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John Deere N540F
Separate Fertilizer Placement (SFP) Air Drill


  • Adjust down pressure with TruSet™ In-Cab downforce
  • See the flow of seed & fertilizer from the cab with RelativeFlow™ blockage monitorin
  • Quick Change Blade enhancement of the ProSeries™ Opener reduces change time by 45%1
  • Accurate seed placement & emergence with TruSet™ in-cab "closed loop" downforce pressure contr

Features

The Total Seeding Solution – Experience the John Deere Advantage

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 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 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!

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 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 RelativeFlow blockage sensors
ActiveCal™ display
  • Calibrate the meters from the cab utilizing the tank scales
  • Improved confidence the correct seeding rates are being met
ActiveCal display ActiveCal display
SectionCommand™ controls seed and fertilizer output
  • Controls seed and fertilizer output by closing and opening gates on the meters
  • Minimize skips and overlaps leading to reduced inputs
Example of seeded field with SectionCommand Example of seeded field with SectionCommand
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)
AutoTrac Turn Automation display 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 John Deere Operation Center web and mobile
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
Operation Center 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 Connected Support

For more information regarding Large Tractors and Precision Ag, view the following landing pages

Color-coded hydraulic hose handles
John Deere color-coded hydraulic hose handles             John Deere color-coded hydraulic hose handles
Hydraulic connections on rear of 9R Tractor Hydraulic connections on rear of 9R Tractor

These color-coded aluminum hydraulic hose handles make connecting hydraulic hoses from the air seeder to the correct function on the tractor easier than before. The anti-slip diamond shaped design 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

 

Code

Description

Compatible Tools

Base

Color-coded hydraulic hose handles

N500s, N500Fs, N500Cs

Confidence in rates from row to row with RelativeFlow™ Blockage sensing

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

 

Down pressure adjustment for seed or fertilizer
Down pressure adjustment for seed or fertilizer Down pressure adjustment for seed or fertilizer

Setting the opener down pressure is convenient and easy to adjust.

For 9.1-, 11.0-, 12.2-, and 13.1-m (30-, 36-, 40-, and 43-ft) widths the down pressure on the front fertilizer rockshaft is adjusted independently of the middle and rear seed opener rockshafts. Simply dial in the required pressure using the knobs.

The seed opener pressure gauge face is color coded to provide a guide for normal pressure operating ranges.

Valve block Valve block

The valve has two internal checks to reduce possibility of damage to valve when charging the system.

The down pressure cylinder is connected to live hydraulics and extends or retracts to maintain uniform down pressure on openers.

This system is compatible with either closed center or pressure flow compensated tractor hydraulic systems.

IMPORTANT: Tractors with open-center hydraulics require an open-center kit with change valve (order code 6505 to make the air drill compatible). The open-center application does not provide an opener flexibility feature.

Accurate delivery rates across the whole width of the tool with Air Power™ 2

If you need high rates in your operation, AirPower 2 delivers. With the dual fan system, you get twice the fans than the original AirPower. Plus, each fan is larger than before. So when you need that additional power to generate a higher level of input flow, AirPower 2 has the capability to deliver what you need. And the fan housing is cast aluminum, making it lighter in weight, but more durable than ever before. You can trust your fan system will stand the test of time.

Dual fan design

John Deere AirPower 2 system uses two separate, high-capacity fans – one for top shoot, one for bottom shoot. Using both fans can deliver a total of 550 pounds (249.5 kg) at 5.5 mph at 15 degree slope of material per acre, precisely metering product into the primary air stream. The results: Greater consistency across the entire drill, more uniform seed emergence, more even flowering and canopy development, and greater yields.

Air Power 2 fan system Air Power 2 fan system

Enhanced air seeding performance would not be possible without the updates to the 15,152.8-L (430-bu) and 19,381.5-L (550-bu) 1910 and C-Series Air Carts. For the wider seeding width, more fan capacity has been added.

 

Air Power 2 provides two independently controlled fans – one for seed and one for fertilizer. Along with large, 76.2-mm (3-in.) primaries, more accurate delivery rates are possible across the full width of the seeding tool, from opener to opener. Plus, Air Power 2 allows growers to deliver high rates under field operating conditions – up to 40 percent more product delivery per primary compared to the single-fan system.

