Deere launches largest air cart

John Deere has unveiled the new C850 air cart – its largest ever - to cater to broadacre farmers and small grain producers wanting to seed more hectares per day.

It has an 850-bushel carrying capacity which, according to John Deere, is 55 per cent larger than previous models.

The AirPower 2 air seeding system comes standard on the C850, alongside integrated tank scales and a five-pivot hydraulic wireless conveyance capable of delivering 100 bushels (3524–litres) per minute to fill all tanks from a single positioning of cart and truck.

Every additional bushel to each tank is considered to ensure the splits are right, allowing more time for seeding.

John Deere product marketing manager for seeding, Ryan Hough, says this allows producers using common input rates to seed almost 70 hectares while avoiding soil compaction and decreased flotation.

"The C850 is able to seed a comparable number of hectares to carts nearly 100 bushels larger without carrying the added weight of unused product that can result in increased soil compaction," he says.

The C850 is compatible with John Deere's 76ft (23.2m) 1870 air hoe drill; as well as 50 and 60ft (15.2 and 18.2m) 1890 no-till air drills. It comes with a 50-bushel mini hopper, and dual rear and single front tyres.

The new air cart can also be equipped with additional features such as the ActiveCal calibration system and Section Control. "These options help producers finish more work in less time," Hough says.

Calibration on the C850 can be done from a display mounted to the cart, or from the tractor cab using the ActiveCal technology. Air-tank pressure can also be monitored from inside the cab.

The C850 features a single-lid-per-tank design which provides a generous opening for easy access and filling. Lids are flush across the top and when opened, slide along the contour of the tank to remain out of the way while filling. "These are small details, but are important when making the most of refill time," Hough says.

Standard C850 models come from the factory camera ready and equipped with integrated camera wiring harnesses. Factory-installed mounts and connections are located at the rear of the cart and inside each tank.

"The camera harness is compatible with CabCAM and Voyager cameras," Hough says.

Top platform railings on the C850 can be quickly folded down to a height of 13.5 ft. (4.1m) with the pull of a pin. The lower platform railings can also be unpinned and removed when transferring seed from the back of a truck or when loading from a pallet and loader.

For more information on the C850 Air Cart, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit johndeere.com.au