For small-grain producers wanting to drill more acres per day, John Deere introduces its largest air cart ever — the new C850.

The cart’s 850-bushel carrying capacity is 55% greater than previous models and provides an ideal match between cart capacity and in-field performance when appropriately paired with John Deere’s 9R series of tractors and air-drill offering.

“Producers will see industry-leading total product delivery from AirPower 2, which is standard equipment on the C850,” says Ryan Hough, John Deere product marketing manager for seeding.

“Integrated tank scales are included and a five-pivot hydraulic wireless conveyance is capable of delivering 100 bushels per minute to fill all tanks from a single positioning of the cart and semi. Every additional bushel of capacity to each tank was considered to ensure the splits were right, allowing more time for seeding.”

Hough says this allows producers, using common input rates, to seed 170 acres, yet avoid the additional soil compaction and decreased flotation that comes with less than optimal tank splits on larger cart offerings.

“The C850 can seed a comparable number of acres to carts nearly 100 bushels larger without carrying the added weight of unused product that can result in increased soil compaction and decreased flotation,” Hough explains.

The C850 is compatible with the 76-foot John Deere 1870 Air Hoe Drill; and 50- and 60-foot 1890 No-till Air Drills. A 50-bushel mini hopper, and dual rear and single front tires are included.

The new air cart can also be equipped with additional features that include AirPower 2; ActiveCal, Acres Remaining, Section Command and Hydraulic Wireless Conveyance. “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. For those who want to calibrate from the comfort of the tractor cab, ActiveCal allows in-field calibration while seeding. Air-tank pressure can also be monitored from inside the tractor cab.      

“The heavy-duty frame is built for years of use, and stainless steel primaries were used to reduce corrosion and wear,” Hough adds.  

The single-lid per tank design of the C850 provide 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. Hough says this prevents the cart’s lids from blowing closed in the wind or from blocking conveyor access to the tank opening.

Equipped with an integrated camera wiring harness, standard C850 models come from the factory camera ready. Factory-installed mounts and connections are located at the rear of the cart and inside each tank for seamless installation. “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 feet 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.

Optional SectionCommand can be ordered with the C850 to reduce seed and fertilizer inputs while improving even emergence and crop development.