 

Dual fans are required for tow-between and tow-behind carts on the 23.2-m (76-ft) P576 and 18.3-m (60-ft) N560F models along with the eight primaries. Each fan will direct air to one set of primaries. Two selective control valves (SCVs) are required for the fans. The fan speed will be controlled through the SCV flow control.

 

Air Power 2 will also be compatible with the 17.1-m (56-ft) P556 and 23.2-m (76-ft) P576 Air Hoe Drills, as well as the 13.1-m (43-ft) N543F and 18.3-m (60-ft) N560F Disk Drills, plus the 15.2-m (50-ft) and 18.3-m (60-ft) 1890 models. An option is available for stainless-steel primaries to resist corrosion from high fertilizer rates.

C-Series Air Cart C-Series Air Cart

There is a slide at the meter to choose bottom or top shoot for each meter. There is also a valve on the tank pressure system to choose top or bottom shoot. This same valve is used to adjust the amount of air to the tank to create the proper pressure differential.

Tank pressure valve Tank pressure valve

The arrow on the valve handle should be pointing to the top of the range for the top shoot and the bottom of the range for the bottom shoot. If the tank will not be in use, set the pressure valve to the middle setting to not pressurize the tank. The operator should use the gauge to find the correct setting. An electronic pressure sensor will send a warning to the display if the tank pressure differential is out of range.

 

If pressure is in the green operating range, the tanks are sealed and operating correctly. The electronic pressure sensor is located behind the mechanical gauge on the side of the cart.

Improve seed placement accuracy from the cab with TruSet™ downforce control

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 vary. Proper downforce is directly related to a consistent seeding depth, which leads to improved even emergence, plant density, and maturity. The range of downforce adjustability begins at 74.8 kg (165 lb) and tops out at 181.4 kg (400 lb). 

TruSet screen on Gen 4 display for N500 TruSet screen on Gen 4 display for N500
TruSet screen on Gen 4 display for N500F TruSet screen on Gen 4 display for N500F

Exclusive TruSet downforce control has taken adjustability on no-till John Deere seeding tools to a whole new level. Rather than using a valve on the tool, pressure control dials on the monitor let operators make incremental adjustments conveniently from the Gen 4 display inside the tractor cab. This also saves time and makes it easier to adapt to changing field conditions.

 

Seeding tool compatibility:

  • N500
  • N500F

 

NOTE: It is recommended that 15.2-m and 18.3-m (50-ft and 60-ft) machines use power beyond to run TruSet.

 

Display compatibility:

  • Gen 4 displays
  • GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display

 

Competitive tractors do not require add-on components for TruSet to function properly.

No-till opener seeding with minimal maintenance from the ProSeries™ Opener
ProSeries Openers 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
Fertilizer options with separate fertilizer placement (SFP)
SFP Openers SFP Openers
Separate fertilizer placement offers nutrient placement at a 5 or 7-degree angle

The 5-degree fertilizer opener:

  • Is required for liquid and anhydrous (NH3) fertilizers
  • Will also apply dry fertilizer  
  • Opens a smaller trench than the 7-degree opener
  • Is better able to capture anhydrous and liquid fertilizer and seal fertilizers in the soil
Fertilizer tubes

There are four choices of interchangeable fertilizer tubes:

  • Dry fertilizer tube to be used with 32-mm (1-1/4-in.) secondary fertilizer hose from the 1910 Cart
  • Liquid fertilizer tube (for 13-mm [1/2-in.] i.d. hose)
    • IMPORTANT: Using this tube for anhydrous may cause loss of retention.
  • Dual fertilizer delivery tube – allows for placement of dry or anhydrous. If applying both simultaneously, the operator may need to provide a relief system to relieve air from dry tube for adequate anhydrous retention. Without air relief, the operator will need to adjust air plenum to restrict all airflow to SFP dry tubes when anhydrous is being applied
  • Anhydrous tube (for 10-mm [3/8-in.] i.d. hose)
    • Liquid or NH3 fertilizer metering/delivery system is not provided by the John Deere Seeding Group.

