John Deere recently expanded its Planter Precision Upgrade offerings with two new meter upgrade kits designed to enhance productivity without requiring a full row unit replacement. These upgrades allow farmers to optimize their existing equipment, improving efficiency and precision during planting.
Boost Planting Speed With the ExactEmerge Meter Upgrade Kit
For those using 2018 and newer John Deere planters with MaxEmerge 5e, the ExactEmerge Meter Upgrade Kit offers a seamless transition to higher-speed planting. This upgrade boosts productivity by enabling planting speeds of up to 10 mph while maintaining precise seed population and spacing.
At the core of this upgrade is the BrushBelt™ seed delivery system, which ensures gentle yet accurate seed placement at the bottom of the trench. By eliminating seed bounce and roll, the system promotes uniform emergence, maximizing yield potential. Farmers looking to improve their planting speed without investing in an entirely new row unit can benefit from this cost-effective solution. Additionally, compatibility for MaxEmerge 5 planters from 2015 and newer will be available in 2026.
Improve Accuracy With the MaxEmerge 5e Meter Upgrade Kit
Farmers with 2015 or newer MaxEmerge 5 planters can upgrade to the MaxEmerge 5e Meter, which replaces mechanical drives with an advanced electric system. This upgrade enhances population accuracy by up to 20%, improving seed distribution even when planting on curves.
The MaxEmerge 5e system also enables variable rate prescriptions, individual row shutoffs, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to mechanical drives. With the addition of an active downforce system, either active pneumatic or Individual Row Hydraulic Downforce (IRHD), farmers can maintain consistent seed placement and depth in varying soil conditions. The upgrade includes the SeedStar 5 Monitoring System, delivering real-time, row-by-row data to optimize planting decisions.
More Ways to Customize Your Planter
These latest upgrades join John Deere’s existing Ultimate Planter Upgrade, which offers a complete row replacement for planters from 2005 and newer. The package includes electric meters, advanced downforce systems, and the SeedStar 5 Monitoring System, with additional options like liquid fertilizer systems and granular insecticide applications.
Get Started With a Planter Precision Upgrade
With these precision upgrades, you can improve planting efficiency, reduce seed waste, and maximize productivity without needing a full equipment overhaul. To learn more about upgrading your John Deere planter, contact your local John Deere dealer today.