John Deere Rolls Out 2 New Articulated Dump Trucks
Deere has eliminated the letter at the end of the model’s name that denoted the generation of the machine under the new tiering scheme. A G, P, or X should be substituted for that letter to indicate the performance and technological level of the device.
With G standing for the entry-level model, P for advanced features, and X for the company's hybrid diesel-electric technology and most cutting-edge features, each letter indicates a certain degree of features.
The ADTs have a revised, broader dump body than earlier versions, which increases material retention and decreases the centre of gravity and loading height, reducing cycle times in quarry and aggregate applications.
The trucks' high-alloy steel dump body, fuel efficiency, and drive models are all largely unchanged from the preceding E-Series versions. In order to modernise the fleet and preserve productivity, Deere claims that all P-Tier ADTs incorporate significant improvements to the exterior appearance and internal cab arrangement.
According to Justin Steger, solutions marketing manager at John Deere Construction & Forestry, several onboard features reduce the need for some human inputs, resulting in more efficient operation.
They consist of the following:
- Rollover protection, which warns operators of risky dump angles and halts the cycle of dumping.
- Downhill dump prevention – determines ADT position automatically to prevent the dump body
from moving off-center when emptying downhill.
Driveline assistance, an auto dump brake, and service brakes that latch during unloading.
- Hill hold: This feature automatically engages the service brakes when the truck is stopped on an
incline and the operator's foot shifts to the throttle, avoiding machine roll rearward.
- Bin journey back to the cradle is cushioned, preventing harsh frame seating if dumping is halted
before the bin is completely emptied.
- Shuttle shifting: By allowing the transmission to be changed without the ADT coming to a stop, this
feature reduces cycle times and operator abuse.
According to Steger, maximum speed limitations, standard transmission warm-up cycles, and dump body limits all contribute to a machine that is safer to operate and operates for a longer period of time. The operator's comfort and convenience of use were priorities when designing the P-Tier models.