Section Control Settings on John Deere Gen 4 Display

Section Control is a powerful feature on the John Deere Generation 4 Display that helps operators manage application and coverage efficiency in the field. This guide explains how to turn Section Control on or off, configure boundaries and overlap settings, and optimize your setup for complete field coverage.

What Is Section Control?

Section Control automates and manages when equipment applies seed, fertilizer, or chemicals—turning individual sections on or off based on precise, real-time position data. This saves inputs, reduces overlap and skip areas, and ensures consistent coverage.

How to Turn Section Control On or Off

• Use the shortcut bar at the bottom of the Gen 4 Display.

• Simply tap the Section Control master to switch it on or off for your operations.

Accessing Section Control Settings

1. Go to the Menu

2. Select Applications

3. Choose Section Control for advanced adjustments

Boundary & Headland Control Features

• Use Boundaries: Enables Section Control to shut off application outside the defined field boundaries.

  • Make sure you have a boundary set up for your field.

  • Activate this option to prevent spraying or seeding beyond your mapped area.

• Headland Control: If headland boundaries are defined, this feature automates shutoff along headland areas.

  • Not all fields require headland boundaries; this is optional and not always used.

Setting Overlap Percentage

• 100% Overlap (Recommended): Ensures all field areas are covered, particularly helpful when crossing point rows.

  • Use this setting for thorough coverage, similar to the "minimize skip" feature found in earlier displays.

• 0% Overlap: Maximizes input savings but may leave small sections uncovered, especially at point rows.

  • Only select if partial coverage is acceptable for your operation.

Adding Extra Overlap for Specialized Equipment

• Use the "100% overlap plus additional" option for setups requiring more coverage.

  • Example: With planters like the 1795, which have two ranks, adding an extra foot can ensure all rows are seeded even if the control point is set in the middle.

  • Adjust the overlap as needed to accommodate equipment design or coverage preferences.

Managing Multiple Operations

• If running multiple controllers (for example, a seed planter and starter fertilizer), you will see individual operations listed.

  • Easily switch each operation on or off depending on your requirements.

Step-by-Step: Configuring Section Control

1. Open Section Control from the shortcut bar—turn it on.

2. Access advanced settings via Menu > Applications > Section Control.

3. Set boundaries to limit application area.

4. Choose overlap percentage for coverage.

5. Add extra overlap if using equipment with multiple ranks or drop points.

6. Confirm multiple operations settings if applicable.

7. Review and close out to return to normal run features.

Practical Tips

• Always confirm your field boundaries before starting work.

• For most operations, 100% overlap ensures the best coverage and avoids skips.

• Adjust additional overlap for multi-rank planters or unique equipment setups.

• Turn Section Control off when you're working outside mapped areas or troubleshooting.

Example Use Cases

• Row Crop Planters: Prevents gaps or double planting in point rows and field edges.

• Sprayers: Minimizes chemical waste by automating shutoff at field boundaries.

• Fertilizer Application: Avoids over-application and reduces input costs.