John Deere R4023 Sprayer

Built with the same kind of innovative thinking as its popular 4 Series siblings, the R4023 Self-Propelled Sprayer combines versatility, productivity, and affordability in a 2271-L (600-gal.) sprayer.

The option of either a wide or narrow axle configuration enables this sprayer to fit a wide range of row spacing needs. Additionally, the R4023 offers key features that provide for a smooth ride that is necessary for those long days in the field.

Equipped with up to a 27.4-m (90-ft) fold feature, the R4023 allows the operator to fold the boom in quickly for headland turns. With the ability to add precision ag productivity boosting features, the R4023 enables more accurate, efficient, and comfortable spraying applications.

Interchangeable inner booms

3-D boom structure

The R4023 Sprayer’s booms are built with high-strength square tube. 

The boom incorporates a strong 3-D design. This design gives the boom more strength to resist fore-aft loading generated by starts, stops, and turns, as well as twisting loads caused by folding and unfolding operations.

The boom plumbing and nozzles are set between and up inside the two bottom square tubes of the boom structure. This protects the nozzle bodies from hitting objects that could damage the sprayer or affect the spray pattern.

The R4023 boom comes in an 18.3-m/24.4-m (60-ft/80-ft) or 18.29-m/27.44-m (60-ft/90-ft) configuration. Simply fold in the outer wing and go from spraying at 24.4 m/27.44 m to 18.3 m (80 ft/90 ft to 60 ft). When the outer wing is folded over top, it is supported by cradles to ensure it will remain in place and secure while spraying in the 18.3-m (60-ft) configuration in rough fields.

Increased boom sections provide the operator more precise application:

• 24.4-m (80-ft) boom-5 sections
• 27-m (90-ft) boom-7 sections

The breakaway ends of the boom offer the operator protection against damaging the boom if the boom unexpectedly hits an obstacle. The breakaway section of the boom uses a design that holds the breakaway from breaking backward while operating normally in the field, but when something is contacted, it will move rearward and out of the way to prevent major damage.

Each breakaway section resets using a spring, and then resets back to the spray position.

When the booms are folded in, the transport cradles on the machine support a large portion of the boom that, in turn, spreads out the stress.

While in transport position, the booms are cradled so that visibility is maximized to either side of the sprayer. By folding the booms flat, visibility is increased and the overall height of the machine is not affected.

4.5L John Deere PowerTech PSS diesel engine

The R4023 Sprayer provides 129 kW (173 hp) with a 5 percent power bulge to 136 kW (182 hp) and 6071 kg/cu m (538 lb-ft) of peak torque to get through tough field conditions.

John Deere PowerTech PSS (two-valve) 4.5L engine features include:

• Four-cylinder, eight-valve head (two valves per cylinder)
• Cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
• Exhaust filters
• Selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
• Air-to-air charge air cooler (CAC), aftercooled
• High-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel injection system
• Series turbocharger

In addition to reducing emissions and lowering engine idle noise, its compact size allows it to fit neatly under the hood for great visibility of the rows passing underneath the operator.

An increase in fuel tank size makes it possible to spray for up to 16 hours without refueling. By equipping the R4023 Sprayer with a 310-L (82-gal.) fuel tank, the operator will have plenty of fuel to spray for a full day.

The R4023 now offers two factory installed shock solutions to accommodate various field conditions. For optimal comfort in rough or uneven terrain conditions such as no-till or stripped fields, a Soft Shock option is now available.

The Soft Shock will take the place of the adjustable shock dampener used on the 4630 and will be offered as a factory-installed option. This fixed shock provides 50 percent less dampening force which allows for a smooth ride up to 32.2 km/h (20-mph) spray speed in those uneven field conditions. The Soft Shock may also provide a more responsive feel for operators in turns or when starting/stopping quickly.

NOTE: The standard shock option is unchanged from previous models and is recommended for general use.

Cast mount for connecting rods

The suspension design on the R4023 Sprayer uses a four-bar link system along with an air bag and shock combination to provide a comfortable ride.

Two large air springs sit atop each axle, similar to those used on over-the-road trucks and other John Deere sprayers. These air springs are dampened with oil-filled shocks to smooth the ride.

Connecting rods link the axle to the large cast mount that is bolted to the C-channel frame with a Huck® bolt. The axle-connecting rods are parallel for vertical motion and cross linked for lateral stability.

Air bag/shock suspension

The R4023 Sprayer’s standard suspension provides for 152 mm (6 in.) of travel at the air bag. The air springs are underneath the frame; therefore, visibility of the rows passing underneath is free of suspension components.
 
The air springs are adjusted by adding or removing air through a standard air-stem valve on top of each spring or, if the sprayer is equipped with auto air-spring leveling, the air springs will inflate to the optimum level for the best-possible ride.

Auto air-spring leveling system adjusts for optimal field performance

The auto air-spring leveling system is standard equipment. This feature maintains ride height, ensuring 102 mm (4 in.) of travel up and down at all times for 203 mm (8 in.) of total travel. The operator does not have to individually fill each bag or deflate each bag for transport, saving as much as 10 minutes. A switch located near the solution loading system deflates all four bags at one time. Once the machine is running, the on-board air compressor automatically inflates the bags to the optimal set ride height.

