John Deere Construction—first year in NZ
A look at the Series-II excavator from John Deere that was introduced in the Australasian market more than 12 months ago
 |
|
The Series-II line-up included eight models introduced in Australia and NZ
|
It’s been more than 12 months since John Deere introduced its Series-II excavator offering to the Australasian market, and director for marketing and sales, construction, and forestry equipment Kel Davison says customers are enjoying the excavator’s power and performance.
The line-up included eight models ready to perform in Australian and New Zealand conditions and to deliver the quality and performance John Deere customers expect. John Deere says through 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’s 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, their engineers then 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 the manufacturer produces.
Brian Rauch, senior vice-president—engineering, manufacturing and supply management for the John Deere Construction and Forestry Division, says this customer-focused design approach is prioritised and implemented globally across all products.
"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 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," Brian says.
Enhanced comfort and convenience
 |
|
For additional quality auditing, a UV sensitive dye is added to the factory fluids and the equipment is run through a thermal cycle before being thoroughly inspected under a black light to detect even the smallest of leaks
|
The spacious cab has been designed with convenience in mind. John Deere engineers have made sure there’s plenty of storage and controls were easy to use and well placed, ensuring that operators can be comfortable and productive all day long.
The Sealed Switch Module (SSM) is designed to be intuitive. Being conveniently placed, it’s both dust-proof and waterproof and eliminates unsealed connections and moving parts associated with traditional rocker switches.
The seven-inch touchscreen monitor is easy to navigate, providing quick access to machine features and functions that’s easier than some systems. Multiple machine readings and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are available for the operator to read via the touchscreen.
Easy daily servicing is another thing John Deere says they are hearing from customers. The ability to do most tasks from the ground without tools is a time-saver with grouped service points, single position swing greasing, 4000-hour hydraulic oil and filter, and
500-hour engine oil and filter changes. The oil-sealed and lubricated undercarriage ensure daily servicing is simple and efficient.
More uptime
John Deere excavators are built 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 help 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 says their excavators provide the exceptional performance and fast work cycles needed to tackle large jobs quickly. Four power modes and three work modes can deliver the right power and response for maximum productivity and strong digging force.
With a strong focus on getting the job done, the 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 to move more material on less fuel, John Deere says.
Full integration with Deere’s Intelligent Hydraulic (JD-IHC) system combines impressive performance with smooth, low-effort control. Generous flow, arm force, and swing torque help keep things moving, while the 90/180-degree function (available on the E300s) increases the boom-up speed for faster truck loading.
Design control
Since John Deere designs the majority of their components, they say there’s no need to compromise the overall design. The deep vertical integration of products provides a further competitive edge to customers.
JDLinkTM Telematics system enables dealers to respond to customer needs and diagnose and even correct many issues without leaving the dealership. This also means software updates can be made quickly and simply by pushing downloads over the air to equipment.
Quality is everything
John Deere Construction and Forestry Equipment says they have a reputation across the world for outstanding quality, reliability, durability, and performance, and their Series-II excavators are no exception.
The excavators are built in a purpose-built factory in Tianjin, China to exact Deere engineering standards and will help drive production and profitability for local operators through fast cycle times, more muscle, more daily uptime, and tough components.
"We use state-of-the-art, high-precision machinery and techniques across our facilities, and the same parts and components can be produced to identical standards at any of our worldwide manufacturing facilities," says Brian.
"This is accomplished by using the John Deere Production System at all of our factories. No matter the location, employees follow the same procedures and use the same tooling, assembly processes and quality assurance checks."
Once a build is complete, quality inspections continue, with new products put through a series of thorough trials to ensure quality and performance at dedicated factory test facilities.
Equipment is subjected to several thermal cycles, raising and lowering operating temperatures, which is why John Deere machines will often have two to three hours on the clock at the time of delivery so customers can be assured the equipment has been thoroughly tested.
"The purpose of everything we do is to ensure that we’re building products that continue to deliver on the promise our company founder made—‘I will never put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that is in me’," Brian says.
For more information, contact AGrowQuip on 0800 433 373 (North Island) and Drummond & Etheridge on 0800 432 633 (South Island).
Find new and used heavy machinery for sale in NZ
Keep up to date in the industry by signing up to Deals on Wheels' free newsletter or liking us on Facebook.
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
