John Deere Ds20 dry nutrient spinner spreader box
400 600 Series

Get three-season flexibility from your application equipment with the New Leader DS20 or DS30 Dry Spinner Spreader.

The DS20 offers of up to 5.6-m³ (200 cu ft), or 6.6 tons, of dry fertilizer, while the DS30 bumps capacity to 8.5 m³ (300 cu ft), or 9 tons, of dry fertilizer. Both models feature:

• Four-hour conversion from a liquid-application setup
• Variable-rate application ranging from 34 kg/ha (75 lb/acre) to 3 tons/acre
• Spread width of up to 32 m (105 ft) thanks to the 1.83-m (72-in.) spinner height
• New Leader G4 spinner technology for a consistent spread pattern and more uniform application
• Available in single or the MultApplier (dual product bins) in both the 304 stainless or 409 painted spreader construction with #4 belt-over-chain conveyor
• The G4 remains the only option for being fully integrated with the John Deere SpreadStar™ dry rate control system.
• New Leader G4 Edge and G5 are being added into the dry portfolio for model year 2024 machines.
• Available in the 304 stainless steel single bin or the MultApplier (dual bin options). The MultiBin™ is not an available option currently.
• Both the G4 Edge and G5 spreader options on the 400 and 600 series will now offer the AgLeader ISO-VT dry rate controller.

Dry Spinner Spreader comparison chart

New Leader is a trademark of Highway Equipment Company.

The G-Series Spreader Technology

The G4, G4 Edge, and G5 for the DS20 and DS30 provide up to 32-m (105-ft) spread widths and the adjustable spinner assembly allows for quick, accurate settings during variable-rate applications, broadcasting materials farther and wider with consistent spread patterns, and producing industry-leading productivity.

Depending on product, you can achieve spread widths from 18.92 to 27.43 m (60 to 90 ft), but with the increased clearance of 1.74 m (68 in.) the 400R and 600R Dry Spinner Spreader can achieve spread widths from 21 to 32 m (70 to 105 ft). Added spread width increases the number of acres per day and decreases the number of passes, which also reduces fuel costs and compaction.

By maintaining spread width, operators can consistently place product throughout the fields and prevent bottlenecking of product at the row end. 

With a full spread pattern and reduced overlap through integrated technologies such as AutoTrac™ automated steering and John Deere Section Control, the 400R and 600R Dry Spinner Spreaders allow for full product coverage while reducing input costs from overlap. 

Additionally, by combining the John Deere 400R or 600R Dry Spinner Spreader chassis and the New Leader dry spinner spreader, operators can maintain spread widths even when rpms are reduced. John Deere's pressure-and-flow-compensated hydraulics allows operators to maintain spinner speed throughout each pass, while maintaining consistent spread width and pattern. This added height allows a greater trajectory at a lower spinner speed and has the ability for later season applications.

The NL720 Spreader Technology

Introducing the New Leader NL7 for the John Deere 600R chassis, available for MY26—a high-output, precision dry spreader engineered for efficiency and accuracy. Designed to maximize productivity, the NL7 features a 33% more efficient high-output design, allowing operators to cover more acres in less time while maintaining precise nutrient placement. With spread width options of 70, 80, 90, 110, and 120 feet and 16-section control, operators can customize application rates and coverage for any field condition. The MultApplier (fixed dual-bin) enables the simultaneous application of two products, ensuring agronomic flexibility and enhanced nutrient management.

The NL7 is equipped with New Leader’s ISO-VT dry rate control system, offering rate control and real-time monitoring. It features boundary and half-width spreading, allowing for precise application along field edges and obstacles. The split independent dual conveyor with a positive-drive straight belt ensures consistent material flow without requiring conveyor calibration. Operators benefit from zero grease points, a fixed 9.53 cm (3.75 in) feed gate, and a new positive-drive straight belt that requires minimal maintenance. Calibration is streamlined with a simple three-pan pattern testing process, eliminating complexity and ensuring peak performance. Additionally, tool-free components and an easy-to-replace stainless-steel fin overlay enhance serviceability, keeping operators in the field and maximizing uptime. Built for durability and efficiency, the NL7 delivers low sensitivity to driving centers, ensuring uniform coverage and optimal application every pass.

NOTE: With differences in fertilizer density, size, and crush strength a spread pattern test is the only way to measure a product's true spread width and pattern.

New Leader is a trademark of Highway Equipment Company.

Run screen

The 400R/600R/800R utilize the G5/G5^Plus CommandCenter™ Display that is also found in other John Deere large ag equipment today. The CommandARM™ controls, G5/G5^Plus CommandCenter display, and the New Leader ISO VT (International Standards Organization Virtual Terminal) have been updated and tailored to the needs of operators. This combination allows operators to see all key functions on one run screen including AutoTrac™ assisted steering system, variable rate documentation, field totals, and dry spinner spreader settings. Click anywhere on the display to expand and easily adjust information.