Key features of the SFP opener are:

  • 457.2-mm (18-in.) opener blades operate at 5 degrees, resulting in a narrow trench with less soil disturbance
  • Fertilizer tubes are interchangeable among dry, liquid, or anhydrous (NH3)
  • Closing wheel assembly is closer to the fertilizer delivery tube; provides increased fertilizer retention
  • Serrated closing wheels are base equipment on anhydrous openers and optional on liquid and dry openers
    • NOTE: Closing wheels are recommended when dry soil conditions are common.
  • Extended-wear (chrome alloy) fertilizer boots are standard equipment
  • Choice of five different gauge wheels
  • Depth adjustments in 6-mm (1/4-in.) increments from 13 mm to 89 mm (1/2 in. to 3.5 in.) deep
Opener furrow-closing wheel

The 25-mm x 305-mm (1-in. x 12-in.) cast closing wheel follows the press wheel to close the furrow, placing soil over seed or fertilizer after the press wheel secures the seed in the furrow.

  • A double-row ball bearing to reduce wear is located in the arm of the closing wheel
  • Mounted parallel to the furrow opener, the closing wheel can be adjusted laterally to allow running on top of the furrow for sandy or mellow soils or to side of the furrow for heavier soils
  • Down pressure is adjustable from 11.8 kg to 19.5 kg (26 lb to 43 lb) (no tools and three adjustments)
  • A grease fitting in the pivot arm provides free movement for the arm
SFP upgrade kit

SFP scrapers can bolt a sealing wing to the bottom of the improved anhydrous (NH3) retention by reducing outgassing. It is made of steel and has carbide titles brazed to the edges for long life.

  • Parts: AA102150 and AA102151

The SFP opener closing arm spring will better hold the notched retention position. When selecting options for anhydrous fertilizer delivery, the SFP opener has a carbide sealing wing. The sealing wing agitates the trench sidewall and helps seal the top of the furrow with soil. This helps facilitate the binding of anhydrous ammonia to the soil, which reduces outgassing, keeps more fertilizer in the ground, and provides a boost to young plants. 

Upgrade previous row units with ProSeries™ Opener Precision Upgrade

Upgrade your current 90 Series Opener to the ProSeries Openers by ordering a Precision Upgrade. Information on the ProSeries Opener can be found here.

 

Two offerings are available for seed openers, a two-row (AA98693) and eight-row (AA97392) upgrade. The breakdowns are as follows:

AA98693
A105410 Deflector, seed firmer tab 2 pc
A107506 Washer, special 8 pc
A109343 Seed boot, left hand 1 pc
A109344 Seed boot, right hand 1 pc
A110307 Closing arm spring, left hand 1 pc
A110308 Closing arm spring, right hand 1 pc
A31869 Locknut 2 pc
AA88056 Press wheel assembly 2 pc
E55662 Nut, 3/8 8 pc
N280653 Washer 2 pc
N283804 Opener disk 2 pc
N283976 Nut, U-nut 2 pc
N283308 Screw, flange 2 pc
03H2070 Bolt, round head 8 pc
19M7720 Screw, hex 2 pc
A105392 Spiked seed closing wheel 2 pc
A97699 Instructions, dealer download 1 pc
AA97392
A105410 Deflector, seed firmer tab 8 pc
A107506 Washer, special 32 pc
A109343 Seed boot, left hand 4 pc
A109344 Seed boot, right hand 4 pc
A110307 Closing arm spring, left hand 4 pc
A110308 Closing arm spring, right hand 4 pc
A31869 Locknut 8 pc
AA88056 Press wheel assembly 8 pc
E55662 Nut, 3/8 32 pc
N280653 Washer 8 pc
N283804 Opener disk 8 pc
N283976 Nut, U-nut 8 pc
N283308 Screw, flange 8 pc
03H2070 Bolt, round head 32 pc
19M7720 Screw, hex 8 pc
A105392 Spiked seed closing wheel 8 pc
A117632 Instructions, ProSeries 1 pc

ProSeries Retrofit Calculator

ProSeries seed opener upgrade ProSeries seed opener upgrade

NOTE: Upgrades are subject to change.

