John Deere unveils improved L-Series dozer

A new angled seat, HVAC system to improve airflow, and a new heated and ventilated seat option are features to improve operator comfort on the 850L dozer. Photo courtesy of John Deere.

John Deere released its 850L dozer, which features a larger displacement engine, increased operating weight, new operator station, and improved reliability and durability, according to the company.

“Our K-Series dozers are a favorite with customers, and thanks to their ongoing feedback, the next generation of Deere dozers are our strongest, most durable and productive yet,” says Nathan Horstman, crawler product marketing manager for John Deere Construction & Forestry. “The 850L combines muscle, efficiency and balance for impressive new levels of performance. Coupled with an extraordinary focus on reliability and uptime, you have the winning combination our customers are asking for.”

The 850L incorporates an EPA Final Tier 4 John Deere PSS 9.0L diesel engine to provide 225 hp with a dual-path hydrostatic transmission. Additionally, an “eco” mode feature reduces fuel consumption up to 20 percent, the company says, to accompany the auto-idle and idle shutdown standard features.

A 172-in. Power Angle Tilt blade increases productivity, especially in grading applications, the company says. All 850L configurations now utilize an eight-roller design with 130-in. of track on the ground to increase productivity, stability and gradeability.

The dozer comes standard with grade control-ready electrohydraulic valves, which the company says makes it easy to add a grade control system. Owners can also purchase the 850L integrated with John Deere SmartGrade technology.

Improvements to the cab were done with input from the John Deere Customer Advocate Group. The cab has 15 percent more space and interior operator noise was reduced by 27 percent when compared to the K-series model. A new angled seat, HVAC system to improve airflow, and a new heated and ventilated seat option are features to improve operator comfort. Additionally, the company now includes a rear camera and automatic temperature control.

Ergonomic control joysticks control the transmission and hydraulic functions on the 850L. The new transmission joystick has a rocker switch to control the forward-neutral-reverse direction of travel, and the hydraulic control lever includes a proportional thumb roller precise blade angle or power pitch adjustments. Other buttons are available to enable grade control, increment/decrement grade control, blade shake and return to pitch, the company says.

The 850L features improved electrical and hydraulic routing, and a heavy-duty mainframe with increased thickness up to 60 percent in some areas to combat the rigors of the jobsite, the company adds. The 850L’s cooling package was also upgraded with larger fin spacing and a simplified design, allowing full access to both sides of the cooler.

Equipped with a tilt cab that can raise up to 65 degrees, the 850L allows easier access to major machine components. The company says this reduces downtime during repairs or adjustments to electrical, hydrostatic and hydraulic system components.