SCVs). The SeedStar XP, SeedStar 3 HP, and SeedStar 4 HP monitoring systems work with the compressor. SeedStar 3 HP and SeedStar 4 HP monitoring systems work with the compressor and valve assembly to regulate air to downforce springs, enabling the active control, pneumatic closing wheels, and pneumatic row cleaners.

Row-unit downforce planter run page

SeedStar XP downforce planter run page

Active downforce control is integrated into SeedStar XP, SeedStar 3 HP, and SeedStar 4 HP monitoring systems.

Margin is the amount of weight riding on the depth gauge wheels that ensures desired firming of the seedbed as set by the operator.

Once a target margin has been defined, enter the value into the display and let active downforce do the rest. The system will actively adjust the air pressure in the air bags to maintain a constant margin across the planter. The changes in air pressure will change the amount of downforce placed on the row-unit, compensating and reacting for varying conditions through the field whether it is different tillage practices, soil types, or moisture.

Downforce and margin example

• A - Margin – amount of additional downforce applied to a row-unit above and beyond what is required for penetration to achieve planting depth. This additional weight will ride on the depth gauge wheels. 
  • 54.4 kg (120 lb) + 36.3 kg (80 lb) = 90.7 kg (200 lb) – 68 kg (150 lb) = 22.7 kg (50 lb) of margin
• B - Weight of row-unit - 54.4 kg (120 lb)
• C - Downforce – force that is applied to the row-unit by the air bag circuit - 36.3 kg (80 lb)
• D - Resistance from soil - 68 kg (150 lb)

Margin video references:

Understanding Margin

Using Set Point downforce

Using Active Pneumatic downforce

SeedStar 4HP: Downforce

Active downforce compressor assembly

A hydraulically driven compressor works with the SeedStar XP, SeedStar 3 HP, and SeedStar 4 systems to automate downforce control. Just set the row-unit target margin value and the active pneumatic downforce system works automatically. The system will make sure the planter maintains this value, achieving precise soil penetration, and consistent planting depth, without sidewall soil compaction. From the factory, the system is set at 45.4 kg (100 lb) target downforce margin but may be modified for varying field conditions. This frees the operator from constantly making manual downforce adjustments as conditions change.

This system offers a split-rank control feature for 1795 and DB Split-Row Planters. On split-row planters, active downforce will control the front and rear rows independently. This compensates for differing downforce requirements between the ranks that can be caused by things like different tillage or insecticide attachments and will help maintain an accurate planting depth and consistent margin across all the rows.

Active pneumatic downforce is available as factory installed or as an attachment for field conversion.

Set point row-unit downforce

Pneumatic downforce control in GreenStar 2 Display

Air compressor mounted on 1775NT outer hitch

On set point, the air compressor will be mounted on the outer hitch or frame assembly. Since the electric air compressor assembly is mounted on the outer hitch (as noted in the picture above) or frame, adjustments for row-unit downforce and related system pressures will be made electronically with the GreenStar display.

When adjusting the amount of row-unit downforce using the GreenStar display, the operator will select the amount of downforce (kg [lb]) to be applied across the planter. Depending on the soil conditions at hand, the operator might need to adjust the relative amount of row-unit downforce being applied during the planting operation. The integrated pneumatic downforce controls within the GreenStar display will only allow for set-point operation and not automatic control as the planter is operating in different soil conditions. The pneumatic downforce system does not have the capability to automatically adjust downforce.

Pneumatic downforce provides convenient, simple adjustment of downforce for the whole planter from one location. The amount of downforce applied is infinitely adjustable from 6.8 to 181.4 kg (15 to 400 lb). Pneumatic downforce provides more consistent downforce throughout the range of row-unit travel than mechanical spring downforce systems.

Features include:

• 9.5-mm (3/8-in.) air delivery line instead of the 6.4-mm (1/4-in.) line used on model year 2010 and older planters.
• Air compressor assembly increased duty cycle. With this compressor, it provides a 47 percent increase in maximum air flow delivery compared to the prior air compressor.
• Pneumatic air bags with 9.5-mm (3/8-in.) air line inlets that have greater durability.

Pneumatic downforce spring

Each row-unit has a single rubber air bag located between the parallel arms. The air bags are hooked in parallel so that air can be added or released from all rows at once from one location.

The individual pneumatic downforce air bag assemblies, air compressor units, and 9.5-mm (3/8-in.) delivery lines are also available as an attachment for field conversion.