Specs & Compare

Key Specs

N540F
Current Model
Working widths12.19 m
40 ft
SpacingSeed spacing - 254 mm
10 in.
Separate fertilizer - 508 mm
20 in.
Number of ranksTwo seed ranks and one separate fertilizer rank
OpenersStyle
Seed, ProSeries™ single-disk blade - 45.72 cm
18 in.
Fertilizer, single-disk blade - 45.72 cm
Rank lock-up
Front, middle, and rear
Diameter
45.72 cm
18 in.
Down pressure
Hydraulic

Sizes

Working widths12.19 m
40 ft
SpacingSeed spacing - 254 mm
10 in.
Separate fertilizer - 508 mm
20 in.
Number of ranksTwo seed ranks and one separate fertilizer rank
Number of sectionsThree

Dimensions

Transport height4.45 m
14.58 ft
Transport width5.59 m
18.33 ft
Road clearance21.59 cm
8.5 in.
Overall length8.81 m
28.92 ft
Centerframe width4.62 m
15.17 ft
Centerline of mainframe wheel support tube to centerline of wing wheel support tubes
Weight before ballast13,400 kg
29,500 lb
Available ballastMain - up to 14 suitcase weights each at 45.4 kg
100 lb
Each wing - 6 suitcase weights each at 45.4 kg
FrameCross members
102 x 152 mm
4 x 6 in.
End tubes
51 x 152 mm
2 x 6 in.
Hitch
76 x 152 mm
3 x 6 in.
Lateral frame clearance, opener to opener
Clearance from rank to rank134.11 cm
52.8 in.
From ground to top of lid
From ground to platform
From ground to top of safety rail
From ground to top of lights

Tires

Mainframe standard(8) 11L-15, I-1 12PR
Mainframe bolt patternDuals with eight-bolt wheels
Wings standard(8) 11L-15, 10PR
Wings bolt patternDuals with six-bolt wheels
Centerframe tires and wheels
Wing tires and wheels
Wheel spacing, center frame

Openers

StyleSeed, ProSeries™ single-disk blade - 45.72 cm
18 in.
Fertilizer, single-disk blade - 45.72 cm
Rank lock-upFront, middle, and rear
DiskDiameter
45.72 cm
18 in.
Angle
Seed at 7 degree (angle)
Fertilizer (dry only) at 5 or 7 degree (angle)
Single blade with beveled edge
Down pressureStyle
Active hydraulic downforce
10-in. space
75 to 181 kg
165 to 400 lb
Hydraulic
Depth controlDescription
Semi-pneumatic
Gauge wheel size
Standard - 11.43 x 40.64 cm
4.5 x 16 in.
Optional - 7.62 x 40.64 cm
3 x 16 in.
Range
1.27 to 8.89 cm
0.5 to 3.5 in.
Increments
0.64 cm
0.25 in.
Gauge wheel beside disk
In-Furrow press wheelMaterial
Rubber-face press wheel
Packing force
2.3 to 21 kg
5 to 45 lb
Tapered - 2.54 x 22.86 cm
0.75 x 9 in.
Furrow closingDescription
Trailing wheel on vertical 15 degree (angle)
Size
2.54 x 30.48 cm
1 x 12 in.
Material
Cast iron
Down force
12 to 20 kg
26 to 43 lb
Yes
Double-Shoot capableYes - front ranks apply fertilizer

Seed Metering

Description
Crops
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Barley
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Oats
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Rice
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Milo/Sorghum
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Soybean
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Wheat
Metering Drive Type

Seed Storage

Tank Description
Total Tank Capacity
Tank Fill Screen
Tank Scales
Seed Distribution
Type
Blower
Blower drive type
Distribution hose size

Equipment compatibility (at 1.5 in. seeding depth and 8 mph)

Tractor drawbar power required, 7.5-in (19.1 cm) models
Tractor drawbar power required, 10-in (25.4 cm) models
Tractor drawbar power required, 15-in (38.1 cm) models

Tractor requirements

Minimum number of SCV's
Hydraulic Power Beyond
Minimum hydraulic capacity
Minimum electrical capacity

Additional information

Tool-mounted alternator
Implement harness connection, 56 VDC
Implement harness connection, 12 VDC
Operator interface
Four-section seed on/off
Fast start/Quick start
Seed blockage sensor per row
Date collected

Offers & Discounts

No current offers.

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