Sprayer range expands
John Deere has expanded its 500R self-propelled sprayer line-up for model year 2027 with the launch of a new 6,000-litre flagship, updated boom technology and a series of changes designed to improve work rates, accuracy and operator comfort. Aimed at large arable farms and professional spraying businesses, the revised range keeps the brand’s front-cab, rear-engine layout while moving into a higher-capacity segment.
Added capacity
The headline addition is the new John Deere 560R, which takes the range into the 6,000-litre class alongside the existing 4,000- and 5,000-litre models. The larger tank is intended to help operators cover more hectares between fills during tight spraying windows. At the same time, John Deere is introducing a new modular steel boom portfolio with working widths of 30m, 36m and 42m. The new booms are designed to be lighter and more compact, with faster opening and closing times, while still maintaining a transport width of 2.55m for road travel. Nozzles and stainless-steel spray lines are protected within the boom structure to reduce the risk of damage.
Faster work rates, tighter control
A major technical change is the introduction of BoomTrac™ Pro 2, John Deere’s latest automatic boom height control system. Using five ultrasonic sensors on booms under 36m, or seven sensors on 36m and wider machines, the system is designed to keep the boom following crop and ground contours more precisely.
A new boom centre frame with active yaw and roll control also helps counter machine movement and slope effects, improving stability across the full width. Together, these developments support an increase in maximum spraying speed from 25km/h to 30km/h while maintaining application quality.
John Deere says the updated 500R range continues to offer advanced application technology through Individual Nozzle Control Pro and ExactApply™.
These systems enable turn compensation, multi-rate application across the boom and more consistent droplet control over a wide speed range. All MY27 machines also feature the PowrSpray™ dual-circuit solution system, with a clean-water filling pump rated at up to 1,200 litres/minute. Automated rinse programmes, plus AirRinse™ and AutoDilute functions, are intended to simplify cleaning and reduce the risk of chemical residue between jobs.
Comfort and job setup
The 500R retains its front-mounted cab and rear-engine configuration, giving operators a clear view of the boom and a balanced weight distribution. John Deere says in-wheel suspension and the CommandDrive™ drivetrain with automated rpm management are designed to improve comfort in the field and on the road.
Ease of use has also been targeted through AutoSetup, allowing jobs to be prepared before entering the field, while automated documentation helps generate application records for compliance purposes. Solenne Bourgois, Go-to-Market Manager Crop Care for Europe, said the changes could deliver a 10 to 15% productivity gain compared with the previous model.
Production of the MY27 John Deere 500R series is due to begin in late 2026, with the first customer deliveries expected from early 2027, depending on model and specification.
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