The 1725C stack-fold design provides narrow transport capability for these integral, large-frame planters. 1725C Stack-Fold Planters have the ability to operate in both rigid-frame and flex-frame configurations. The 1725C utilizes a three-section frame that can flex up to 8 degrees up and 8 degrees down. 1725C is not offered with markers. The 1725C Stack-Fold Integral Planter is available in the following configurations: 12Row36, 12Row38, or 12Row40. The 1725C is only available without lift-assist wheels. This allows for increased maneuverability around tighter field conditions and bedded crops. The vacuum is run through the planter frame rather than the black conduit on top of the frame. This cleaner frame design provides improved visibility when seated in the cab. Optional wing downforce/gull wing is available on the 1725C. When traveling at speeds above 8.05 km/h (5 mph), the wings may become lighter, sacrificing ground contact and consistent depth. Hydraulic cylinders have been added to maintain force on the outer wings to keep desired depth. Operators also have the ability to pin the outer wings rigid with or without the wing downforce/gull wing option. The same cylinders are used to enable the gull-wing feature on the 1725C. The gull wing flexes the outer wing up to 8 degrees upward, allowing for more vertical wing clearance.

Uptime

An automatic hydraulic-wing locking feature is available on the 1725C. Once the operator engages the frame-fold selective control valve (SCV), the hydraulics release the locking mechanism and the planter starts folding. This reduces trips up and down the tractor and provides for a much quicker fold/unfold process. Active pneumatic downforce is in base on the 1725C. This provides the proven downforce solution for growers to maintain consistent depths even at speeds up to 16.1 km/h (10 mph).

CCS seed delivery adds productivity through increased seed capacity, bulk-fill capability, and easy cleanout. The single tank on the 1725C has a capacity of 1233.4 L (35 bu). CCS tanks are manufactured using a rotomolded, polyethylene design to ensure maximum durability. The translucent tank allows for easy viewing of seed in the tanks. The following crops can be planted with CCS: corn, sweet corn, popcorn, cotton, sunflowers, soybeans, and sorghum (milo). Filling the tank is convenient due to a central filling location. The ladder provides access to the filling platform. The tank has an adjustable bin-level sensor to alert the operator when it is time to fill. For those who work into the night, a standard fill light package is available on machines equipped with CCS. This option includes one light conveniently mounted on the railing of the machine. The lights are turned on and off with their own switch located at the bottom of the ladder.

Seed delivery process

CCS is about reducing the time spent filling the planter with seed while maximizing the time spent planting. CCS for planters is a form of seed handling and delivery. The row-units perform the final task of seed metering and placement. The CCS seed delivery process relies on a hydraulically driven fan to move seed from the CCS tank to the row-units. When the planter is lowered, hydraulic flow is sent to the seed delivery fan. A flow control valve and gauge, located near the tank, allows for the proper tank pressure setting based on seed type. Air from the fan pressurizes the CCS tanks and delivers seed to the seed hoppers. Airflow enters the seed tank through a nozzle in the manifold which pressurizes the tank. The air then picks up seed and moves out the other end of the nozzle into the seed delivery hoses. These hoses route the seed toward the hopper. A small amount of seed is traveling in the delivery hoses only when needed. The hopper fills with seed until the delivery hose (discharge elbow) is covered. Once the opening is restricted, seed flow through the hose stops. Air flowing to the row-unit travels into the hopper and is vented, which is the source of air for the vacuum system. This provides a much cleaner air source than previous meter designs. As the seed is picked up by the meter and planted, the seed pool shrinks until the end of the delivery hose is uncovered. At that time, the airflow and seed delivery resume and the seed pool in the hopper is replenished.

Small-seed CCS components

The CCS seed delivery system increases planting productivity across the seven approved crops listed above. While highly effective when delivering seed from the CCS tanks to the vacuum meters, small or light seeds (sorghum and small cotton) will require two additional components to aid in proper seed delivery. Manifold nozzle covers (clips) should be installed to ensure seed is adequately picked up into the air stream for delivery to the row-unit. Mini-hopper discharge elbows should also be changed from the standard elbow (holes) to the small-seed elbow (slotted openings) when planting sorghum (milo) and small cotton.