**Needs updated with G5 Display material from ISG.

Hybrid ISO VT integration

This improved user experience allows the operator to set up, monitor and control the dry spreader much easier and quicker than previous model years. The operator’s experience has been enhanced in the following ways:

• The spreader controls have now been moved to the CommandARM, G5/G5^Plus display, and multi-function lever
• Improved integration of the New Leader ISO VT that uses the New Leader Dry Rate Control system:
  • Optional John Deere G5/G5^Plus QT run page set up
  • Optional New Leader ISO VT quarter page run page set up

The G-Series Spreader Technology

Work setup on the DS20 and DS30 G4, G4 Edge, and G5

To prepare for field application, simply press the setup button in the bottom left corner of the display run page, and it will direct the user to the work setup window. Work setup is identical for all bin configurations.

1. Select the location box to setup user information including farm, field, and client. User information is not required to load and execute a variable- rate prescription.
2. Select the equipment box to do the initial setup of the machine including the number of bins in the dry spinner
3. Select each one to input or change the name of the product that will be applied. Enter 24 unique names into the display for various product types such as single product, blended product, or multi-product variable rate. The user can also choose the target rate for spreading or load a variable- rate prescription.

Dry Rate Controller on the DS20, DS30 Edge and G5

Once the work setup window is complete, the updated rate control application can then be used to input and setup the following:

Target spread rate

Target spread rate – Selecting the target rate box allows the operator to quickly adjust three different target rates or load a prescription if needed. The target rates can be adjusted when spreading by changing the rates within the New Leader ISO VT Run Page.

Bin details

Product density/product applied – Selecting either of these areas will take the user to a bin details page where more frequent dry spinner spreader inputs and adjustments are made. For dry spinner spreaders with multiple bins, individual tabs at the top of the screen make it easy to quickly toggle between bins.

Features on the main ISO VT run page include:

• Include: Feed gate height setting
• Feed gate opening
• Bin alarms
• Spinner speed
• Bin volume
• Product density
• Target rate and actual rate
• Rate increase and rate decrease
• Conveyer speed
• Manual belt mode
• Section status (G5 only)
• Edge spread status

The NL720 Spreader Technology

Work setup on the DS30 NL7

To prepare for field application, simply press the setup button in the bottom left corner of the display run page, and it will direct the user to the work setup window. Work setup is identical for all bin configurations.

1. Select the location box to setup user information including farm, field, and User information is not required to load and execute a variable- rate prescription.
2. Select the equipment box to do the initial setup of the machine including the number of bins in the dry spinner
3. Select each one to input or change the name of the product that will be Enter 24 unique names into the display for various product types such as single product, blended product, or multi-product variable rate. The user can also choose the target rate for spreading or load a variable- rate prescription.

Dry Rate Controller on the DS30 NL7

Once the work setup window is complete, the updated rate control application can then be used to input and setup the following:

Target spread rate

Target spread rate – Selecting the product bin box allows the operator to quickly adjust target rates or load a prescription if needed. The target rates can be adjusted when spreading by changing the rates within the New Leader ISO VT Run Page.

Bin details

Product density/product applied – Selecting the product bin will take the user to a bin details page where more frequent dry spinner spreader inputs and adjustments are made. For the dual bin spinner spreaders, individual product bin pages on the main run screen make it easy to quickly toggle between bin settings.

Features on the main ISO VT run page include:

• Product bin status
• Target Rate
• Actual Rate
• Quick Spread Width Selection Status
• Spinner Status

Colored-coded real-time feedback regarding

• Spinner Speeds (Green, Purple, or Red)
• Section Control (Green, Purple, or Red)
• Application Rate (Green or Red)
• Bin Level Sensors (Green or Red)
• Left & Right Boundary Spreading status
• Master Switch Indicator
• Bin Charge and Bin Chaining
• Section Status

Compare the Dry Spinner Spreader options from New Leader in the chart below:

New Leader is a trademark of Highway Equipment Company.

The optional 304 stainless-steel MultApplier insert provides machine flexibility as it can be ordered factory installed or field installed for dual product application. Bolt-in end gates and stainless-steel fittings make converting from a dual product to a single product dry spinner spreader easy. The DS20 MultApplier insert has a Bin 2 stuck capacity of 1.9 m³ (66 cu ft), offsetting the capacity of Bin 1 to 3 m³ (106 cu ft). The DS30 MultApplier insert has a Bin 2 stuck capacity of 3 m³ (106 cu ft), offsetting the capacity of Bin 1 to 4.59 m³ (162 cu ft).

The dual hopper system features two independent conveyors that can simultaneously apply up to two products at predetermined rates or variable rate application with swath widths up to 25 m (84 ft), decreasing time in the field, soil compaction, fuel consumption, and increasing return on investment.

New Leader is a trademark of Highway Equipment Company.

