John Deere H550
Air Hoe Drill

John Deere has the seeding solutions that go above expectations with a complete line of everything needed in small grains. Offering a variety of openers for your chosen practice in a variety of configurations and sizes. All with integrated technology throughout the seeding train allows for effortless setup and seamless documentation.

Total seeding solution

Setting up a John Deere seeding train is quick and easy with the plug and play technology. All data and technology operate through the Gen 4 display and ultimately up to John Deere Operation Center™ that can be viewed from anywhere at any time. Not only does the complete John Deere seeding solution all operate through one display but it eliminates the difficulty and time-consuming tasks of setting up extra displays and harnesses.

John Deere tractor paired with John Deere tool and cart

With a complete John Deere seeding solution, there are multiple different onboard and offboard technologies shown below that improve the overall seeding production step. Many of these technologies are exclusive to John Deere. Each of these technologies bring different customer value that overall lead to the ultimate John Deere seeding solution!

On the go, quick adjust downforce with TruSet™ from the cab

• Adjust downforce pressure to improve uniform emergence
• Set presets to quickly adjust from field to field

TruSet downforce display

Monitor blockage row by row from the cab with RelativeFlow™

• Seed with confidence while monitoring each row
• Detect blockage early and know exactly where it is

RelativeFlow blockage sensors

ActiveCal™ display

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

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

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

John Deere Operation Center™

• Setup and manage your farm operations: equipment, team, fields, and crop inputs
• Plan work in advance to increase job quality and efficiency with Work Planner
• Map based prescriptions can be used with variable rates
• Analyze this season’s results to improve next season’s crops

John Deere Operation Center web and mobile

Operation Center Mobile

• 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

Connected Support

• Expert Alerts proactively notifies your dealer of any issues
• Remote display access allows for easy on the go support

Connected Support

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

• 8 Series Tractor Family
• 9 Series Tractor Family
• Precision Ag

Seed depth uniformity

Diagonal frame flexibility keeps openers engaged

Producers are more attuned to the importance of seed depth than ever before. A uniform-looking field is not the only goal; yield is too. Proven yield penalties across the world range from 5 percent to 25 percent, depending on depth variance.

The H500 and H500F feature diagonal mainframes and wing flexing – helping openers maintain their depth over uneven terrain.

Side-to-side flexibility demonstrated by H500

The life requirement of these robust machines is four times longer than previous models. That is why the John Deere seeding group has built even more durability into the H500 and H500F Air Hoe Drills. 

An advanced and rigorous testing program has proven the machine durability to the extent that John Deere now offers a three-year frame warranty with each H500 and H500F that rolls out of the factory.

Robust ball joints

Cast rank tube connectors

Robust ball joints connect strong fore-aft tubes to 100-mm x 100-mm (4-in. x 4-in.) rank tubes, which are joined to one another by pivoting rank connectors. Both the mainframe and wing sections share this durable construction that enables the frame to flex diagonally, relieving stress on solid frame members and avoiding frame failures.

Seed smart with confidence that the H500 and H500F will endure the field conditions.

Setting depth is one of the most critical adjustments an operator will make to a seeding tool. John Deere understands every operator needs dependable, repeatable depth control that is easily adjustable. That is why John Deere provides a choice of two depth control options on the H500 and H500F.

Mechanical depth shims are repeatable and reliable

Adjusting mechanical depth shims

Often-heard are comments from producers who say they prefer the positive mechanical depth control offered by the 1820. This popular concept is base equipment on the H500 and H550 air hoe drills. 

Two indexed depth shim packs on the mainframe are not only easy to set, but reduce the number of adjustment sites over previous designs by up to 60 percent.

Less time adjusting means more time seeding.

TouchSet™ depth control

Changing field conditions such as moisture levels and soil types can make setting depth a challenge.  TouchSet depth control makes adjusting depth in response to changing field conditions easy and profitable. On 8R and 9R Series tractors, the operator uses selective control valve (SCV) #1 and the SCV TouchSet control panel to perform all the depth control functions from the seat. Considering yield penalties of 5 percent due to seeding 2.5 cm (1 in.) too deep or too shallow, the convenience of in-cab adjustment pays nicely.

NOTE: Repeatability is +/- 6 mm (0.25 in.) to preset depth. If your seeding operation requires accuracy greater than +/- 6 mm (0.25 in.), the use of shim packs is recommended.

Control arm

CommandCenter™

How does it work? The operator uses the TouchSet (SCV setup panel) to set or change the operator depth.

• With the implement nine-pin connector connected to the tractor, start the tractor; a P will appear in the window of the control panel under SCV #1.
• The remote sensor located on the rockshaft monitors position of the implement.
• After operating depth is measured at the ground engaging tool and the desired depth obtained, press the lower set button on the control panel. That depth is now set.
• On-the-go depth changes can be made by touching the set button to select a new depth.
• Implement raise height selection uses the upper set button on the control panel to preset the distance the implement is raised above the operating depth.

Preset the raise height to:

• Take out wheel tracks on headlands
• Limit raise height for waterway crossings
• Manual depth override capacity

Remote position sensor

Electrical connector

A remote position sensor (1) is located at the rear of the drill; electronically monitors the positions of the implement.

An electrical connector is used for easy hookup of TouchSet depth control sensor on the implement to the tractor system (8R Tractor illustrated).

NOTES:

1. For use with all 8R and 9R (or older models) Series John Deere tractors.
2. TouchSet depth control requires additional tractor parts for hookup; see appropriate tractor section in the Sales Manual.

