John Deere DB120 Planter Overview

The John Deere DB120 is Deere’s largest row-crop planter, designed for high-efficiency planting on large-scale farms.

Featuring a 120-foot-wide toolbar with 48 rows spaced at 30 inches, the John Deere DB120 enables rapid planting, covering up to 90-100 acres per hour under optimal conditions.

It folds into five sections for easier transport and operates with a 5-section flex frame for excellent terrain-following capability.

Specifications

  • Number of Rows: 48

  • Row Spacing: 30 inches (76.2 cm)

  • Toolbar Width: 120 ft.

  • Frame: Front fold, 5-section flex-frame with 15 degrees wing flex up and down

  • Row Unit Seed Hoppers: Mini hoppers with 2.22 L (0.063 bu) capacity

  • Row Unit Downforce: Pneumatic, infinitely adjustable to 181.4 kg (400 lb)

  • Opener Type: Steel straight blade, heavy-duty optional

  • Depth Gauging Wheels: Semi-pneumatic wheels, 11.4×40.6 cm (4.5×16 in)

  • Hitch: Drawbar base, with optional rear hitch

  • Weight: Approximately 18,273 kg (40,200 lb) transport weight

  • Transport Dimensions: Width ~15 ft., Length ~62 ft., Height ~12 ft.

  • Tires: Base (8) 31-13.5×15; optional 12 tires available

Engine & Tractor Requirements

The DB120 is not powered independently but is drawn and powered hydraulically by a tractor.

It requires a minimum 370+ hp tractor with Category 5 drawbar and five hydraulic SCVs plus power beyond to meet its operational demands.

Key Features

  • Central Commodity System (CCS™): Large 125-bushel seed capacity with bulk-fill and easy cleanout, reducing downtime.

  • SeedStar™ XP Monitoring: Advanced planter performance monitoring including meter singulation, row-unit bounce, and downforce application.

  • RowCommand™: Electrically controlled seed meters for precise seed placement and reduced seed waste.

  • MaxEmerge™ 5 Row Units: Improved meter design with vacuum seed delivery for accuracy and efficiency.

  • Active Pneumatic Downforce: Automatically adjusts downforce for consistent soil penetration and seed placement.

  • Innovative Central Insecticide System: Closed-handling system for controlled application of insecticides including corn rootworm protection.

  • Row Cleaners: Multiple options to manage residue for optimum seedbed preparation.

  • Flex-fold Design: Five sections fold for transport, enhancing maneuverability and reducing field-to-field downtime.

  • High Productivity: Can plant 90 to 100 acres per hour at 5-5.5 mph.

Where to buy used DB120 and typical price ranges

Used John Deere DB120 planters can be bought from major agricultural equipment dealer websites and specialized marketplaces such as:

  • MachineFinder (John Deere’s official used equipment platform) where listings feature various year models like 2023 units priced around $681,800, 2022 models about $605,000, and 2020 models which tend to be lower priced.

  • Vanwall’s agriculture equipment shop lists used 2020 John Deere DB120 planters with detailed specs and pricing info; contact directly for current pricing and availability.

  • Machinery Pete shows fewer listings but accesses used DB120 planters from dealers with prices varying based on hours and year.

Typical price ranges for used John Deere DB120 planters generally fall from about $325,000 for older or high-hour units to over $680,000 for nearly new or well-equipped models depending on features, condition, hours, and dealer location.

Buyers are advised to compare dealer offerings, check machine condition, inquire about warranty or service packages, and factor in transport and setup costs when purchasing used DB120 planters.

This pricing and availability reflects 2023-2025 market conditions from leading reseller sources.

Usage

The DB120 is built for large-scale row-crop planting operations, suitable for crops like corn, soybeans, cotton, sunflowers, popcorn, and sorghum. It is ideal for farms needing:

  • Rapid, wide-area planting within narrow planting windows.

  • Precision seed placement and application using advanced electronic controls.

  • Integration with John Deere tractors and guidance systems for maximum efficiency.

  • Handling large volumes of seed and fertilizer with minimized stops.

Parts and Attachments

  • Common replacement parts include seed firmers, gauge wheels, opening discs, scrapers, seed sensors, vacuum meters, and closing wheels.

  • Attachments and options include:

    • Variable rate drive motors (3-motor hydraulic VRD)

    • Various row cleaners (unit-mounted coulter, floating row cleaners)

    • Fertilizer attachments (liquid fertilizer hose, dry fertilizer systems)

    • Central Commodity System top-ups and hopper options

    • Row tillage tools like coulters and furrowers

Specialized parts and fast shipping are available from parts suppliers like Sloan Express.

Common Problems

  • Calibration and setup of seed meters and vacuum systems can affect seed placement accuracy.

  • Pneumatic downforce systems require regular maintenance for consistent soil penetration.

  • Mechanical wear on opener blades, scrapers, and gauge wheels due to field debris and rough terrain.

  • Transport and folding mechanisms need inspection for hydraulic leaks and mechanical integrity.

  • Electronic seed monitoring and control systems require software and sensor diagnostics to avoid errors.

Conclusion

The John Deere DB120 planter stands out as a high-capacity, technologically advanced solution for row-crop planting on very large farms.

With cutting-edge seed monitoring, flexible frame design, and robust construction, it meets the demanding needs of modern farming to maximize planting efficiency and crop yield.

Farmers considering the John Deere DB120 should ensure compatible tractor power, plan for specialized maintenance, and utilize authorized parts and attachments for best results.