Making the Right Choice: New John Deere Planter vs. Performance Upgrade Kit

Making the Right Choice: New John Deere Planter vs. Performance Upgrade Kit

Posted by Benjamin D. Flansburg

Making the Right Choice: New John Deere Planter vs. Performance Upgrade Kit

In the world of agriculture, efficiency and precision are paramount. Every decision a farmer makes can have a significant impact on their yield and bottom line. When it comes to planting equipment, choosing between investing in a new John Deere planter or opting for a performance upgrade kit (PUK) can be a tough decision. Both options offer their own set of benefits, but which one is the right choice for you? Let’s chat about the reasons behind each option to help you make an informed decision.

Investing in a New John Deere Planter:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: John Deere is renowned for its innovative agricultural equipment. Investing in a new planter means the latest advancements in planting technology. From John Deere planting systems to advanced seed meters, a new John Deere planter is equipped with state-of-the-art features designed to optimize seed placement and maximize yield potential.
• Increased Efficiency: Efficiency is key in modern farming operations. New John Deere planters are engineered to maximize planting efficiency, allowing farmers to cover more ground in less time. Features such as high-speed planting capabilities and automated systems streamline the planting process, reducing labor costs and increasing overall productivity.
• Enhanced Reliability: When you invest in a new John Deere planter, you're not just buying a piece of equipment; you're investing in reliability and peace of mind. John Deere has a reputation for building durable and dependable machinery that can withstand the rigors of the field. LandPro has a reputation for customer service, making sure that when you want to be in the field – your equipment is ready to work. With proper maintenance, a new planter can provide years of trouble-free operation, minimizing downtime during critical planting seasons. Check out our Planter inspections here, to help you stay ready for the field.
• Access to Warranty and Support: Purchasing a new John Deere planter comes with the added benefit of warranty coverage and comprehensive customer support. In the event of any issues or technical difficulties, you can rely on our service department and Connected Support team to provide prompt in-field and on the farm service to ensure that your equipment is up and running as quickly as possible.

Opting for a Performance Upgrade Kit:

• Cost-Effectiveness: For farmers looking to enhance the performance of their existing equipment without the price tag of a new planter, performance upgrade kits offer a cost-effective solution. Performance Upgrades are a variety of add-ons that can be added to existing John Deere planters. They offer the ability to upgrade your planter to the latest technology and performance without having to buy brand new iron so you can maximize potential in a cost-effective manner. These kits typically include components such as upgraded seed meters, row units, and precision planting systems that can be retrofitted onto older John Deere planters, breathing new life into them, and improving their overall efficiency.

What Performance Upgrade Kits are available?

• ExactEmerge™: Get a whole new planter from the bar back, not just a new seed meter, plate, and tube, and get the performance benefits of the ExactEmerge technology without buying a new ExactEmerge planter. More info here.
• MaxEmerge™ 5E: Improve plant population with a MaxEmergeTM 5e row unit upgrade*. The row-by-row shutoff allows for perfect spacing when planting corners and on curves. More info here.
• Individual Row Hydraulic Downforce (IRHD): IRHD allows you to consistently plant each seed at the same depth for uniform emergence. IRHD reacts quickly (seconds) to soil conditions in each row, increasing ground contact for improved seed depth.
• Pneumatic Closing Wheels: Adjust closing wheels in seconds. Available on MaxEmerge 5e and ExactEmerge row units, pneumatic wheels provide consistent trench closing in rough field conditions.
• Easy Adjust Row Cleaners: Use three preset heights to remove residue from the seed trench. No more climbing under the planter to make changes. Do it from the cab with the touch of a button.
• NEW for 2023 - Ultimate Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting: Matches best-in-class tractor lighting illumination levels. In-tank lighting for seed level monitoring. Under bar illumination for better detection of obstacles or plugs during planting. Robust rear lighting for in-field audits and in-cab monitoring.
• Yetter Twister™ Closing Wheels: Now available to order with any ExactEmerge™ or MaxEmerge™ 5e Performance Upgrade Kit.
• Color-Coded Hydraulic Hose Handles: Simplify the connection between planter and tractor with color-coded hydraulic grips.

• Flexibility and Customization: Performance upgrade kits provide farmers with the flexibility to customize their equipment according to their specific needs and preferences. Whether it's upgrading to the latest John Deere planting technology or improving seed meter accuracy, farmers can tailor their upgrade package to address the unique challenges they face on their farm, ultimately optimizing performance and maximizing yield potential.
• Sustainability: Upgrading existing equipment rather than purchasing new machinery can also have environmental benefits. By extending the lifespan of older planters through performance upgrades, farmers can reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting new equipment, contributing to a more sustainable farming operation.
• Shorter Implementation Time: Unlike purchasing a new planter, which may require lead time for manufacturing and delivery, performance upgrade kits can be installed relatively quickly, minimizing downtime during critical planting seasons. With the help of experienced technicians, farmers can upgrade their equipment and start reaping the benefits of improved performance in a timely manner.

Whether you choose to invest in a new John Deere planter or opt for a performance upgrade kit, the goal remains the same: to maximize efficiency, productivity, and yield potential in your farming operation. Consider factors such as your budget, current equipment condition, and long-term goals when making your decision. Ultimately, both options offer opportunities for improvement and innovation, empowering farmers to stay at the forefront of modern agriculture.

Tags: John Deere Planter, Performance Upgrade Kit, Precision Farming