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Should I Get a Performance Upgrade Kit for My John Deere Planter and Sprayer?

May. 23 2022 Agriculture By Prairie State Tractor

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What is a John Deere Performance Upgrade Kit (PUK)?

As the name states, Performance Upgrades are a variety of add-ons that can be retrofitted to existing used John Deere equipment. They offer the ability to upgrade your equipment to the latest technology and performance without having to buy brand new iron. For those who feel like there is still life in their planter, performance upgrades are the perfect option to maximize potential in a cost-effective manner. Strengthen ROI, reduce input costs and improve yields* with new-to-you performance. This video below with Zach Johnson, the Millennial Farmer, explains PUKs in greater detail.


What John Deere equipment can I upgrade?

For 2022, John Deere is offering Performance Upgrades for planters, drills, sprayers, tillage tools, and even some harvest equipment.

What Performance Upgrades are available for John Deere planters?

  • 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.
  • NEW for 2023 -  Yetter Twister™ Closing Wheels: Now available to order with any ExactEmerge™ or MaxEmerge™ 5e Performance Upgrade Kit.
  • NEW for 2023 -  Color-Coded Hydraulic Hose Handles: Simplify the connection between planter and tractor with color-coded hydraulic grips. 

What Performance Upgrades are available for John Deere sprayers?

  • ExactApply™: Controlling your spray means more control over profitability and productivity. End over-application, crop burn and off-target drift, upgrade the sprayer you already own. Learn more here.
  • Individual Nozzle Control Pro: The newest nozzle capability from John Deere is now available for your 4 Series Sprayer. Section Control gives you control down to the individual nozzle turret and improved application accuracy over today’s standard plumbing sprayers. Learn more here.
  • Pressure Recirculation/Product Reclaim: Reduce crop damage by delivering a more consistent solution at every nozzle in your application. Cut down on chemical and water expenses with the Pressure Recirculation and Product Reclaim upgrade to your current sprayer. Learn more here.
  • Boom Extensions: Increase your efficiency and acres covered per day with a steel boom extension for your existing sprayer. With the weather being one of the largest variables during application season, making your sprayer wider allows you to get more done when the sun is shining.
  • Direct Injection: Direct Injection makes it easier for you to manage buffer zones to meet chemical requirements in addition to providing capacity for carrying up to 235 gallons and three different applications at once.
  • NEW for 2023 - LED Boom Lighting Package: Boom Tip Edge Light illuminates a red line on the ground aligned with end of the boom. Spray Pattern Illumination located on inside of inner wings.

When is the best time to purchase a Performance Upgrade Kit?

Just like with new equipment purchases, we offer an Early Order Period for Performance Upgrades. For 2023 Planter and Sprayer Performance Upgrades, the best time to purchase is between June 1, 2022 and August 2, 2022. Prairie State Tractor is able to offer you our very best pricing and preferred delivery dates during this time period.

Ready to upgrade?

Give us a call and schedule an evaluation. Together, you can decide what Performance Upgrade fits your needs and operation.

1 https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2020/03/high-speed-planting-technology

*Internal comparison of ExactEmerge and MaxEmerge 5e row units and components with original MaxEmerge row units and components, based on field and growing conditions. Individual results may vary.