The IRHD 2.0 (Individual Row Hydraulic Downforce) system was one of the most important and formative projects of my career. I had the opportunity to be involved end to-end from initial concept development to full implementation across multiple John Deere HighSpec planter models. This system provides precise, row-by-row hydraulic control to ensure optimal seed depth under varying soil conditions, significantly improving planting performance and yield consistency.
My primary contribution was leading the mechanical integration of the actuator. I collaborated directly with suppliers to select or co-design an actuator that would meet our performance needs, while also being easy to install and compatible with existing planter architectures. I served as the key technical liaison, helping external partners understand design constraints and integration requirements.
This was a truly cross functional effort. I worked closely with quality, manufacturing, hydraulics, electrical, supply management, and multiple design and validation teams to ensure successful implementation. The project required full system thinking, effective communication across departments, and technical coordination with several suppliers simultaneously.
Today, the IRHD 2.0 system is deployed across a wide range of John Deere planters. It has delivered measurable improvements in field performance, reliability, and ease of service while reducing warranty issues and integration costs.
The information shown here is shared solely for the purpose of showcasing my individual contributions as part of my personal portfolio, with no other intention or use that could be interpreted otherwise.
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