Specification_Sheet_-_Corn_Planter_(Attachment_1).docx

Attachment 1

SPECIFICATION SHEET

ARS, Research Support Services (RSS) requires a corn planter with cost saving technology such as individual row shut offs for both seed and fertilizer. Row command reduces the input costs at planting by shutting off planting units where the seed has already been planted and the same as far as the starter fertilizer inputs. The entire planter must be tracked and monitored by RTK (Real Time Kinematic) GPS (Global Positioning System) network. This network gives the researchers the repeatable accuracy of +/- 1 inch for the plot work and Area-Wide Long Term Agriculture Research (LTAR) project.

We have multiple large scale research plots that are set up for GPS guided 12 row single pass planting and the LTAR research project therefore the corn planter must be able to plant 30 foot wide plots from one planting season to the next with repeatable RTK GPS accuracy. This data and guidance will all be captured on the in cab monitor capable of wireless data transfer, touch screen display, USB data port, on screen mapping and run multiple applications at the same time. The RTK GPS system must be compatible with the currently owned John Deere 900 RTK Radio units. The planter will need to include a current unlock code for the RTK level GPS access.

The planter itself must physically come equipped with:

· 12 rows on 30 inch spacing

· Frame mounted single disk fertilizer openers (less pump, controllers and plumbing)

· Variable Drive with 2 Hydraulic motors with half-width disconnect

· Pro-Shaft drive with Row Command clutches

· Tru-vee openers with single walking gauge wheels (less scrapers)

· 3 bushel seed hoppers

· Pneumatic down force system

· Closing wheel frame with solid cast steel wheels

· Regular seed tube with AccuCount sensor

· Frame mounted coulter with bubble blade

· Markers with 16” notched disks, depth gauge bands and control independent of planter lift

· Regular Parallel arms

· Fertilizer tank and mounting brackets (less plumbing)

· Seed metering disks: Standard corn, Soybean and Sorghum Suggested Item: John Deere 1775NT Planter

Any questions specific to the equipment or configuration of the planter contact:

David Swain Feed & Forage Production Unit Supervisor Research Support Services USDA, ARS, Beltsville, MD 10300 Baltimore Ave Building 301 Beltsville, MD 20705 Cell: 301-343-8300 Email: david.swain@ars.usda.gov