John Deere N540F Separate Fertilizer Placement (SFP) Air Drill
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Features
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Fertilizer Placement: <span>Separate</span>
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Opener: <span>ProSeries</span>
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Transport Width: <span>14 ft. 4 in., 18 ft. 4 in.</span>
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Working Width: <span>40 ft.</span>
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Row Spacing: 10-in. (254-mm) 20-in. (508-mm)
Fertilizer options with the separate fertilizer placement (SFP)
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
SPF scrapers can bolt a sealing wing to the bottom of the improved anhydrous (NH3) retention by reducing outgassing. It’s 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.
| Group Key | Component | Object description | Comp. Qty (CUn) | Component unit |
| AA102150 | 03H2070 | BOLT, ROUND HEAD SQUARE NECK | 8 | PC |
| AA102150 | 03M7224 | BOLT, RD HD SQ SHORT NECK, METRIC | 2 | PC |
| AA102150 | 14M7396 | NUT, METRIC, HEX FL, SELF LOCKING | 2 | PC |
| AA102150 | A107506 | WASHER, SPECIAL | 8 | PC |
| AA102150 | A116640 | Scraper, SFP, RH | 1 | PC |
| AA102150 | A116641 | Scraper, SFP, LH | 1 | PC |
| AA102150 | AA97059 | Plate, NH3 SEALING, LH | 1 | PC |
| AA102150 | AA97060 | Plate, NH3 SEALING, RH | 1 | PC |
| AA102150 | E55662 | NUT-FLANGE-3/8 | 8 | PC |
| AA102150 | N283804 | DISK, BORON | 2 | PC |
In yellow the actual parts. Everything else is hardware
| Group Key | Component | Object description | Comp. Qty (CUn) | Component unit |
| AA102151 | 03H2070 | BOLT, ROUND HEAD SQUARE NECK | 32 | PC |
| AA102151 | 03M7224 | BOLT, RD HD SQ SHORT NECK, METRIC | 8 | PC |
| AA102151 | 14M7396 | NUT, METRIC, HEX FL, SELF LOCKING | 8 | PC |
| AA102151 | A107506 | WASHER, SPECIAL | 32 | PC |
| AA102151 | A116640 | Scraper, SFP, RH | 4 | PC |
| AA102151 | A116641 | Scraper, SFP, LH | 4 | PC |
| AA102151 | AA97059 | Plate, NH3 SEALING, LH | 4 | PC |
| AA102151 | AA97060 | Plate, NH3 SEALING, RH | 4 | PC |
| AA102151 | E55662 | NUT-FLANGE-3/8 | 32 | PC |
| AA102151 | N283804 | DISK, BORON | 8 | PC |
In yellow the actual parts. Everything else is hardware
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Integration advantages of Deere tractor, cart, tool and technology
To win big in small grains, it takes a seeding solution that superseeds your expectations. John Deere delivers with a complete line of everything you need – and the sizes you want – to seed for success. Air-hoe drills. Commodity air carts. No-till air drills. Openers. Fertilizer attachments. Central commodity systems. Box drills. Plus precision ag technology to stretch your productivity to higher levels. But it’s far more than iron and technology. It’s the exceptional agronomic know-how and unsurpassed dealer support in all phases of production to keep you running. With our latest additions to equipment and openers, our seeding solutions deliver the next-generation performance you need to help you reach the full potential of each seed. That’s our commitment to you.
Upgrade previous row units with ProSeries™ Opener performance upgrade kit
Upgrade your current 90 Series Opener to the ProSeries Openers by ordering a performance upgrade kit. Information on the ProSeries Opener can be found here.
Two kit offerings are available for seed openers, a two row (AA98693) and eight row (AA97392) kit. 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 |
ProSeries seed opener kit
NOTE: Kits are subject to change.
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 |
No-till opener seeding with minimal maintenance from the ProSeries™ Opener
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 have been removed. The third grease point is now 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. 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 1890 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
Confidence in rates from row to row with RelativeFlow™ Blockage sensing
With the RelativeFlow blockage sensing, operators can see the flow rate of both seed and fertilizer from inside the tractor cab. Sensors on all primary towers and secondary hoses monitor the relative product flow, 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 exclusive technology can help you identify any problems before potential blockage occurs.
RelativeFlow Blockage is available on the following models:
- P540 - 12.2-m (40-ft)
- P556 - 17.1-m (56-ft)
- P576 - 23.2-m (76-ft)
- N500C - all widths
- 1890 - 15.2-m (50-ft) and 18.3-m (60-ft)
- N530F - 9.1-m (30-ft)
- N540F - 12.2-m (40-ft)
- N543F - 13.1-m (43-ft)
- N560F - 18.3-m (60-ft)
RelativeFlow Blockage is compatible with hydraulic drive carts for model year 2014 and newer 1910, model year 2013 and newer 550 Carts, C650 and C850 Air Cart.
Below are the GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display screens for the blockage monitoring system. For complete details and information, see the owner’s manual.
Blockage monitoring screen on GreenStar™ 3 2630
The RelativeFlow 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 monitoring screen on GreenStar 3 2630
Blockage warning sensitivity allows the producer to set and change the sensitivity of the sensors to meet their preferences. 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 GreenStar 3 2630
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
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 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 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 Relative Flow Blockage are not compatible with 1910 air carts with ground drive.