2025 John Deere 455 Front-Folding Grain Drill

Seedbox capacities

Seed boxes have a large capacity for longer intervals between stops for refilling.

Plain grain or combination grain/fertilizer seed boxes are available to match the producer's needs.

The versatile grain/fertilizer box has a three-position divider that can be set for 100 percent grain, 60 percent grain, or 40 percent grain.

• The bulkheads in the seedbox reduce material shifting in the box for increased seeding efficiency.
• A sight glass, located near the end of the box, allows the operator to view seed level at a glance.
• Steel footboards with 25.4-mm (1-in.) diameter perforations allow convenient, safe access to the seed/fertilizer boxes.
• In-line box design allows quick and easy filling.

A grass seeder attachment is available (see attachments in the Ag Sales Manual). The grass seeder attaches to the front of the seedbox and is commonly used for grasses and alfalfa.

Tank shield plates are available from Parts (see attachment for field conversion),

• Protects box-end panels from damage
• Ideal for operating in very irregular terrain, where box panels could contact each other

Front-folding frame allows for narrow transport

A fully hydraulic front fold/unfold system makes folding on the 455 Drills, for transport a true one-person operation. 

• Requires less than 5 minutes to fold or unfold
• Transport width is narrow as 4.6 m (15 ft, 2 in.)

High opener transport clearance allows moving over ditches, railroad crossings, and other trouble spots without worry.

Opener to road clearance:

• 533.4-mm (21-in.) on 9.15-m (30-ft) and 10.7-m (35-ft) models
• 457.2-mm (18-in.) on 7.6-m (25-ft) model

Units are raised and lowered for transport with standard equipment-lift cylinders:  

• Two 76.2-mm x 203.2-mm (3-in. x 8-in.) cylinders on 7.6-m (25-ft) drill
• Two 88.9-mm x 254-mm (3.5-in. x 10-in.) cylinders on 9.15-m (30-ft) and 10.7-m (35-ft) drills 

There are four frame-mounted tires: 11L-15, 10 PR rib implement on all three drill sizes.

Warning lights are in base equipment for improved visibility when transporting.

John Deere Seeding cover crop solutions

Why cover crops?
With proper management and the right selection of cover crops, you can slow soil erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, suppress weeds, control pests and diseases, increase biodiversity, and reap numerous other benefits for your farm’s health and profitability. Cover crops act as a protective shield for the soil, reducing the impact of heavy rains and wind, which in turn minimizes topsoil loss. They improve soil structure by adding organic matter and fostering beneficial soil microorganisms, which enhances nutrient cycling and retention.

Additionally, cover crops can break up compacted soil layers, improving root penetration and water infiltration. By suppressing weeds, they reduce the need for chemical herbicides, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Cover crops also provide beneficial habitat for insects and pollinators, boosting on-farm biodiversity. Furthermore, they can help in sequestering carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Overall, integrating cover crops into your farming system can lead to more resilient and productive agricultural landscapes, ultimately enhancing long-term profitability.

What tool works best for you?

The N500C model machines provide extensive crop compatibility, making them an excellent choice for customers looking to seed multiple crops and crop blends using a single tool. These machines can be customized with two unique rollers in multiple sizes to meet the specific needs of each operation. Refer to the crop compatibility link by roller below. Additionally, the N500C is capable of seeding in various soil conditions and residue types. Featuring the Pro-Series No-Till opener, it is designed to handle a wide range of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.

Box Drills are an excellent choice for seeding cover crops, offering simplicity and high placement accuracy. Equipped with the Pro-Series No-Till opener, the 1590 Box Drill can handle a variety of conditions, from heavy residue to lightly worked soils. The 455 and BD11 Series Box Drills, featuring a double disk opener, are ideal for tilled seed beds. They also provide wider widths and a range of spacing options. For more information, see the Sales Manual link below.

Already have an Air Seeder?

Any John Deere air cart compatible tools are excellent options for seeding cover crops. Air carts come with multiple tanks, enabling you to combine or blend your cover crop mixes effectively. With a wide range of meter roller options, air carts can be easily tailored to meet your specific cover crop needs and paired with the most suitable tool for the job. For more information, see the Sales Manual links below.