John Deere N542C No-Till Air Drill
Agriculture
- Quick Change Blade enhancement of the ProSeries™ Opener reduces change time by up to 45%1
- Wide variety of working widths and row spacings
- Latest John Deere technologies
- Premium Lighting and easier access to meters
| Openers - Down pressure | Style Hydraulic rank 74.8-181.4 kg/opener (165-400 lb) |
|---|---|
| Tractor requirements - Hydraulic Power Beyond | Required for in-cab opener downforce and electric power generation |
| Dimensions - Centerframe width | 4.6 m 15.2 ft |
| Seed Storage - Type | Pneumatic |
| Openers - Rank lock-up | Individual |
| Seed Metering - Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Wheat | ≤ 2,970,000 seeds per acre (7,300,000 seeds per hectare) |
| Seed Metering - Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Oats | ≤ 2,500,000 seeds per acre (6,180,000 seeds per hectare) |
| Dimensions - From ground to top of lights | ≤ 310 cm (122 in.) |
| Openers - Furrow closing | Description Cast wheel at 15-degree vertical angle Serrated closing wheel at 15-degree vertical angle Size Cast wheel: 2.54x30.5 cm 1x12 in. Material Cast Down force Down-pressure from 11.8-19.5 kg 26-43 lb Serrated or smooth cast closing wheel |
| Seed Storage - Tank Scales | Optional; provides summed commodity weight |
| Key Specs - Number of ranks | Single; Dual |
| Seed Storage - Blower drive type | Hydraulic |
| Key Specs - Spacing | Dual rank: 7.5-in. (19.1 cm) spacing; 10-in. (25.4 cm) spacing Single rank: 15-in. (38.1 cm) spacing |
| Seed Metering - Description | Central volumetric metering |
| Dimensions - From ground to top of safety rail | ≤ 322.6 cm 127 in. |
| Seed Metering - Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Rice | ≤ 1,700,000 seeds per acre (4,200,000 seeds per hectare) |
| Dimensions - Frame | Cross members 102x152 mm 4x6 in. End tubes 51x152 mm 2x6 in. Hitch 254x152 mm 10x6 in. |
| Seed Storage - Tank Description | Central, non-pressurized polyethylene tank |
| Additional information - Four-section seed on/off | Standard |
| Key Specs - Working widths | 13 m 42 ft |
| Dimensions - Transport height | < 4.88 m < 16 ft |
| Additional information - Implement harness connection, 12 VDC | 7-pin SAE, 9-pin ISO |
| Additional information - Implement harness connection, 56 VDC | Power take-off (PTO) power gen |
| Additional information - Fast start/Quick start | Standard |
| Seed Metering - Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Soybean | ≤ 250,000 seeds per acre (618,000 seeds per hectare) |
| Equipment compatibility (at 1.5 in. seeding depth and 8 mph) - Tractor drawbar power required, 10-in (25.4 cm) models | ≥ 232 kW (311 hp) |
| Seed Storage - Blower | 45 cm (17.7 in.) diameter impeller |
| Key Specs - Openers | Style No-till Rank lock-up Individual Diameter 45.7 cm 18 in. Down pressure 74.8-181.4 kg/opener (165-400 lb) Dual rank - 7.5-in. (19.1 cm) spacing: 68 Dual rank - 10-in. (25.4 cm) spacing: 50 Single rank - 15-in. (38.1 cm) spacing: 34 |
| Tractor requirements - Minimum number of SCV's | Three - one fold, one opener raise/lower, one seed distribution blower |
| Seed Metering - Metering Drive Type | Electric |
| Tires - Wings standard | (4) 31x13.5-15 NHS |
| Seed Storage - Total Tank Capacity | 4200 L (120 bu) |
| Seed Metering - Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Barley | ≤ 1,000,000 seeds per acre (2,470,000 seeds per hectare) |
| Equipment compatibility (at 1.5 in. seeding depth and 8 mph) - Tractor drawbar power required, 7.5-in (19.1 cm) models | ≥ 292 kW (392 hp) |
| Additional information - Seed blockage sensor per row | Standard |
