John Deere Introduces New Rate Controller 3 to Enhance Efficiency and Precision in Liquid and NH3 Applications

Mar 13, 2025

OLATHE, Kansas — John Deere (NYSE: DE) announced today the release of a new rate controller, the John Deere Rate Controller 3, an option to control two liquid and/or anhydrous ammonia (NH3) products and up to 16 sections. The new Rate Controller 3 builds upon the strong foundation of precision ag technology components, including the Precision Essentials kit that contains the G5 or G5^Plus universal display, StarFire® 7500 receiver and JDLink® M or R modem.

The new John Deere Rate Controller 3 delivers an integrated user experience by featuring a new rate controller app within the John Deere display menu. This app will give farmers a similar experience as operating a self-propelled sprayer with a controller with a built-in base from the factory. With this new experience, farmers can now monitor their planter and rate controller functions on one screen on the display and execute easy adjustments.

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Video: Air Command Section Control for Pro-Force Spreaders

This patented section control system uses air to divert material on to different areas of the spinner disks for precise 4-section control, for an economical design by eliminating the need for added conveyor belts or movable spreader components. The section control uses the Raven RCM ISOBUS controller and a customer’s field boundary and coverage map to automatically turn off any of the four sections at any time to avoid applying valuable fertilizer in areas where it’s not needed.

This results in fertilizer savings which means more money in your pocket for a maximum Return On Investment. The powerful blower fan sends air through a 4-section manifold while the conveyor automatically speeds up or slows down as sections are turned on or off for consistent and precise fertilizer application.

• The revolutionary patented Air Command section control utilizes a pneumatic system to accurately place fertilizer onto the spinner disks to give you individualized 4-section control of your spread pattern.

• Pinpoint accuracy of four individual sections allows you to operate the system with ease. This robust design with few moving parts offers no gimmicks, just real-world results.

• The new Air Command section control option is available on pull-type models 2250 and 1850 with the new PTO drive system, and on 1450, 1250 and 1050 pull-type models with standard single hydraulics.

• Continue to do it all with the Unverferth pull-type Pro-Force Spreader. Use the Air Command section control for spreading fertilizer and in-seeding applications, while converting to single-section lime or litter application in a matter of minute