Pneumatic downforce compressor and gauge

An improved compressor is used to charge the pneumatic system. This compressor can be located on the planter frame or in the tractor cab if desired. A gauge at the compressor indicates the amount of downforce being applied.

Integrated pneumatic downforce system

The functional features of the integrated system are the same as the standard pneumatic system, explained above, with the addition of control through the GreenStar display.

Heavy-duty adjustable downforce springs

Heavy-duty adjustable downforce spring

Planter row-unit downforce is an important factor to ensure consistent and proper depth control. The heavy-duty adjustable downforce feature provides up to 181.4 kg (400 lb) of downforce. There are four settings available to allow the operator to choose the amount of downforce required for the condition: 0 kg (0 lb), 56.7 kg (125 lb), 113.4 kg (250 lb), and 181.4 kg (400 lb).

Option code 2625 – Liquid fertilizer with row-unit mounted in-furrow applicator:

• This option contains a ground driven pump, plumbing to a manifold, and routing to each row-unit. The in-furrow applicator places fertilizer after the seed and before the closing wheels.

The DB60 24Row Split 47 Planter and DB60 24Row Split 48 Planter applies fertilizer on 76.2-cm (30-in.) row spacing only.

RowCommand controls seed output

RowCommand on a MaxEmerge™ 5 row-unit

RowCommand on a chain drive MaxEmerge 5 row-unit

Controlling input costs and improving productivity are key producer requirements today. RowCommand is an effective, integrated John Deere solution designed to meet these intensifying needs. The RowCommand system manages seed output, reduces yield drag, and improves harvest capabilities on all Pro-Shaft™ driven row-units, and chain-driven MaxEmerge 5.

NOTE: Chain-drive RowCommand is only compatible with planters equipped with pneumatic downforce systems. On planters equipped with the heavy-duty downforce springs, potential chain interference may result and is not recommended.

NOTE: Chain-drive RowCommand requires some modification to brackets in order to function with corn finger pickup meters.

NOTE: Pro-Shaft drive RowCommand is compatible on MaxEmerge 5 row-units with vacuum and corn finger pickup meters. For mini-hopper row-units, RowCommand is compatible on vacuum meters only and is not compatible on corn finger pickup meters. Pro-Series™ XP row-units with corn finger pickup meters are not compatible with RowCommand.

RowCommand controls seed output by incorporating individual, low amperage clutches inside the Pro-Shaft and chain-driven gearboxes. Clutches are completely enclosed within the gearbox housing to protect them from the elements and harsh operating conditions.

When power is supplied, either manually or through John Deere Section Control software, clutches disengage the seed meters and seed flow stops. Controlling seed output at individual rows reduces overplanting in point rows and maximizes seed placement when entering/exiting headlands.

Components and operation

Electronic power modules shown on a 1775NT Planter

RowCommand clutch on MaxEmerge 5 with 105.7-L (3-bu) hopper

RowCommand is a simple and efficient solution to control individual row planting. This system does not utilize air to operate; therefore, no compressor, air lines, or valve modules are required.

RowCommand utilizes low-voltage controller area network (CAN) messaging to signal power to the desired clutches to stop planting or eliminates power to resume planting.

This means very little power is used in normal planting conditions, and in the event a clutch fails electrically, the meter will continue to plant.

The RowCommand system requires the following five basic components to operate: 

Clutches are protected within the sealed Pro-Shaft and chain-driven gearboxes for years of trouble-free operation and simple installation or removal. RowCommand has true individual-row control of up to 16 clutches or sections for planters larger than 16 rows.

Unique to RowCommand, the 16 available control sections can be configured based on operator preferences. For example, on a 1775NT 24-Row Planter, every two rows can be paired together for a total of 12 control sections, or control the outermost eight rows individually and the remaining inner rows paired together for 16 control sections.

While SeedStar with RowCommand has 16 control sections, a minimum of 152.4-cm (60-in.) wide sections are recommended for optimum Swath Control Pro™ solution capabilities. As with other Swath Control Pro products, an SF2 signal is the minimum level of accuracy recommend for operation.

Chain-drive RowCommand and heavy-duty downforce

Chain interference with heavy-duty downforce

As seen in the image, chain interference may result when operating chain-drive RowCommand on planters equipped with short and long parallel arms and heavy-duty downforce springs.

NOTE: Chain-drive RowCommand is only compatible with planters equipped with pneumatic downforce systems. On planters equipped with the heavy-duty downforce springs, potential chain interference may result and is not recommended.

