Technology: Section Control - how a planter or sprayer switches its own sections off on ground already covered

Section Control is a John Deere system that automatically turns sections of a machine or implement on and off so the same ground is not treated twice. We go through it using Deere's own display help: what is needed for it to work and what to check when buying a used machine.

Key figures

• Sections switch themselves
• Needs a display activation
• Receiver: SF2 or better
• Up to 16 sections, ISO 255
• Accuracy depends on GPS

What it is

Using GPS data, Section Control works out that an area has already been covered and turns off the machine's or implement's sections, then turns them back on over uncovered ground. This reduces overlap and improves input management, which is how Deere itself describes the aim. It is switched on with a master switch and can work together with Headland Control. Boundaries can be set so sections shut off outside an exterior boundary or inside an interior one.

How the system decides

The system sends the section-state change to the machine or implement controller over the CAN bus. It decides using this data:

• GPS position
• the coverage map of ground already worked
• machine and implement offsets
• current section status
• overlap settings
• mechanical delay
• field and headland boundaries

What it needs and what it works with

According to Deere's help, three things are required, and the list of compatible equipment is fairly wide:

• A display with a Section Control activation (license)
• A GNSS receiver; for StarFire, Deere recommends SF2 signal accuracy or better
• An implement with a compatible control unit - compatibility is confirmed with the control unit's manufacturer
• Compatible: SeedStar 2, SeedStar XP, SeedStar 3 HP and SeedStar 4 planters; 1910 and 1990 air seeders (serial number 730101 and later); AEF-certified ISO implements with TC-SC; pull-type sprayers; Rate Controller 2000 and GreenStar Rate Controller - liquid fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia applicators, pull-type spreaders
• Sections: up to 16 on most equipment, up to 255 on ISO implements with TC-SC

What it means for the buyer

For a farm in Kazakhstan or Ukraine, this is a way to avoid treating overlaps twice. Deere's help gives no savings figures, so expectations should stay modest: accuracy depends on GPS quality, the machine and implement profile settings, and a steady speed when entering and leaving covered ground. When buying a used machine, check:

• whether the display has the Section Control activation
• which signal level the StarFire receiver has (SF2 or better is recommended) and whether the receiver is included
• whether the implement's control unit is compatible - its manufacturer confirms this
• whether everything runs on one display: the task controller cannot run on two connected displays

Source: John Deere, display help (Section Control), 14 November 2026