| Additional information - Operator interface | Description: QT / Gen 4 Language: English, Spanish, English/Spanish, English/French |
| Sizes - Working widths | 11 m 36 ft |
| Dimensions - Weight before ballast | Dual rank - 7.5-in. (19.1 cm) spacing: ≤ 31,000 lb. (14,100 kg) Dual rank - 10-in. (25.4 cm) spacing: ≤ 27,300 lb. (12,400 kg) Single rank - 15-in. (38.1 cm) spacing: ≤ 19,200 lb. (8700 kg) |
| Dimensions - From ground to top of lid | ≤ 310 cm (122 in.) |
| Tires - Mainframe standard | (4) 33x15.5-16 on front, (4) 33x15.5-16 on rear |
| Tires - Wheel spacing, center frame | Width of duals, center to center 322.1 cm (126.8 in.) Width outside to outside of dual pair, front - largest tire option 130.8 cm 51.5 in. Width outside to outside of dual pair, rear 130.8 cm 51.5 in. Tire width, front - largest tire option 50.8 cm (20 in.) Tire width, rear - largest tire option 50.8 cm 20 in. |
| Dimensions - Clearance from rank to rank | 134 cm 52.8 in. |
| Additional information - Date collected | 1 March 2019 |
| Equipment compatibility (at 1.5 in. seeding depth and 8 mph) - Tractor drawbar power required, 15-in (38.1 cm) models | ≥ 172 kW (231 hp) |
| Dimensions - Overall length | ≤ 9.1 m ≤ 29.9 ft |
| Tires - Wing tires and wheels | (8) 33x15.5-16 |
| Additional information - Tool-mounted alternator | 56 VDC Optional: 56 VDC |
| Openers - Disk | Diameter 45.7 cm 18 in. Angle 7-degree angle 45.7 cm (18-in.) disk blade at 7-degree angle |
| Dimensions - Centerline of mainframe wheel support tube to centerline of wing wheel support tubes | 3.2 m 10.4 ft |
| Seed Metering - Crops | Barley, oats, rice, sorghum, soybean, wheat |
| Openers - Depth control | Description Gauge wheel (smooth sided or spoked) Gauge wheel size 4.5x16 in. 11.4x40.6 cm Range 0.5-3.5 in. (1.3-8.9 cm) Increments 0.25 in. (0.64 cm) |
| Tractor requirements - Minimum hydraulic capacity | 58 gpm (220 L/min) at 2900 psi (200 bar) |
| Seed Storage - Tank Fill Screen | Optional; one per tank opening |
| Dimensions - From ground to platform | ≤ 220 cm 85 in. |
| Tires - Centerframe tires and wheels | (4) 500/40R16 on front, (4) 500/40R16 on rear |
| Tractor requirements - Minimum electrical capacity | 48 A at 12 VDC |
| Dimensions - Road clearance | > 17.8 cm > 7.0 in. |
| Seed Metering - Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Milo/Sorghum | ≤ 100,000 seeds per acre (247,000 seeds per hectare) |
| Dimensions - Transport width | < 5.64 m < 18.5 ft |
| Sizes - Spacing | Dual rank: 7.5-in. (19.1 cm) spacing; 10-in. (25.4 cm) spacing Single rank: 15-in. (38.1 cm) spacing |
| Seed Storage - Distribution hose size | 1 in. (2.54 cm) ID for 38.1 cm (15 in.) row spacing 1.13 in. (3.13 cm) ID primaries with 1 in. (2.54 cm) ID secondaries for 19.1 and 25.4 cm (7.5 and 10 in.) row spacings |
| Openers - Style | No-till |
| Dimensions - Lateral frame clearance, opener to opener | 15 in. (38.1 mm) for 7.5-in (19.1 cm) models |
| Openers - In-Furrow press wheel | Material Rubber Packing force Adjustable down-pressure from 2.3 to 20.4 kg 5 to 45 lb 2.54x25.4 cm 1x10 in. |
| Sizes - Number of ranks | Single; Dual |
Featured List
- Spacing: 7.5 in., 10 in., 15 in., 20 in.
- Working Width: 42ft.
- Capacity: 100 bu., 120 bu.
- Opener: ProSeries™
Featured Content
Downforce control from the Gen 4 display
TruSet downforce allows operators to set downforce pressures from inside the cab. Downforce can easily be changed by the push of a button as soil conditions very. Proper downforce is directly related to a consistent seeding depth, which leads to improved even emergence, plant density, and maturity.
