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Pre-delivery Setup: SeedStar 4HP Planter

How to Set Up Your John Deere SeedStar 4HP Planter Before First Use

When setting up a new John Deere SeedStar 4HP Planter, following the correct steps ensures your equipment is optimized for planting and ready for the field. Use this guide to walk through the essential pre-delivery setup process. For more help, contact your nearest Koenig Equipment location and ask to speak with an Optimization Specialist.

Step-by-Step Pre-delivery Setup

1. Set Up Customer Seed Rates

  • Open SeedStar: Select the SeedStar icon in the shortcut bar.

  • Check Rates: On the left, review the existing seed rates.

  • To Change a Rate:

    • Select the target rate to edit.

    • Enter the new target population.

    • Ensure “Disable Rate” is unchecked (it may be checked by default from the factory).

    • Select "OK" to save.

2. Adjust Advanced Planter Settings

  • Go to "Planner Advanced Settings."

  • Check the box for Override Section Control During Fast Start.

  • Set Gauge Wheel Downforce Increment to 10lb.

3. Set Start and Stop Heights

  • From the advanced settings, select "Edit Settings."

  • Use "Common Threshold."

  • Adjust the Start/Stop Height to 20%.

  • Select "OK" to save.

4. Configure Vacuum Automation (if equipped)

  • Change Vacuum Automation Target Increment to 2.5 inches.

  • When using a compatible tractor:

    • Go to SCV Settings and select Automated SCV Control.

    • Edit settings and assign the correct SCV to the vacuum motor (e.g., SCV 3 for vacuum 1 on a 12-row planter).

    • (Note: After updating, you may need to restart the display.)

5. Verify Sensor Setup

  • Access the setup icon and select the planter.

  • Scroll down to review Sensor Setup:

    • Most planters include ride quality sensors on all rows.

    • The vacuum sensor is usually found on row 7.

  • Ensure the Mechanical Delay is set to 0.8 and 0.3.

  • Select "Save."

6. Check Downforce Sensor Status and Calibrations

  • Go to SeedStar > Diagnostics & Calibrations.

  • Perform calibrations for:

    • Gauge Wheel Downforce

    • Height Sensors

  • Walk through each on-screen procedure.

  • To check sensor readings:

    • Select Diagnostics, then Gauge Wheel Downforce.

    • Set all planter rows as shallow as possible, place the planter on the ground, and confirm a load reading on each row.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if the disable rate is checked and I can’t set a new target rate?

  • Uncheck “Disable Rate” to enable that seed rate option.

Why set the gauge wheel downforce to a 10lb increment?

  • Setting a specific increment helps ensure consistent seed-to-soil contact and proper planter performance.

What if my planter isn’t reading all downforce sensors?

  • Rerun calibrations and ensure all sensors are connected and functioning. If problems persist, contact your local Koenig Equipment specialist.