John Deere introduced its Series-II excavator offering to the market over 12 months ago and customers have enjoyed the power and performance.
The lineup included “eight models ready to perform in Australian and New Zealand conditions” and delivered the quality and performance John Deere customers expect says Kel Davison, director for marketing and sales, construction and forestry equipment.
“Through John Deere Customer Advocate Groups (CAGs), engineers and developers engage closely with customers, and respond to their feedback, at key points in the design of John Deere machines so that features and specifications deliver exactly what is needed.”
Customers also help evaluate John Deere designs by putting equipment through their paces in a series of in-dirt evaluations.
“By understanding real-world application, our engineers have the information and insights they need to create a differential edge on John Deere products, and this critical input is the driver behind every comfort, function, and performance feature we produce.
“We study customers in our intended markets, apply their feedback to our designs, and define extensive product verification duty cycles based on the requirements they share with us. All John Deere engineers, regardless of product responsibility or location of design centre, utilise the same approach, collaborating extensively to ensure we are delivering products worthy of the Deere name.”
Enhanced comfort and convenience
The spacious cab was designed with convenience in mind with plenty of storage and controls are easy to use and well placed. The sealed switch module (SSM) is very intuitive, conveniently placed, is water and dust proof and eliminates unsealed connections and moving parts associated with traditional rocker switches. The 7-inch touch screen monitor is easy to navigate, providing quick access to machine features and functions that is easier than some systems. Multiple machine readings and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are available for the operator to read via the touch screen.
“Easy daily servicing is another thing we are hearing from our customers. The ability to do most tasks from the ground without tools is a time saver for our customers.”
Grouped service points, single position swing greasing, 4,000-hour hydraulic oil and filter and 500-hour engine oil and filter changes, as well as the oil-sealed and lubricated undercarriage, ensure daily servicing is simple and efficient.
More uptime
John Deere excavators are “built tough to deliver more uptime by harnessing the power of heavy-duty booms and arms, a robust electrical system and optimised hydraulic routing”. A sealed and lubricated undercarriage and heavy-duty welded X-frame provide a solid, stable platform, while the sloped track frame resists material build-up to decrease cleaning time.
Full-length track guides and double-grouser track shoes are optional for rocky terrain and a heavy-duty cooling system keeps the engine and hydraulic system running efficiently, even in tough environments.
More muscle
Combining substantial power with smooth, low-effort control, John Deere excavators provide the exceptional performance and fast work cycles needed to tackle large jobs quickly. Four power modes and three work modes deliver the right power and response for maximum productivity and strong digging force, says Davison.
“With a strong focus on getting the job done, these excavators prioritise quality, productivity and operator comfort while incorporating strategic features such as premium hydraulic performance, highly durable and thick boom, arm and buckets to withstand tougher digging conditions, and auto pressure boost to anticipate and deliver power when it’s needed.”
Tough components
The “highly dependable” John Deere PowerTech plus engine with variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) delivers outstanding fuel efficiency, adds Davison, to move more material on less fuel. Full integration with Deere’s intelligent hydraulic (JD-IHC) system combines performance with smooth, low-effort control. Generous flow, arm force, and swing torque help keep things moving, while the 90/180-deg function (available on the E300s) increases the boom-up speed for faster truck loading.