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

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.

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 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).

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.

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, and varying conditions across fields and time.

GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display view for row cleaners compatible with SeedStar™ 3 HP

4600 CommandCenter™ Display 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 3 HP, the row cleaners are completely integrated into the John Deere GreenStar 3 2630 Display as well as the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter display or 4640 Universal Display. For growers using SeedStar 4HP, a 4600 CommandCenter display 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: at 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 performance upgrade 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. They are available on most ExactEmerge and MaxEmerge 5e equipped planters.

SharkTooth is a trademark of Yetter Manufacturing Incorporated.

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 tube. Seed bounce and ricochet may occur as slopes increases, ultimately decreasing seed spacing performance.

The design of the BrushBelt system 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 system

When the brush comes around the pulley, it expands and allows 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 system expands again to loosen the grip on the seed, and the centrifugal force releases the seed. Another advantage with the BrushBelt system and cartridge at all speeds up to 16.1 km/p (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 system also acts as a cleaner to the seed sensor compared to a seed tube.

Sensors for trench delivery system

Reflective seed sensor

Sensor on trench delivery system

On all ExactEmerge row-units, each cartridge is equipped with sensors. As the seeds are being delivered through the BrushBelt delivery system 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 can 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 system holds each seed in place until released in the trench, allowing the seed sensor a more accurate read.

BrushBelt removed from trench delivery system

The BrushBelt system 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 after noticeable wear or decreased performance.

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 a wax-based fluency agent.

Have you wanted to view more than one planter chart at once? SeedStar 4HP gives you multiple views and configurations in one simple overview page to fit your preferences. You can complete the simplified setup from the Work Setup page instead of having multiple applications to open.

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. 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
• Advanced 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).

SeedStar 3 HP conversion to SeedStar 4HP with mobile row-unit runoff aftermarket for field conversion kits

Growers who are currently running model year 2017 planters, model year 2017 and newer performance upgrade kits, or model year 2017 and newer custom-built planters with the SeedStar 3 HP monitoring system can upgrade to the SeedStar 4HP monitoring system with mobile row-unit runoff. The attachment part, AA100382, is software only. The Gen 4 display software version will need to be 19-1 or newer and will require planter apps. Follow the mobile runoff ordering and software push guide below for ordering and installation. Retrofitted planters and custom-built planters will also require the John Deere Connect Mobile kit, 0048PC, from the Precision Ag Technology Price Pages and wiring harness AA83662 to enable the mobile row-unit runoff feature. Please reference Parts Advisor and DTAC Solution 105181 for model-specific mounting brackets. SeedStar 4HP requires the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter v2 display or 4640 Universal Display.

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.

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

Access Settings Manager on the Work Setup screen

Settings Manager screen

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 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.

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 individual rate needs a unique variety name.

NOTE: Advanced rates are not compatible with prescriptions or they cannot be run at the same time.

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

YouTube is a trademark of Google LLC.

Compatibility

Custom integral planter completing packages

Variable-rate drive system

The variable-rate drive on the 12Row, 16Row, 18Row, and 24Row integral planter completing packages provide the ultimate planting productivity by utilizing three hydraulic motors 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.

The variable-rate drive requires the SeedStar™ 2 monitor and a speed input signal. Either tractor or planter radar may be used, or a global positioning system (GPS) speed signal. The radar speed input signal is recommended. Planter radar is ordered separately.

The variable-rate drive offers the following advantages: 

• Almost instantaneous rate changes – no ramp up or ramp down of the 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

Three-width drive disconnect control

Three-width drive disconnect is base equipment on the custom 12Row, 16Row, 18Row, and 24Row integral planter completing packages. 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. 

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.