Orders are open for the new N500C Air Drill ahead of a planned production start in September 2020
John Deere has redesigned its N500C Air Drill for small-grains producers, with the new models to start production in September 2020.
The redesigned air drills have a raised platform to give operators easier access to the meter, allowing them to clear blockages and clean out seed more simply.
John Deere Seeding marketing manager Ryan Hough says the change, which also includes the blower on the new models being mounted in the forward position, follows the top requests of producers.
The air drill also has electric-drive volumetric meters that will offer greater seed population control, as well as variable-rate seeding capabilities using John Deere’s Section Command technology.
This is in addition to new technologies including tank scales and systems for row-to-row seed-flow monitoring, down-force control from the cab and an app allowing the operator to easily calibrate meters and weight monitoring for the scales.
“The N500C Air Drill was designed to give operators much easier meter access and the latest in integrated technology for improved seed placement accuracy, control and confidence, to help them do the best seeding job possible for cereals, canola, soybeans and other crops,” Hough says.
John Deere has equipped the seeders with its no-till ProSeries openers to improve accuracy, saying the narrow seed boot and narrow, flexible press wheel provides up to 40 per cent more consistent seed depth along the width of the seeder.
“Operators (have) much more control of seeding operations and the ability to monitor and adjust seeding rates, down pressure and other machine functions on-the-go from the cab,” Hough adds.
“We’ve even made curve compensation available on air drills for the first time to reduce overlaps and skips around contours and obstacles in the field.”
The N500C Air Drill is available in widths of 9.14m, 11m, 12.2m and 12.8m with 3,523 or 4,228-litre central commodity tanks, depending on tool width.
The machines have front and rear ranks – with either 190mm and 380mm row spacings, or 250mm and 510mm row spacings – that can be hydraulically raised and locked.
Machines with a single rank with 190-mm row spacings are also available to order.