John Deere demos new offerings

By |  June 24, 2013

John Deere hosted a Coal Valley Rally last week in the Quad Cities area of Illinois and Iowa. More than two dozen journalists attended the event, where we learned about the company’s new E-Series skid steers and compact track loaders, and the 644K Hybrid wheel loader.

Activities included a tour of the John Deere Davenport Works in Davenport, Iowa, a visit to John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Ill., and various equipment demonstrations at the company’s Coal Valley, Ill., training facility. Journalists also had an opportunity to operate the equipment, where I was able to feel the power and efficiency of the 644K Hybrid.

The 664K Hybrid has an operating weight of 40,000 lbs., and features a 4.75-cu.-yd. bucket. With its six-cylinder engine running at a constant rpm, the unit runs quieter than the conventional 644K model, and operates on 25 percent less fuel, the company says. Operating the loader at 1,500 rpm (or lower) instead of the default 1,800 rpm results in even more fuel savings. I tried it at both settings, and noticed little difference in available power while digging into a rock pile, maneuvering, and raising and lowering the bucket. The 644K also features a comfortable cab and customizable operator controls.

The company will also be introducing a 9-cu.-yd. hybrid unit — the 944K Hybrid.

About the Author:

Darren Constantino is an editor of Pit & Quarry magazine. He can be reached at dconstantino@northcoastmedia.net.

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