CCS seed cleanout

Seed cleanout could not be easier with a CCS planter. When the operator is finished planting, any remaining seed can simply be removed via access doors at the bottom of the CCS tank. Because seed is only traveling through the CCS delivery hoses when required by the meter, there is not much left to clean. Next, CCS seed delivery hoses are purged with air from the CCS fan, and the excess seed is pushed to the individual meters. Lastly, the vacuum meter door is opened, and seed is removed with the supplied catch pan.

The MaxEmerge 5e is designed to improve population accuracy, spacing, and avoid wasting inputs for maximizing yield. The “e” in MaxEmerge 5e stands for electric drive. It is driven by one electric motor per meter with a small controller. This does away with the shafts and drivelines of a typical mechanical drive. That means more reliability, less maintenance, and easier access to row-unit components. For producers who want uniform seed spacing, the MaxEmerge 5e is a great option. One of the biggest advantages of the MaxEmerge 5e is how it improves population accuracy by compensating for curves on the outer rows of the planter. The MaxEmerge 5e row-unit eliminates shafts and drivelines from the planter, allowing better access to row-unit components and decreased planter maintenance. Additionally, the MaxEmerge 5e allows corn and soybean growers to achieve up to a 20 percent improvement in population accuracy on the outer rows of a 24-row planter while planting on curves utilizing curve compensation. While the MaxEmerge 5e uses a seed tube, it offers some of the same important advantages as ExactEmerge row units. The MaxEmerge 5e also improves reaction to population changes in the field when conditions dictate a higher or lower population, enabling producers to more accurately plant to the variable-rate prescription that maximizes profit potential. High-performance vacuum automation automatically maintains the target vacuum setting throughout the day with less time monitoring and making adjustments. It uses the SeedStar™ 4HP system and is compatible with Connect Mobile monitoring for near real-time, row-by-row planting performance. Depending on planter model, the MaxEmerge 5e package unlocks additional options like easy adjust row cleaners, individual row hydraulic downforce, and pneumatic closing wheels. The MaxEmerge 5e delivery system options include mini-hoppers with Central Commodity System (CCS™), 56.4-L (1.6-bu) hoppers, and 105.7-L (3-bu) hoppers. NOTE: MaxEmerge 5e row-units are compatible with the following models: 1725NT, 1725C, 1725 CCS (not available on twin row), 1775NT, 1795, DB44, DB60, DB66, DB80, DB88, and DB90 (not available on 54R 50.8 cm [20 in.]).

Terraces or waterways are two of many field obstacles that make planting on a curve challenging. When planters utilize drive shafts, they are not able to control each individual row-unit; as a result, planting on a curve presents an issue of maintaining 100 percent population. Since the inside rows are moving slower than the outside rows, the inside rows will be over populating while the outside rows are under populating. With ExactEmerge™ planters and equipped MaxEmerge™ 5e planters, the curve compensation feature allows each row to receive an individual signal based on the speed at which the row-unit is moving, maintaining the correct population across the width of the planter. Without curve compensation, there could be as much as a 24 percent drop in population accuracy, which is equivalent to 8,600 seeds per acre when planting at 36,000 seeds per acre. Curve compensation measures acceleration within the main planter controller and utilizes speed inputs to ensure each row has the desired population accuracy.

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. 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 tubes. 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. 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/h (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. 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. 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. 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.

Two 56-V brushless electric motors provide ExactEmerge the upper hand over any other row-unit on the market. One motor controls the high-performance meter and the other powers the BrushBelt™ delivery system. Both feature a closed loop system ensuring they operate at the correct rpm. The motor is controlled at a rate of 200 times per second and a decision is made every 5 milliseconds. The controller also keeps each motor operating at independent speeds of each other. The meter speed is determined by a combination of ground speed and desired population rate while the BrushBelt speed stays consistent with the forward ground speed of the planter in order to place the seed at the bottom of trench. Industry-proven 56-V brushless motors give confidence to the operator that the row-unit will perform in any condition. The advantage of 56-V over 24-V electric motors is a lower amperage draw. Brushless motors are maintenance free and give the producer the most optimal solution to achieve the highest performance and the lowest amount of work to the planter. Manage seed output, reduce yield drag, and improve harvest capabilities are features built in to every ExactEmerge row-unit with electric motor shutoffs. The electric drive version of RowCommand row-unit has the potential to get 2 to 8 percent reduction in seed usage from being able to control the meter and BrushBelt rather than a clutch disengaging and some seeds still falling down the seed tube.