TruSet system quick-reference guide
TruSet downforce settings:
A. Select to manually input a value
B. Select to increase or decrease the target force of the openers
C. Downforce toggle button: select to enable or disable the downforce
D. Indicates that the downforce is enabled
E. Indicates that the downforce is disabled
F. Indicates that the downforce is enabled but not applying
EquipmentPlus app home screen
Tank scale weights and meter calibrations can be completed from an Android™ or iOS® mobile device anywhere around the machine.
Calibrating tank scales
Calibration complete
Tank scale weights can be viewed anywhere within 15.2 m (50 ft). The EquipmentPlus app can also be used to calibrate the tank scales as needed.
Initial meter calibration
Select meters to calibrate
Select the meters that toned to be calibrated. Calibrations are recommended every morning or when crops/seed sizes are changed.
Steps to complete calibration
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the calibration.
Press meter calibration switch
Once the catch bags are in place, hold down the meter calibration switch until the number of revolutions is complete.
Weights of bag for each meter
Entering the weight of the bags
Enter the weights of the bags into the app.
Save meter displacement values (MDV)
MDV values are updated
The EquipmentPlus app will calculate MDV based on the number of revolutions and the product weights. Operators can choose to accept the proposed MDV values or not.
Android is a trademark of Google LLC. iOS is a trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc.
N500C with SeedMetering2
N500C in the field
The N500C is designed for no-till seeding. The N500C with SeedMetering2 offers accurate volumetric metering in a compact tank-mounted-on-frame design, with the convenience of the Central Commodity System (CCS™) bulk-fill capabilities.
The N500C is available in single- or dual-rank designs, with 9.15-m, 11-m, 12.2-m, and 12.8-m (30-ft, 36-ft, 40-ft, and 42-ft) working widths. The single-rank N500C is available in 38.1-cm (15-in.) row spacing, making for a highly productive soybean seeding machine, while the dual-rank models are available in 19-cm or 25.4-cm (7.5-in. or 10-in.) row spacings. The dual-rank models also feature an optional dual row spacing package, which allows them to seed in their standard spacing or lock-up one rank and seed in 38.1-cm or 50.8-cm (15-in. or 20-in.) row spacings.
The productivity of the CCS comes standard with the N500C. The CCS bulk-fill tanks feature 3523.9-L (100-bu) capacity on the 9.15-m (30-ft) to 11-m (36-ft) models. The 12.2-m (40-ft) and 12.8-m (42-ft) models offer 4228.7 L (120 bu) of capacity to allow operators to seed more acres before stopping to refill.
The N500C features the Pro-Series™ No-Till Openers. With well over one million no-till openers in the field today, this proven opener offers accurate seed placement with the exclusive active hydraulic downforce ground-following system while minimizing moisture loss with its low-disturbance opener design.
ProSeries Openers
The ProSeries Opener is John Deere’s most advanced opener for your seed and separate fertilizer placement. When it comes to seeding precision, consistent seed depth, and uniform emergence in virtually all field conditions, you can superSEED your expectations with ProSeries.
Two of the three daily grease points were removed. The only remaining grease point is a yearly interval. The narrow seed boot travels behind the shadow of the blade, causing less soil disturbance. When attaching the boot to the shank, the bolt has been replaced with a flag pin. Now the flag pin is the wear point, not the casting, reducing overall maintenance. The seed press wheel is also redesigned; it has a narrow profile, a double-wall bearing, and is made of a flexible material. The quick-change blade feature reduces the time it takes to change each blade, saving time and money. Lastly, the seed tab is UV resistant and profiled similar to the trench. There is also the added option of the serrated closing wheel.
ProSeries Openers are in base equipment on all N500 and N500F Separate Fertilizer Placement (SFP), N500C, 1990 Central Commodity System (CCS™), and 1590 Air Drills.
The ProSeries Openers:
- Work not only in no-till conditions, but also in minimum or reduced-till conditions
- Provide 51 mm (2 in.) of free travel in the opener before spring down pressure takes over
- Benefit: allows the opener to move over uneven ground conditions and minimize the chance of the gauge wheels bulldozing soil in soft or mellow conditions
- The opener spring travels a maximum of 203-mm (8-in.) up or 150-mm (6-in.) down before the hydraulics react to uneven seedbeds
The tank on the N500C has been moved up and back to allow for better access to the meters. The blower fan has been relocated to the front of the tank to allow non-obstructed access to all four meters.