Huck is a trademark of Alcoa Incorporated.

Wide axle, 234 cm to 307 cm (92 in. to 121 in.)

Narrow axle, 183 cm to 224 cm (72 in. to 88 in.)

Two axle widths are available to best fit a variety of cropping row widths.

The narrow width axle has a tread width from 183 cm to 224 cm (72 in. to 88 in.) and a clearance of 112 cm (44 in.). The wide axle has a tread width from 234 cm to 307 cm (92 in. to 121 in.) and a clearance of 127 cm (50 in.). Axle range for wide machines varies slightly depending on the option (hydraulic vs. manual tread adjust) that is being used.

NOTE: In order to achieve 229-cm (90-in.) tread spacing, IF320/80R42 tires must be used with AN401678 rims. Please see your local John Deere Dealer for more information.

With these tread spacings, the R4023 Sprayer holds an impressive 46-54 weight split when unfolded, fully loaded. This weight split helps to reduce compaction through the field and keeps the power to the ground.

The wide axle is ideal for the Midwest grain farmer. With the wide axle option, the operator can straddle three rows at 76.2-cm (30-in.), 81.3-cm (32-in.), 86.4-cm (34-in.), 91.4-cm (36-in.), 96.5-cm (38-in.), or 101.6-cm (40-in.) spacing or four rows at 76.2-cm (30-in.) spacing.

The narrow axle is ideal for the cotton or specialty crop farmer. With the narrow axle option, the operator can straddle two rows at 91.4-cm (36-in.), 96.5-cm (38-in.), or 101.6-cm (40-in.) row spacing.

Having the optimal weight distribution results in a lighter footprint leaving less compaction and less damage to the field, allowing the operator to get into the field earlier. 

The R4023 Sprayer was built with the optimal weight distribution. 

R4023 operator station

When operators first enter the model year 2018 R4023 cab, they will notice that there have been significant changes made. Key sprayer controls are more easily accessible to the operator on the redesigned CommandARM and the multifunction handle has a more ergonomic fit and feel.

The multifunction handle has six reconfigurable buttons, a scroll to select speed range, and allows operators to better manage their headlands with the Headland Management System (HMS™) button.

To finish out the upgrades, the GreenStar™ display has been upgraded to a faster, more user-friendly 4600 CommandCenter™ display, which allows operators to efficiently capture, manage, and transfer data.

Connect Mobile actual rate map and pressure map in split screen gives the operator deeper understanding of machine performance

Connect Mobile overview

John Deere Connect Mobile is a solution that utilizes an Apple® iPad® tablet in the cab that provides the operator a better understanding of the sprayer’s performance. Connect Mobile documents and displays several sprayer performance attributes, helping the operator monitor and more easily detect problems that can occur while spraying. Connect Mobile also has a common user interface that makes it easy to use between different pieces of John Deere equipment. Once the job is done, the iPad with the spraying data can be utilized to perform basic crop scouting activities in the field.

Spraying attributes

Monitor key performance indicators in map layers and dashboard tiles such as:

• Actual rate
• Rate deviation
• Pressure
• Ground speed
• Droplet size
• Target rate
• Flow rate
• Tank volume
• Productivity
• Fuel rate

In base equipment

Connect Mobile hardware is factory installed on all model year 2017 and newer R4030, R4038, R4044, R4045, and R4060 Sprayers, making it easy to get started with Connect Mobile.

Learn more about Connect Mobile in the Field and Crop Solutions section within the Precision Ag Technology product line and how it can improve the quality of a spraying job.

iPad and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc.

Turn compensation mode

Individual nozzle control mode

John Deere’s intelligent nozzle control system ExactApply helps producers better manage drift and deliver a precise application. By maintaining target rate and pressure over a wider speed range, ExactApply can improve productivity up to 20 acres per hour*.

*NOTE: Assumes a 3.2-km/h (2-mph) average operating speed increase.

ExactApply is offered as a factory-installed option as well as a performance upgrade kit that can be added to existing 4 Series Sprayer models. 

How it works

The ExactApply system features multiple modes of operation including pulse-width modulation (PWM) and individual nozzle control:

• 15-Hz PWM pulses one solenoid to achieve a consistent droplet size and maintain spray pressure throughout a wider range of speeds and application rates.
• 30-Hz PWM (combined mode) pulses both solenoids in the ExactApply nozzle body at 15 Hz, providing superior coverage. Combined mode allows ExactApply to have a 25 percent increased flow over current competitive systems in the market.
• AutoSelect A/B automatically switches between two nozzles to maintain the desired spray pressure range while spraying conventionally.
• Turn compensation varies the rate across the boom, ensuring the desired application rate. The rate decreases on the inside of the turn to not subject crop to chemical burn, while the rate on the outside of boom increases, ensuring the crop receives the desired application rate.
• Individual nozzle control minimizes overlap by controlling product application through individual nozzles. This reduces chemical cost and ensures the product is placed where it is needed most. In comparison, traditional nozzle control functions in 11 sections, meaning section widths vary from 2.4 to 3.35 m (8 to 11 ft), depending upon boom width.