SeedStar 3 HP overview

Building upon the foundation of previous SeedStar monitoring, the SeedStar 3 HP monitoring system takes planter monitoring to the next level. When paired with the GreenStar 3 2630 Display, the SeedStar 3 HP monitoring system provides critical information about the planting process to the operator within the tractor cab. SeedStar 3 HP is compatible with the GreenStar 3 2630, the Gen 4 4200 CommandCenter™ Display, the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter Display, the 4240 Universal Display, and the 4640 Universal Display. SeedStar 3 HP is not compatible with the Gen 4 Extended Monitor. Detailed planter performance information allows the operator to make adjustments needed for planter optimization. After all, with rising costs, it is imperative to make sure that every seed is planted accurately and precisely within the seed furrow for maximum yield potential. The SeedStar 3 HP planting functions are fully integrated with the full spectrum of Precision Ag Technology applications such as  John Deere Section Control for Planters, GreenStar, AutoTrac™ assisted steering system, John Deere Operations Center, JDLink™ telematics system, and others. Integrated planting technologies, for better asset utilization and ease of use, is just part of what SeedStar 3 HP provides.

SeedStar 3 HP main run page

SeedStar 3 HP has an updated main run page layout. With the use of tabs toward the top of the screen it is much easier to navigate through readings such as population, singulation, spacing, downforce, and ride quality. If for some reason an issue arises with a row-unit, the tab will turn red indicating there is an issue. The tab can be pushed and lead to what is causing the issue. Inside each tab, there will be a bar graph detailing information specific to that tab. The picture shows what a population bar graph looks like. This layout improves functionality and overall ease of use while planting.

SeedStar 3 HP ride quality and ground contact run page

The fifth tab from the left in SeedStar 3 HP is a shared tab between ground contact and ride quality. Operators may change between the two criteria based on their planter setups or personal preferences. Ground contact displays the percentage of time the row-units are engaging the ground, the load is measured via a sensor through the gauge wheels. Ground contact is recommended when using ExactEmerge™ row-units to ensure the row-unit is maintaining proper depth at higher planting speeds.

SeedStar 3 HP meter runoff page

On SeedStar 3 HP, the meter runoff page allows growers to test meters before going to the field. Growers can test the meters without removing them and have confidence in their planter’s performance before going to the field. Many parameters can be viewed during this test such as: singulation, seed count, skips, multiples, coefficient of variation (cv), etc. This test assures that the meter is in healthy condition and ready to plant when conditions are appropriate. Depending on the planter size, different configurations of sensor nodes and downforce sensors are installed in support of the SeedStar 3 HP monitoring system. SeedStar 3 HP is only available with the MaxEmerge 5e and ExactEmerge row-unit compatible planters built prior to model year 2018. Retrofit kits, DR models, and custom-built planters will continue to use SeedStar 3 HP in model year 2018.

SeedStar 3 HP seed singulation monitoring

Understanding meter singulation performance on the planter is critical to minimizing the amount of seed multiples and skips. As a result, the SeedStar 3 HP monitoring system provides real-time information, from the redesigned seed sensors placed in each belt cartridge, about the overall seed singulation performance. As seen in the screen shot image to the left, overall singulation performance is seen in the tab at the top of the screen. Seed skip and multiple sources of information are displayed below the bar graph of the run page. This provides the operator a better understanding of relative seed multiple and skip data on a row-unit basis within one easy glance at this run page. Also, within the seed singulation planter run page, information about row-units with the highest percentage of seed multiples and skips is provided in order to make necessary adjustments for better planter optimization.

SeedStar 3 HP row-unit downforce planter run page

With changing field conditions, it is important to monitor down force to ensure consistent seed placement. Seeds placed too shallow or too deep can impact emergence and affect yield. With the SeedStar 3 HP monitoring system, row-unit downforce information is measured by the downforce sensor and sensor nodes and transmitted to the GreenStar Display in the tractor cab. The row-unit downforce information is displayed on the top portion of this run page with more row-unit downforce information on the lower portion. Active pneumatic downforce takes SeedStar 3 HP even further by removing constant downforce adjustments from the operator and actively controlling the downforce system to maintain a desired target margin. Just set the row-unit target margin value and the active pneumatic downforce system works automatically to make sure the planter maintains this value-achieving, precise soil penetration and consistent planting depth without sidewall soil compaction. This frees the operator from constantly making manual downforce adjustments as conditions change.