Chain-drive RowCommand with corn finger pickup meters

Bracket material removal

Due to the design characteristics of the chain-drive RowCommand clutch, some modification to the corn finger pickup meter drive bracket is required. As seen in the picture to the left, some material needs to be removed from the front of the meter drive bracket in order for the chain-drive RowCommand clutch to have sufficient space for installation.

NOTE: Chain-drive RowCommand requires some modification to brackets in order to function with corn finger pickup meters.

RowCommand ordering information

To add RowCommand to a model year 2009 and newer planter model listed above is simple. Pro-Shaft drive attachments for field conversion and chain-drive attachments for field conversion are available by planter model to add the appropriate number of clutches, EPMs, brackets, hardware and row-unit harnesses. For complete installation and part detail for the RowCommand conversion, please use the RowCommand compatibility tool per specific planter model.
 
RowCommand is compatible and available for model year 2003 (serial number 700101) to 2008 (725101) planter models listed above. In addition to the attachment for field conversion attachment, a planter mainframe harness, SeedStar 2 controller (wedge box), and additional CAN harnesses are needed.

Integrated Swath Control Pro

Coupling RowCommand with Swath Control Pro provides the ultimate in precision planting and productivity. One company and one integrated solution are what John Deere offers by incorporating Swath Control Pro capabilities within the SeedStar 2 wedge box (controller). Unlike previous systems, no rate controller, additional harnessing, or components are required to achieve automated individual-row control.

SeedStar 2 and XP monitoring, RowCommand, and Swath Control Pro activation from John Deere Precision Ag Technologies are all that is needed when ordering.

System requirements

RowCommand is a simple and efficient means to control individual row planting using low-voltage electric clutches. When activated, each clutch consumes no more than 0.5 amps. By design, power is only supplied to the clutch when a signal is received to stop planting. In a normal planting condition, no power is supplied, and the clutch is de-energized. 

Power for the RowCommand system is provided from the nine-pin ISO implement connector. All late-model 8X00 and 9X00 Series and newer John Deere Tractors equipped with the nine-pin ISO implement connector can supply ample power for system operation.

Along with ample system power, a GreenStar display and SeedStar monitoring are required for operation and control interface. The GreenStar display is where system setup, control settings, and manual control functions are performed.

CCS

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

The two tanks have a combined capacity of 2466.7 L (70 bu) on 9.1-m (30-ft) planters and 3523.9 L (100 bu) on 12.2-m (40-ft) and larger planters. CCS tanks are manufactured using a rotomolded, polyethylene design to ensure maximum durability. The translucent tanks allow easily viewing the amount of seed in the tanks. The tanks are separated by 54.6 cm (21.5 in.) for enhanced rear visibility during transport and backing.

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

Filling the tanks is convenient due to a central filling location. The staircase and railing provide access to the filling platform between the tanks. If filling the tanks with an auger, minimum recommendations are a 15.2-cm (6-in.) diameter, 4.3-m (14-ft) auger. Each tank has an adjustable bin-level sensor to alert the operator when it is time to fill.

A standard fill light package is available on machines equipped with CCS. This feature includes two lights conveniently mounted on the railings of the machine. The lights are turned on and off with their own switch located at the bottom of the staircase.

If the seed-carrying vehicle requires hydraulic power to run the unloading system, the auxiliary hydraulic coupler option is available. These couplers are located at the bottom of the staircase and can be coupled under pressure. The system has a separate system filter that ensures the planter hydraulic system remains free of contaminates.

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 tanks to the row-units. This fan is plumbed in to the planter's raise/lower circuit, so only one selective control valve (SCV) is needed for both functions. When the planter is lowered, lift cylinders bottom out and hydraulic flow is diverted 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 tanks through a nozzle in the manifold which pressurizes the tank. The air then picks up seed and moves it 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 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 tank scales for DB Planter models

The CCS tank scales for DB models are a stand-alone system from Digi-Star®. Load cells are installed at the factory and can be ordered for CCS or CCS with Refuge Plus.

There are three load cells, two at the rear of the CCS cradle and one at the front. They weigh both tanks as one; individual tank weights cannot be determined. 

The load cells and display are made by Digi-Star. They are not on the controller area network (CAN) bus system so they are not integrated into SeedStar™ software in any way. The monitor is sold separately through Digi-Star.

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.

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

Digi-Star is a trademark of Digi-Star LLC.