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Deere
product launch targets productivity, versatility and operator comfort
By Andy Bateman,
Engineering Editor
 Features
on Deere's new 26-tonne 950C crawler dozer include a hydrostatic drive
train said to deliver power turns, infinitely variable speed control
and power management.
Productivity,
versatility and operator comfort were consistent themes during John
Deere's recent launch of nineteen new models at the company's demonstration
site in Sacaton, Arizona. Held on January 28-29, 2003, the press event
showcased two crawler dozers, two crawler loaders, three wheeled loaders,
six excavators, five skid steers, and a backhoe.
Deere's two new crawler dozers are designated
650H XLT and 950C. The 26-tonne 950C is said to be at home in all dozer
applications, with standard track, long track or low ground pressure
undercarriages available. The dozer is powered by a Liebherr D 926 TI
intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 230 net hp
at 1800 rpm. Its full-featured hydrostatic drive train delivers smooth
power turns, infinite speed control and power management, advantages
reportedly not available on other dozers in this class. An infinitely
variable range from 0 to 11 km/h allows the operator to select the right
ground speed for the job. The 950C features an integral power management
system where the operator sets the maximum desired ground speed. When
set, the machine's drive train automatically responds to load changes
to maintain peak engine rpm and efficiency. Deere's exclusive Auto-Trac
system keeps the machine tracking straight in forward or reverse. In
addition, the 950C's decelerator enables the operator to fine-tune ground
speed and slow travel while maintaining engine rpm, thereby allowing
the dozer to crawl with no loss in hydraulic power. A wide variety of
blade options are available, while rear attachments include single and
multi-shank parallelogram rippers. Features to simplify inspection and
routine maintenance include grouped daily and periodic service points,
wide opening hinged side shields and lockable service doors.
Improvements on Deere's C- Series II 655C and
755C crawler loaders include an optimized power management system, improved
steering response, an increase in the low speed range from 4.5 to 6.4
km/h, enhanced hydraulic response and improved operator comfort. Theses
machines also feature the --Trac system for straight tracking, while
the hydrostatic drive delivers pedal steer with full power turns and
counter rotation for faster cycles. A load sensing hydraulic system
detects the pressure required to complete a function such as raising
the bucket and, once determined, the system then adjusts a variable
displacement pump to provide only the pressure and flow needed to complete
that task. The 655C and 755C are powered by Liebherr D 924 and D 926
engines that deliver 130 and 177 net hp, respectively.
Three new wheel loaders, the 724J, 744J and
824J, are said to deliver stability, performance and manoeuvrability,
with Deere providing a general-purpose bucket to meet all applications
in 3.6, 4 or 4.6 m3 size range. According to Deere, the J-Series loaders
are the only machines in their class that can accomplish 40 degree articulation
while maintaining exceptional tip load and stability. The loaders also
feature an exclusive spin-control system, said to reduce tire wear,
fuel costs and operator fatigue when handling materials such as sand
and gravel. To use the system, the operator sets the desired sensitivity
setting to suit the specific application and thereby avoids wheel spin
or accelerator feathering. The J-Series loaders also feature smart shift
technology. Here, the transmission delivers smooth immediate shifts
by continuously sensing speeds and loads and adjusting clutch pressures
accordingly.
Additional features include wet-disc brakes
and planetary final drives that are inboard mounted and bathed in oil.
Excavator style hydraulics are said to deliver crisp, responsive power,
while new two-lever fingertip controls provide increased operator comfort
and ease of use. Boom kick out and return-to-carry are electronically
adjusted from within the cab, while a fully programmable dash allows
the operator to view operating information, customize machine functions
and display diagnostic codes. A number of external features provide
safe operator access, visibility and protection, while factory installed
options include ride control and equipment for special applications.
Deere's new excavators include the 8-tonne
80C; three new C-Series Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) compact excavators, the
27C, 35C and 50C ZTS, and two new Reduced Tail Swing (RTS) excavators,
the 13.5 tonne 135C RTS and 22.5-tonne 225C LC. The RTS configuration
is well suited to highway work where, according to Deere, only one lane
of traffic has to be closed rather than the two often dictated by conventional
excavators. An auto acceleration feature reportedly cuts fuel consumption
by 8 per cent, while features common to C-Series machines include 500-hour
oil change and greasing intervals, 4000-hour hydraulic oil change interval,
powdered metal oil-impregnated bushings and a tungsten carbide coated
arm surface.
Deere's five new skid steers include the 240,
250, 260, 270 and 280 Series II machines. These units are said to provide
exceptional stability, while the vertical lift boom rises along a near-true
vertical path that reaches out at the top of the lift cycle. Versatility
is provided by Deere's line of 54 Worksite Pro attachments covering
construction and other applications, while Quik-Tatch is now available
in a hydraulic version and allows operators to quickly change attachments
without leaving the seat.
Deere's new 710G backhoe is marketed as the
only backhoe available with 6-cylinder power. Featuring the company's
118 net hp Tier II compliant engine and numerous component improvements,
the 710G can reportedly do the work of two machines in those situations
where a loader and small excavator are currently used together. Further
changes deliver improved machine stability, servicing and reliability,
bucket geometry and bucket break out force, while optional mechanical
front-wheel drive provides extra traction when needed.
January/February
2003 issue
Aggregates
and Roadbuilding Magazine
4999 St Catherine Street West. Suite 315
Westmount, Quebec H3Z 1T3
Tel: (514) 487-9868 Fax: (514) 487-9276
EMail: rocktoroad@sympatico.ca
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