John Deere Precision Upgrades for Your Planter

Getting the most from your planter means making every pass count. John Deere precision upgrades help you do just that by improving seed placement, nutrient application and overall efficiency, without replacing your current planter.

Why upgrade? By adding these John Deere precision technologies, you can increase planting accuracy, reduce input costs and boost crop yields.

To make it simple to choose what works best for your operation, planter upgrades are organized into three categories: Advanced Meter Technologies, Core Precision Upgrades and Optional Add-Ons. 

Advanced Meter Technologies

Advanced meter technologies like ExactEmerge™ and MaxEmerge™ 5e increase seed placement efficiency and accuracy, even at higher speeds or in irregular field conditions.

ExactEmerge

ExactEmerge delivers high-speed planting with precise seed placement thanks to its patented BrushBelt™ delivery system.

• Plants at speeds up to 10 mph (16 km/h)
• Delivers accurate seed placement at higher planting speeds
• Reduces seed bounce and roll for consistent spacing
• Supports uniform crop emergence to boost yield potential

MaxEmerge 5e

MaxEmerge 5e easily handles curved and irregular fields, using electric drives to maintain population accuracy and support variable-rate planting.

• Maintains accurate spacing around curves with electric drives
• Eliminates mechanical drive wear for smoother operation
• Enables row-by-row shutoff for precise spacing on corners and curves
• Compatible with a wide range of crops

Core Precision Upgrades

• Saves up to 60% on in-furrow nutrient input costs
• Switch between dosing and continuous mode from the cab
• Easy set-up, monitoring and adjustment using G5 Display

• Row-by-row section control and turn compensation for precise nutrient placement
• Maintains accuracy at planting speeds up to 10 mph (16 km/h)
• Integrated control and monitoring through the G5 Display

• Reacts to rapidly changing field conditions
• Adjusts downforce up to five times per second for accuracy

• Allows in-cab viewing of seed depth to save time
• Make necessary adjustments without leaving the tractor

• Redistributes weight to the wings for increased downforce on row units
• Minimizes compaction for more consistent planting

• Includes in-tank mounting and added lighting under the bar on each row unit
• Enhances visibility for nighttime operation

Optional Add-Ons

• Active Pneumatic Downforce : Allows you to adjust pressure and maintain row-unit target margin values from the cab.
• Pneumatic Closing Wheels: Provide consistent trench closing in rough field conditions with quick adjustability. Compatible with ExactEmerge and MaxEmerge 5e
• Easy Adjust Row Cleaners: Three preset heights efficiently remove residue from the seed trench. Adjustable from the cab
• Yetter Twister Closing Wheels: Break up soil compaction with consistent trench closure across a range of soil types and conditions

To hear more about Model Year 2025 precision upgrades for your John Deere planter, check out our podcast below:

Precision Ag Essentials

Getting started with precision ag technology on your farm begins with John Deere’s Precision Ag Essentials bundle. This package equips both new and older John Deere equipment with the core hardware and software needed to begin using precision technology right away.

The hardware kit includes a G5 or G5 Plus display, a StarFire™ 7500 receiver and a JDLink™ M or R modem.

From there, you select a renewable software license option that best fits your operation:

• AutoTrac™: Includes AutoTrac (initial two-year license, renews as a one-year)
• Essentials: Includes AutoTrac, Section Control and RowSense™ (one-year license)
• Essentials and SF-RTK: Includes AutoTrac, Section Control, RowSense and SF-RTK (one-year license)
• Advanced:  Includes AutoTrac Implement Guidance, AutoTrac Turn Automation, AutoPath™, In-Field Data Sharing, Machine Sync, Satellite Maps, Grain Harvest Weight Sharing and SF-RTK (one-year license)

This license structure lets you choose the level of precision and automation that fits your operation, then upgrade, downgrade or renew annually as your needs evolve.

Upgrading your John Deere planter with precision technologies can significantly enhance your farming efficiency and crop yields. With the right upgrades, you can achieve uniform emergence, optimal seed placement and efficient nutrient application, all while reducing input costs. For any questions about upgrading your planter, contact your local RDO Equipment dealer for expert advice and support.

Want to upgrade more than just your planter? Check out our Overview of John Deere Precision Upgrades to learn more about available sprayer and combine precision upgrades.