Knife bodies and points

Knife body

Knife body with 10.2 cm (4 in.) point

Many producers enjoy the moisture-saving benefits of low-disturbance seeding. To make it easier for them to reap the rewards of low-disturbance seeding, factory-installed knife bodies are available for H500 and H500F Drills.

The knife bodies are available in 2.5 cm (1 in.) or 10.2 cm (4 in.) spread points. 

Use the 2.5-cm (1-in.) point for low disturbance or, if a wider spread pattern is desired to increase seedbed utilization, use the 10.2-cm (4-in.) point. The points can be quickly changed with a single roll-pin fastening system and feature carbide tips to ensure long life. 

The knife bodies also feature a positive hose retention system with provisions for a hose clamp to hold the hose in place.

These knife bodies may not perform as designed in wet, sticky soil conditions.

NOTE: Points and roll pins are not included. Points and roll pins are available through Service Parts.

Perma-Loc™ spoons and sweeps

Perma-Loc spoons and sweeps from John Deere offer reduced maintenance because the Perma-Loc design enables a change-out up to five times faster than traditional bolt-on components.

They also offer cost savings because with Perma-Loc spoons and sweeps, there is no more purchasing hardware each time spoons are changed out. This can save $309 USD list price when changing out the spoons on a 18.3-m (60-ft) tool with 19-cm (7.5-in.) spacing. 

Save time and money and seed smart with John Deere Perma-Loc spoons or sweeps.

10.2-cm (4-in.) Perma-Loc spoon

10.2-cm (4-in.) Perma-Loc spoon

Shown is the 10.2-cm (4-in.) Perma-Loc spoon; 7.6-cm (3-in.) spoons are also available. 

Spoons are not included in base price and must be ordered separately. 

Below is the seedbed profile that can be expected if using a 10.2-cm (4-in.) spoon in conventional tillage with the H500F Separate Fertilizer Placement (SFP). 

10.2-cm (4-in.) Perma-Loc spoon

1. Tilled soil
2. Disturbed soil packed over seed row
3. 25.4 cm (10 in.)
4. Separate fertilizer placement nitrogen
5. 10.2 cm (4 in.)
6. 50.8 cm (20 in.)
7. Seed
8. Seed-placed phosphorus

30.5-cm (12-in.) Perma-Loc sweep and boot

Seedbed profile - H500 and 30.5-cm (12-in.) Perma-Loc sweeps

1. Disturbed soil packed over seed row with 14-cm (5.5-in.) semi-pneumatic packer
2. 25.4 cm (10 in.)
3. Tilled soil
4. Seed-placed phosphorus
5. Seed-placed nitrogen
6. Seed
7. 17.8 cm (7 in.)
8. Seed floor created by sweep

Perma-Loc removal tool

Perma-Loc removal tool

This handy Perma-Loc removal tool should be ordered for each drill ordered with Perma-Loc components.

High-productivity bolt-on sweep

High-productivity Perma-Loc™ sweep

The high-productivity sweep from John Deere was developed to meet current tillage practices and compete in the high-productivity, high working speed market. Thanks to its low profile, curved wing shape, the high-productivity sweep:

• Performs best at a speed of 11.3 km/h to 16.1 km/h (7 mph to 10 mph)
• Easily moves through tougher and higher volume residue
• Retains its shape and width during its wear life
• Wear life is longer than Tru-Width™ sweeps and equal or better than competitors
• Excellent weed control performance

The high-productivity sweeps for the John Deere H500 Air Hoe Drill comes in 178-mm (7-in.), 229-mm (9-in.), and 254-mm (10-in.), and 305-mm (12-in.) widths, both in the bolt-on and the Perma-Loc version. They fit all 47-degree standards with 44.5-mm (1.75-in.) hole spacing and 11.1-mm (7/16-in.) that currently take Tru-Width sweeps, both John Deere and other makes.

The high-productivity Perma-Loc style sweeps use the current Perma-Loc adapter for 47-degree curved standard N237614. Tru-Width sweeps with the Perma-Loc adapter can seamlessly move the high-productivity sweeps.

The high-productivity sweep also exerts less draft than Tru-Width and major competitors, reducing engine horsepower requirements and diesel consumption.

Pinched hydraulic hoses lead to costly downtime. John Deere is aware producers expect machine reliability and a visually pleasing appearance when investing their hard-earned money in a new seeding tool. That is why the John Deere seeding group has placed extra emphasis on securely routing hydraulic hoses on the H500 and H500F.

P-clamp

D-ring

All H500 and H500F frames are manufactured with weldments to accommodate hose securement sites like the P-clamp and D-ring shown above.

Velcro strap and protective sleeve

Innovative solutions like this Velcro® strap and protective sleeve ensure the reliability of the H500 and H500F measure up to John Deere standards. A machine-down repair that takes two hours to fix can mean over 20 ha (49 acres) of lost seeding time.  

At a custom rate of $12 per hour, that is at least $600 of lost revenue, or lost yield, if seeding is delayed past mid May (wheat) for many locations. 

Velcro is a trademark of Velcro Industries B.V.

Transporting large machines on public roads can be a little stressful. Passing motorists, mailboxes, overhead lines, and trees can all contribute to potential hazards. 

With so much to focus on, the H500 Air Hoe Drill operator should not have to worry about openers engaging the pavement when lowering a machine to clear an overhead obstacle. 

With the optional transport height reduction feature, the operator does not need to worry. This handy feature can also serve to set the height for storage inside.

How it works

Transport height reduction assembly

Simply setting the pin in the appropriate hole will stop the machine from lowering when the openers are a safe distance above the pavement. 

The operator can focus on the overhead obstacle and other hazards such as passing motorists near the machine. This can prevent a potentially damaging encounter with the road surface or even an accident.