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John Deere N542C No-Till Air Drill

Model Photo

N542C

  • 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

 

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

Improved meter access with new frame design

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 Rear of N500C machine
Relocated blower fan Relocated blower fan
Easy meter access 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 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 a seed box
Cleanout with seed tender 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 Equipment Mobile app or on the Gen 4 display in order to generate a meter displacement value (MDV).

Calibrating the meters Calibrating the meters

Electric drives enabling SectionCommand™ system

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 Electric drive motor on meter
SeedStar run page showing four sections and prescription (Rx) seeding 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 can be powered by a DC/DC converter, a power take-off (PTO) power generation unit, or an onboard hydraulic power generator. Growers can choose either of these options based on their needs. In most cases, the DC/DC convertor will be the best option. It utilizes power coming from the tractor though the ISOBUS nine-pin connector and converts it to 56 V; this results in fewer moving parts and decreases the opportunity for downtime to occur. The onboard hydraulic system utilizes power beyond, whereas the PTO system frees up hydraulic capacity on the tractor as the PTO powers the generator.

DC/DC power generation DC/DC power generation
PTO power generation PTO power generation
Onboard hydraulic power generation Onboard hydraulic power generation

Calibrate from the cab with the John Deere ActiveCal™ system

ActiveCal initiated on C-Series Air Carts ActiveCal initiated on C-Series Air Carts
ActiveCal initiated on an N500C 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 Tank scales provide tank weights to ActiveCal system

Equipment Mobile mobile app

Equipment Mobile app home screen Equipment Mobile 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 Calibrating tank scales
Calibration complete Calibration complete

Tank scale weights can be viewed anywhere within 15.2 m (50 ft). The Equipment Mobile app can also be used to calibrate the tank scales as needed.

Initial meter calibration
Select meters to calibrate 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 Steps to complete calibration

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the calibration.

Press meter calibration switch 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 Weights of bag for each meter
Entering the weight of the bags Entering the weight of the bags

Enter the weights of the bags into the app.

Save meter displacement values (MDV) Save meter displacement values (MDV)
MDV values are updated MDV values are updated

The Equipment Mobile 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.

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.

 

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

Downforce control from the Gen 4 display 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

Get into the field sooner and stay longer with high floatation tires

The N500C offers 33x15.5R16.5 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 500/40R16.5 tires with walking beam
33x15.5R16.5 tires with walking beam 33x15.5R16.5 tires with walking beam
31x13.5R15 tires on wing frame 31x13.5R15 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 33x15.5R16.5 4 33x15.5R16.5 4 31x13.5R15 4
3611 All 33x15.5R16.5 4 33x15.5R16.5 4 31x13.5R15 8
3612 9.5/11-m
(30/36-ft)
33x15.5R16.5 4 500/40R16.5 4 33x15.5R16.5 8
3613 12.2/12.8-m
(40/42-ft)
500/40R16.5 4 500/40R16.5 4 33x15.5R16.5 8
Tire area comparison Tire area comparison

Versatile machine configurations

N500C with SeedMetering2 N500C with SeedMetering2
N500C in the field 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.

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

Key Specs

Working widths 13 m
42 ft
Spacing Dual rank: 7.5-in. (19.1 cm) spacing; 10-in. (25.4 cm) spacing
Single rank: 15-in. (38.1 cm) spacing
Number of ranks Single; Dual
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

Sizes

Working widths 11 m
36 ft
Spacing Dual rank: 7.5-in. (19.1 cm) spacing; 10-in. (25.4 cm) spacing
Single rank: 15-in. (38.1 cm) spacing
Number of ranks Single; Dual
Number of sections

Dimensions

Transport height < 4.88 m
< 16 ft
Transport width < 5.64 m
< 18.5 ft
Road clearance > 17.8 cm
> 7.0 in.
Overall length ≤ 9.1 m
≤ 29.9 ft
Centerframe width 4.6 m
15.2 ft
Centerline of mainframe wheel support tube to centerline of wing wheel support tubes 3.2 m
10.4 ft
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)
Available ballast
Frame Cross members
102x152 mm
4x6 in.
End tubes
51x152 mm
2x6 in.
Hitch
254x152 mm
10x6 in.
Lateral frame clearance, opener to opener 15 in. (38.1 mm) for 7.5-in (19.1 cm) models
Clearance from rank to rank 134 cm
52.8 in.
From ground to top of lid ≤ 310 cm (122 in.)
From ground to platform ≤ 220 cm
85 in.
From ground to top of safety rail ≤ 322.6 cm
127 in.
From ground to top of lights ≤ 310 cm (122 in.)

Tires

Mainframe standard (4) 33x15.5-16 on front, (4) 33x15.5-16 on rear
Mainframe bolt pattern
Wings standard (4) 31x13.5-15 NHS
Wings bolt pattern
Centerframe tires and wheels (4) 500/40R16 on front, (4) 500/40R16 on rear
Wing tires and wheels (8) 33x15.5-16
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.

Openers

Style No-till
Rank lock-up Individual
Disk Diameter
45.7 cm
18 in.
Angle
7-degree angle
45.7 cm (18-in.) disk blade at 7-degree angle
Down pressure Style
Hydraulic rank
74.8-181.4 kg/opener (165-400 lb)
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)
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.
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
Double-Shoot capable

Seed Metering

Description Central volumetric metering
Crops Barley, oats, rice, sorghum, soybean, wheat
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Barley ≤ 1,000,000 seeds per acre (2,470,000 seeds per hectare)
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Oats ≤ 2,500,000 seeds per acre (6,180,000 seeds per hectare)
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Rice ≤ 1,700,000 seeds per acre (4,200,000 seeds per hectare)
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Milo/Sorghum ≤ 100,000 seeds per acre (247,000 seeds per hectare)
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Soybean ≤ 250,000 seeds per acre (618,000 seeds per hectare)
Max Volumetric Seeding Rates - Wheat ≤ 2,970,000 seeds per acre (7,300,000 seeds per hectare)
Metering Drive Type Electric

Seed Storage

Tank Description Central, non-pressurized polyethylene tank
Total Tank Capacity 4200 L (120 bu)
Tank Fill Screen Optional; one per tank opening
Tank Scales Optional; provides summed commodity weight
Seed Distribution
Type Pneumatic
Blower 45 cm (17.7 in.) diameter impeller
Blower drive type Hydraulic
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

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)
Tractor drawbar power required, 10-in (25.4 cm) models ≥ 232 kW (311 hp)
Tractor drawbar power required, 15-in (38.1 cm) models ≥ 172 kW (231 hp)

Tractor requirements

Minimum number of SCV's Three - one  fold, one opener raise/lower, one seed distribution blower
Hydraulic Power Beyond Required for in-cab opener downforce and electric power generation
Minimum hydraulic capacity 30.6 gpm (116 L/min) at 2900 psi (200 bar)
Minimum electrical capacity 48 A at 12 VDC

Additional information

Tool-mounted alternator 56 VDC
Optional: 56 VDC
Implement harness connection, 56 VDC Power take-off (PTO) power gen
Implement harness connection, 12 VDC 7-pin SAE, 9-pin ISO
Operator interface Description: QT / Gen 4
Language: English, Spanish, English/Spanish, English/French
Four-section seed on/off Standard
Fast start/Quick start Standard
Seed blockage sensor per row Standard
Date collected 1 March 2019