SeedStar 3 HP seed spacing monitoring

Throughout the planting process, obtaining good seed spacing is critical towards achieving plant growing conditions for maximum yield potential. Today, many items are adjusted on the planter prior to planting to optimize overall seed spacing performance. But after such adjustments are made, information about the actual seed spacing performance during planting was missing within the planter monitoring system. With SeedStar 3 HP, seed spacing information is transmitted live via the GreenStar Display to show the operator exactly what is happening with the planter behind them. The SeedStar 3 HP transmits seed spacing information onto the bar graph (shown to the left) for easy understanding of planter seed spacing performance. Also, information about seed skips and multiples are provided to help understand actual planter meter performance and other related system functions in order to make necessary adjustments if needed.

Other SeedStar 3 HP monitoring features include:

• Capable of monitoring individual row-unit and overall planter performance in terms of seed spacing, singulation, and row-unit downforce
• On-screen indication of sensor node/down force sensor assemblies once configured within the monitor settings application
• Full-color display icons for easy recognition and overall aesthetics
• Pneumatic downforce system controls with the GreenStar Display application
• A run page that allows operator to view relative population levels of all rows on one screen
• Mapping of actual and target seed rates can be mapped in APEX™ software
• Reprogrammable utilizing controller area network (CAN) via Service ADVISOR™ diagnostics system or Service ADVISOR Remote with JDLink™ subscription
• User-configurable high fertilizer pressure alarm that allows the operator to be warned when fertilizer pressure reaches a specific level
• Automatic Fast Start for SeedStar 3 HP. This ensures that seeds will be place accurately when starting from a stop.
• Automatic tractor speed source selection. When equipped with an 8000/9000 Series Tractor, the system selects the radar speed or allows for manual speed input selection.

Components and operation

The SeedStar 3 HP monitoring system contains the following components in order to support the planting data transfer to the GreenStar Displays:

• Planter main controller
• Sensor node(s)
• Downforce sensor assembly
• Electric power gen controller
• Electric power gen (EPG)
• Row-unit controller (RUC)

The row-unit controller processes the row-unit data from the sensor node assemblies located on the row-unit head casting. The processed information is then sent to the planter main controller to be integrated into the displayed information being sent to the GreenStar Display. Downforce sensor assemblies are found on row-units with sensor nodes installed. The downforce sensor assembly is put together with the gauge wheel depth-adjustment handle and provides gauge wheel pressure information to the respective sensor node for data processing.

The first day of planting season can be as productive as the last with mobile row-unit runoff. The mobile row-unit runoff activation on the planter main controller (PMC) allows operators to make adjustments to maximize row-unit performance from a mobile device at the rear of the planter for both preseason and in-season use – all enabled through the PlanterPlus™ app. Mobile row-unit runoff allows growers to perform test-stand functions from a mobile device connected to the planter. The row runoff test provides complete diagnostic checks both preseason and in season. With the row-unit runoff test, the operator can make adjustments from the mobile device, including vacuum pressure, to determine the optimum meter and vacuum settings. This app functionality will help avoid making trips to the cab while validating meter performance. During preseason planter inspections and set up, utilize the meter performance test to validate meter accuracy, similar to a test stand without leaving the farm. Test all systems on the planter, not just the meter, providing confidence that all planter systems are ready to plant. Reports are generated from the test providing information the operator can save and send for future reference. Before heading to the field, the operator will benefit from knowing the best row-unit and vacuum settings for each variety selected to plant that spring. Watch this video to see mobile row-unit runoff in action. Mobile row-unit runoff will work with any model year 2017 or newer ExactEmerge™ or MaxEmerge™ 5e equipped planter. Mobile row-unit runoff can be added to model year 2017 electric drive machines with attachment AA93169. For model year 2018 and newer ExactEmerge planters, mobile row-unit runoff is included in base equipment. For model year 2018 and newer MaxEmerge 5e planters not equipped from the factory, mobile row-unit runoff and Easy Fold can be added with attachment AA97849 (only available with 1775NT and 1795 Planters with a 2-point hitch and DB Planters). NOTE: Mobile runoff utilizes PlanterPlus app available on select iPad® tablets, iPhone® smartphones, and Android™ devices. Mobile row-unit runoff and Easy Fold aftermarket for field conversion kits The below software bundles include the functionality explained above for machines not ordered with the feature from the factory. Compatible machines include all the necessary sensors and harnesses needed to make the feature function. The attachment part is software only. Follow the guide below for ordering and installation. Mobile runoff ordering and software push guide iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.