The 400 and 600 Series Sprayers and the G4 box option on the Dry Spreaders will utilize the G5^Plus CommandCenter and SpreadStar controller allowing integrated control with the machine and dry spreader. The G4 Edge and G5 box options on the 400 and 600 series will continue to offer the NewLeader™ ISO-VT dry rate controller.

The CommandARM™ controls, G5^Plus display, and SpreadStar have been updated and tailored to the needs of operators allowing them to see all key functions on one run screen including AutoTrac™ assisted steering system, variable rate documentation, field totals, and dry spreader settings.

The G5^Plus CommandCenter display allows operators to set up and apply single or dual products, utilizing variable rate map-based prescriptions with John Deere Section Control functionality. Click anywhere on the display to expand and easily adjust information.

To prepare for field application, simply press the Setup button in the bottom left corner of the display run page, and it will direct the user to the Work Setup window.

1. Select the Location box to setup operator information including farm, field, and Operator information is not required to load and execute a variable-rate prescription.
2. Select the Equipment box to do the initial setup of the machine including the number of bins in the dry spreader.
3. The Work Summary box shows a link for each bin in the dry spreader. The screenshot above is for a two-bin dry box. Select each one to input or change the name of the product that will be applied. Up to 24 unique names can be entered into the display for various product types such as single product, blended product, or multi-product variable rate. The operator can also choose the target rate for spreading or load a variable-rate prescription.

Once the Work Setup window is complete, the updated SpreadStar application can then be used to input and setup the following:

Target spread rate – selecting the target rate box allows the operator to quickly adjust three different target rates or load a prescription if needed. The target rates can be adjusted when spreading by using the corresponding buttons on the CommandARM.

Product density/product applied – selecting either of these areas will take the user to a bin details page where more frequent dry spreader inputs and adjustments are made. For dry spreaders with multiple bins, individual tabs at the top of the screen make it easy to quickly toggle between them.

Features on the bin details page include:

• Bin on/off
• Bin chaining (not shown)
• Product density
• CFR value
• Feed gate opening
• Bin alarms
• Resetting bin counter
• Belt prime

Spinner settings

The last step is to setup the spinner settings by clicking on the spinner settings box in the SpreadStar application. The Add Spinner preset window will come up allowing the operator to create a new preset if they choose.

Preset functions include:

• Spinner target speed
• Spinner target speed alarms
• Spread width
• Fan frame setting

The bin details and spinner settings are saved with the Work Summary details. For example, an operator with a two-bin dry spreader may need to change between a two-product variable rate to a single blend application using bin chaining. When the operator switches back to two-product variable rate, SpreadStar automatically remembers the bin details and spinner settings that were last used with that configuration.

Even with this feature, it is still important to calibrate the dry spinner spreader when changing products to ensure an accurate and consistent spread pattern.

The SpreadStar dry rate control system is a standard feature that is integrated into the design of the self-propelled spreader chassis (not a third-party ISO control add-on) and delivers accurate and consistent on-target rate control. All dry spreading and vehicle functions are displayed on the G5/G5^Plus CommandCenter display for easy operation and setup. In addition to these functions, all precision technology can be used on the same display for complete integration and ease of operation. The engine, chassis, dry spreader system, and precision controllers provide central communication through the display for many vehicle and dry system functions that are simple and easy to use.

• Provides superior rate control, response times, and ease of use
• Rate control locks on to the desired application rate much more quickly and maintains it better than third-party controllers
• Easy to understand and simple to set up the key values you must enter to execute the spreading job
  • No cross reference to nodes or a task controller like other third-party systems
• High-speed hydraulic pulse-width modulated control valve varies conveyor shaft speed to produce only the required product flow with easy-to-follow feed rate calibration procedures

Engine, transmission, and hydraulic drive pump work together to optimize efficiency of the entire system, providing fuel savings and optimizing power to the ground and delivery of product to the spinners.

When you buy John Deere equipment, you expect reliability. You also know that problems can happen, and a product is only as good as the support behind it. That’s why John Deere equipment is prepared with technology that senses potential issues and can alert you and your dealer promptly—in the cab or anywhere you are.

John Deere Connected Support is a revolutionary change to support that leverages technology and the connectivity of JDLink™ telematics to prevent downtime and resolve problems faster. These tools decrease downtime by an average of 20 percent, enabling faster responses to unexpected problems and reducing technician trips to your machine. For some issues, unplanned downtime can even be prevented altogether through prediction of the issue.

With your permission, John Deere Connected Support:

• Keeps you running by monitoring machine health and promptly alerting you and your dealer of issues
• Saves time by remotely viewing in-cab displays, reducing trips to the machine
• Reduces or even eliminates technician trips to a machine through remote diagnostic and remote software reprogramming capabilities
• Connects experts with the information needed to respond to downtime faster and prevent it altogether

With more than a decade of experience leveraging connectivity to solve problems, no one else has the experience, tools, and knowledge to keep you running as John Deere and your John Deere dealer can. Connected Support is an in-base feature on all John Deere products with factory- or field-installed JDLink.