John Deere unveils MaxEmerge 5e, ExactEmerge

John Deere launches MaxEmerge 5e and ExactEmerge upgrades, letting farmers update planter meters without changing the whole row unit.

Illinois, United States – Deere & Company., an agricultural machinery manufacturer, has introduced two new precision planter upgrade options: MaxEmerge 5e and ExactEmerge. These upgrades allow farmers to update meters on various John Deere planters without replacing the entire row unit.

Mr. Kyle Barry, Precision Upgrade Marketing Manager at John Deere, said, “We work with farmers and our dealers to find ways we can update existing equipment to help farmers be more productive. The introduction of these new meter upgrade kits is an example of how we are helping farmers be more productive and efficient, saving time and money.”

ExactEmerge Meter upgrade kit

The new precision upgrade allows farmers with a 2015 or newer John Deere MaxEmerge or MaxEmerge 5e planter to convert to ExactEmerge without buying new row units. This upgrade boosts planting productivity, enabling speeds of up to 10 mph while maintaining accurate population and spacing.

It uses the BrushBelt seed delivery system for precise seed placement at the trench bottom, preventing bouncing or rolling for consistent emergence. This combination enhances planting accuracy and productivity, maximizing tight planting windows. It’s a cost-effective choice for those seeking faster planting without the expense of a full row unit upgrade.

MaxEmerge 5e Meter upgrade kit

For farmers with a 2015 or newer MaxEmerge 5 John Deere planter, this upgrade replaces the mechanical drive with the electric MaxEmerge 5e meter, improving population accuracy by up to 20%, especially on curves. It supports variable rate prescriptions, individual row shutoffs, and requires less maintenance than mechanical systems.

The upgrade uses a seed tube for precise seed delivery and an active downforce system-either active pneumatic or Individual Row Hydraulic Downforce (IRHD)-to maintain consistent seed placement and depth on uneven ground. It also includes the new SeedStar 5 monitoring system, providing real-time row-by-row planting data in-cab and in the John Deere Operations Center.