2010 Press Releases

Planting operations just got more precise and easier to monitor with the new SeedStar™ XP monitoring system from John Deere. The SeedStar™ XP provides more real-time information about planter performance and seed placement to the operator in the tractor cab, making it easier for the operator to make on-the-go adjustments to the planter for optimal seed placement and increased productivity.

The GreenStar™ 2 compatible SeedStar™ XP system features a user-friendly, full-colour planting monitor, or it can be integrated with a producer's existing GreenStar™ 2 display to eliminate clutter in the cab. The system is supported by a series of row-unit sensor nodes and downforce sensors configured to the specific model of planter. In addition to the features of the original SeedStar™ 2 monitoring system, the SeedStar™ XP system includes these enhancements:

• Seed singulation and seed spacing monitoring
• Row-unit downforce monitoring and adjustment
• Row-unit ride quality monitoring
• Overall row-unit and planter performance monitoring
• Split-screen applications for planting and guidance (AutoTrac™)

Chris Savener, project manager, planters, for John Deere Seeding, says the SeedStar™ XP system is designed with the latest customer needs in mind. "Everything that customers said they wanted in a fully integrated monitoring system for planting operations went into the SeedStar™ XP system," Savener says. "This includes an easy-to-read, at-a-glance screen with seed skip information and data on row-unit ride dynamics, which are critical to monitoring and maintaining overall planter performance at the row-unit level. Ultimately, the SeedStar™ XP monitoring system helps ensure that every seed is planted to the correct depth and spacing within the seed furrow across the entire field. Tests show that the system helps producers save planting time and seed while maximising yields."

The SeedStar™ XP system is available on select model year 2011 John Deere planters, including the 1770NT, 1770NT CCS™, 1790 and DB Series planters, and is fully integrated and compatible with other Ag Management Solutions (AMS) products used for planting, such as Swath Control Pro™ for planters, GreenStar™ AutoTrac™ assisted steering and Apex™ farm management software.

For more information on the John Deere SeedStar™ XP monitoring system, visit our Web site or FREECALL 1800 800 981 in Australia and 0800 303 100 in New Zealand to contact your local John Deere dealer.

John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is the world's leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.