Enhancing Sprayer Accuracy with John Deere ExactApply
Each year during the crop growing season, producers hit the fields with several goals in mind, one of the most critical being improving spray resolution accuracy. Precision application technology has continued to evolve, helping producers meet these demands effectively while reducing waste and improving crop health.
Back in 2016, John Deere introduced the ExactApply™ system to take application accuracy to the next level. Initially available on the 2018 model 4-Series sprayers, ExactApply has since become a game-changer in the world of sprayer technology, continually evolving to meet the needs of today’s producers.
Matt Cloeter, John Deere product marketing manager for Crop Care, has shared updates over the years, highlighting that "John Deere has continually enhanced ExactApply to keep pace with modern farming demands, integrating it with newer technologies like John Deere Operations Center™ and advanced telematics for even greater precision and control."
Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits and features of the latest John Deere ExactApply technology.
1. Individual Nozzle Control and Advanced Drift Management
With ExactApply, operators continue to benefit from individual nozzle control, which reduces sprayer drift by ensuring accurate application across the boom. Recent enhancements have focused on optimizing control algorithms for better performance near sensitive areas, like waterways or neighboring crops. With advanced drift reduction technology built into modern sprayers, producers now have even greater confidence in their ability to avoid over-application or under-application.
2. Pulse Width Modulation with Expanded Range
ExactApply’s pulse width modulation (PWM) technology ensures the droplet output size remains consistent, regardless of changes in spray speed. In the latest updates, John Deere has increased the precision of the PWM system to handle wider speed ranges—now up to 30 Hz per second, allowing for more uniform coverage at higher speeds without compromising droplet quality. This helps ensure the right droplet size for every pass, improving spray accuracy and reducing drift.
3. Turn Compensation with Enhanced Control
ExactApply’s turn compensation feature has been refined to provide even more precise adjustments during turns. The latest version automatically adapts the nozzle spray rates at the ends of the boom when turning, ensuring even distribution of nutrients across the entire field. This ensures no crop is over-sprayed or under-sprayed, maximizing yield potential while minimizing waste.
4. Integrated LED Lighting for Better Visibility
Since its introduction, LED lighting on each nozzle has helped producers work effectively during early morning and late evening hours. The latest updates to the lighting system improve visibility even further by syncing with the John Deere Operations Center, allowing for remote monitoring of application patterns in real-time. This ensures operators can make adjustments as needed, no matter the time of day.
5. Seamless Integration with John Deere Operations Center™
One of the most significant recent advancements with ExactApply is its integration with John Deere Operations Center™. This cloud-based platform gives producers the ability to monitor, manage, and optimize spraying operations remotely. ExactApply data syncs with the system in real time, allowing for advanced analytics, reporting, and adjustments to optimize each spraying pass. The platform also integrates with telematics systems to enable remote service and diagnostics, reducing downtime.
6. Support for Ultra-Low Volume Spraying
John Deere has continued to innovate, and recent enhancements allow ExactApply to support ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying, which is particularly useful for certain herbicides, insecticides, and desiccants. This capability ensures that even minimal quantities of product are applied precisely, allowing for effective pest and disease control with reduced chemical usage.
7. Automatic Section Control
Recent updates include further refinements to automatic section control that work seamlessly with ExactApply. By automatically switching sections of the boom on and off based on GPS data, overlap is reduced, and efficiency is increased—saving both time and money.
A Look Ahead
As John Deere continues to innovate, producers can expect even more advancements in spray technology. Features such as automated nozzle calibration and enhanced spray planning tools are on the horizon, making precision farming even more accessible and efficient.
For more information about John Deere ExactApply or other sprayer solutions, contact your local C & B dealership to speak with one of our experts.