Rear of N500C machine
Relocated blower fan
Easy meter access
The updated tank design is also larger. The 9.15-m (30-ft) to 11-m (36-ft) models offer a 3523.9 -L (100-bu) tank. The 12.2-m (40-ft) and 12.8-m (42-ft) models offer a 4228.7-L (120-bu) tank.
3523.9-L (100-bu) tank
Tank cleanout has also been improved. Producers can place a seed box or conveyer under the tanks to empty out excess seed. The tank has been designed so there is minimal seed left in the tank after it has been emptied.
Cleanout with a seed box
Cleanout with seed tender
Calibrating the meters has also been improved thanks to electric drive metering. The N500C is calibrated stationary similar to larger air carts. Catch bags are placed under each meter, and the meters turn a pre-determined amount of revolutions. Catch bags are weighted and entered into the EquipmentPlus app or on the Gen 4 display in order to generate a meter displacement value (MDV).
Calibrating the meters
With RelativeFlow Blockage sensing, operators can see the flow of both seed and fertilizer from inside the tractor cab. Sensors on all secondary hoses monitor the relative product flow row to row, 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 technology can help you identify any problems before a potential blockage occurs.
RelativeFlow Blockage is available in all run configurations on the following models (all widths):
- H500
- H500F
- P500
- P600
- N500
- N500F
- N500C
- 730LL
RelativeFlow Blockage is compatible with hydraulic drive carts: model year 2014 and newer 1910, all 19,381.5-L (550-bu) 1910 Carts, and C650 and C850 Air Carts.
Below are the Gen 4 display screens for the blockage monitoring system. For complete details and information, see the owner’s manual.
Blockage monitoring screen on Gen 4 display
The RelativeFlow Blockage 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 Setup screen on Gen 4 display
Blockage warning sensitivity allows the producer to set and change the sensitivity of the sensors to meet their preferences and varying crop/fertilizer types. 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 Gen 4 display
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 RelativeFlow Blockage are not compatible with 1910 air carts with ground drive.
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The N500C offers 33×15.5R16.5 tires standard on all machines, resulting in better floatation and less compaction and allowing operators to get into the field sooner and stay in the field longer. The mainframe is also equipped with walking beams to allow for better ground following.
500/40R16.5 tires with walking beam
33×15.5R16.5 tires with walking beam
31×13.5R15 tires on wing frame
| Option code | Width | Mainframe front tire size | Number of tires | Mainframe rear tire size | Number of tires | Wing frame tire size | Number of tires |
| 3610 | All | 33×15.5R16.5 | 4 | 33×15.5R16.5 | 4 | 31×13.5R15 | 4 |
| 3611 | All | 33×15.5R16.5 | 4 | 33×15.5R16.5 | 4 | 31×13.5R15 | 8 |
| 3612 | 9.5/11-m (30/36-ft) |
33×15.5R16.5 | 4 | 500/40R16.5 | 4 | 33×15.5R16.5 | 8 |
| 3613 | 12.2/12.8-m (40/42-ft) |
500/40R16.5 | 4 | 500/40R16.5 | 4 | 33×15.5R16.5 | 8 |
Tire area comparison
For the first time, meter sections are controlled with electric motors. Each meter section has its own electric drive motor. This eliminates the need for a variable-rate drive hydraulic motor or a ground drive wheel. This also enables the SectionCommand system and variable/prescription seeding.
Electric drive motor on meter
SeedStar run page showing four sections and prescription (Rx) seeding
Prescription/variable-rate seeding allows growers to apply the right amount of seed depending on predetermined management zones. Four-section SectionCommand has shown a potential seed savings of 4 to 6 percent depending on field size and shape.
Power generation
The electric motors are powered by a power take-off (PTO) power generation unit or an onboard hydraulic power generator. Growers can choose either of these options based on their tractor limitations. The on-board system utilizes power beyond, whereas the PTO system frees up hydraulic capacity on the tractor as the PTO powers the generator.
PTO power generation unit
On-board power generation unit
ActiveCal initiated on C-Series Air Carts
ActiveCal initiated on an N500C
The more frequently you calibrate your seeding equipment, the more accurate it will be. With ActiveCal, available only from John Deere on the N500C and C-Series Air Carts, you can do all the calibration from your cab to minimize variation in product metering. It takes only minutes, so there’s no need for back-and-forth trips to the cart. ActiveCal is designed to recalibrate itself throughout your work day to give you confidence in changing product weight and weather conditions.
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