Improving the lineup
April 1, 2007 By: Bill Elverman Pit & QuarryDeere, Hitachi roll out updates, new models at Spring Training 2007.
While pro baseball's spring training kicked into high gear in nearby Phoenix, John Deere and Hitachi unveiled new earthmoving models and upgrades at its 2007 Spring Training press event in Sacaton, Ariz. The March 5-6 session featured new equipment and technology from compact excavators to tractor-pulled scrapers. Deere's newest products and advances appeal to aggregate producers' needs throughout the production cycle.
 The 844J simplifies operation with efficient boom height kick-out, return-to-carry and return-to-dig controls. |
Pushing overburden
The new Tier 3-certified, hydrostatically driven 1050J crawler dozer pushes with 335 hp at 1,600 rpm. The hydrostatic drive train allows the new dozer to deliver power turns under load and provides infinite speed control, power management, counter rotation and dynamic braking. Two drive pumps and four drive motors (two per each final drive) result in more steering power and more than 116,000-lb. of drawbar pull.
Loading
J-series wheel loaders have been overhauled beyond just updated Tier 3 engines. The 444J (128-hp), 544J (167-hp), 624J (198-hp) and 644J (232-hp) are now powered by Tier 3-certified PowerTech engines with wet sleeve cylinders and an electronically controlled fuel system. Deere's exclusive Quad-Cool cooling system (coolers mounted on four sides for easier cleaning and added efficiency versus traditional stacked systems) has been added to the 644J, and is already featured on most J-series models.
 The new 1050J crawler dozer (335 net hp) is the largest, most powerful model in Deere's dozer fleet. |
New TeamMate IV front and rear axles have been added to the 544J, 624J, 644J and 724J (250-hp) models. These axles include inboard planetary final drives, a standard front differential lock and self-adjusting wet disk brakes.
Deere also showcased its new NeverGrease pin joints — a "lubricated for life" pin system said to extend pin life and reduce hassles associated with greasing and/or auto-lube systems. This feature will be available as an option on its larger 744J (288-hp), 824J (316-hp) and 844J (380-hp) wheel loaders by May.
A Tier 3 engine retrofit has also been designed for the 844J that fits effortlessly into the machine's current design and even meets early Tier 4 particulate matter standards.
 Ken Poppe, product marketing manager, John Deere, discusses the JDLink equipment monitoring system with the press at Deere's Spring Training 2007 press event. |
Deere further expanded its loader offering with the new 755D (181-hp) crawler loader, which it claims has the highest horsepower, tipping load and best visibility and serviceability in its class.
Hauling
The 12-liter V6 Mercedes Benz engine in Deere's 350D (35-ton) and 400D (40-ton) articulated dump trucks (ADTs) has been updated to meet Tier 3 standards. The smaller 250D (25-ton) and 300D (30-ton) have added Deere's Tier 3-certified 6090 PowerTech Plus engine with a 24-valve cylinder head and increased engine displacement from 8.1 to 9 liter. Deere also claims improved fuel economy through these engines and the best payload-to-weight ratio among leading ADT manufacturers.
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