John Deere introduces the new C-Series air cart line, providing new options, focused on seeding-time productivity. Available in a wide range of capacities and configurations, the new C-Series offers reduced maintenance and improved seeding accuracy.
“With a variety of new features, farming operations of all sizes can benefit from the latest air cart technologies with multiple machine formats,” said Anthony Styczinski, John Deere go-to-market manager for planters and seeders.
The new C-Series model numbers, capacities, configurations and tank splits include:
C350L/C350T: 350 bushels (160/190 bu), leading and trailing (12,250 liters)
C400L/C400T: 400 bushels (160/50/190 bu), leading and trailing (14,000 liters)
C500L/C500T: 500 bushels (190/90/220 bu), leading and trailing (17,500 liters)
C550L/C550T: 550 bushels (190/90/50/220 bu), leading and trailing (19,250 liters)
C650L/C650T: 650 bushels (50/260/130/210 bu), leading and trailing (22,750 liters)
C850T: 850 bushels (50/260/130/410 bu), trailing only (29,750 liters)
Replacement cost savings
The C-Series air carts start returning on the investment thanks to the AccuRate stainless-steel electric meter. The AccuRate meter is constructed of stainless steel and composite materials, creating a corrosion- and wear-resistant system that stands up to seed treatments and abrasive granular fertilizers.
“On average, customers replace their standard meters approximately every three years,” Styczinski said. “For a four-tank cart, that replacement cost could be $50,000 or more, saving money right from the start.”
The new AccuRate meter bank contains up to eight individually controlled meters per tank. With the ability to change the speed and volume of each meter, customers are now able to run higher-resolution prescriptions.
“The individually controlled meters allow higher-resolution Curve Compensation and SectionCommand Pro, which provide farmers up to 8x more precision in their seeding practices,” Styczinski said. “For an operation of any size, it will help provide savings on inputs.”
New calibration and blower automation
To help farmers make the most of short seeding windows, the C-Series air carts also feature the new EZCal system, a push-button calibration system that is up to 75% faster than the current manual bag calibration system. This can save over 100 walking steps and prevent the operator from having to crawl under the cart during calibration.
“The more often you calibrate your equipment, the more accurate it will be,” Styczinski said. “That’s the great thing about the ActiveCal system. You can calibrate throughout the day from the cab so that as your conditions change, and you don’t have to worry about over- or under metering.”
In addition, all new C-Series carts feature blower automation, allowing the operator to set a target blower speed from the cab. Blower speed is maintained and adjusted as the conditions change throughout the day.
“This kind of technology is a big help for newer, less experienced operators,” Styczinski said. “Features like these allow the operator to focus on the seeding task at hand without having to worry as much about calibration or blower adjustment.”
Under 550 bu completely new
Smaller area farmers who need efficiency and productivity but may not require the larger C-Series air carts of the past, don’t get left behind with the new C-Series line. The under 550 bu air carts feature the same meters, tank scales and calibration system as its larger counterparts, with the addition of a low-profile hopper, featuring more than double the filling space of current models. A new conveyor/auger also allows the hopper to stay in one spot while filling all four tanks and fills up to 75% faster than the current conveyor. Finally, the G5e cart-side display reduces calibration time by eliminating trips between the tractor cab and the cart.
“When developing these solutions, we recognized there are farmers of all sizes, each with different priorities. The C-Series can help you get there.” Styczinski concludes.
