Yep...A Nine-Yard Loader! (And it's a Hybrid)...
John Deere Builds Its First Nine-Yard Loader on Customer Suggestions
The GRAND UNVEILING at ConExpo. Check it out on YouTube.
MOLINE, Illinois (March 22, 2011) — John Deere has spent years talking with dozens of quarry and other large loader customers about what they wanted in a nine-yard production loader. That collaboration between customer and engineer has resulted in the new 944K wheel loader with a hybrid-electric drivetrain.
"In addition to fewer emissions, customers asked for durability, fuel efficiency and reduced tire wear," said John Chesterman, product marketing manager for 4WD loaders with John Deere. "We've responded with a loader that incorporates four modular, independent wheel drives with electronic traction control."
Deere's hybrid-electric drivetrain utilizes electric traction, meaning the engine drives a generator to create electricity used by electric motors to drive the wheels. The hybrid-electric drivetrain provides significantly increased fuel efficiency, reduced tire wear, and increased durability and reliability through fewer moving parts.
Customers also asked that the 944K give them better bucket-dumping visibility, so Deere's product development team worked with them to include a traditional dual-arm boom design.
"The desire for choices in ground-engaging tools led us to design a bucket that would accept various brands of bucket teeth," Chesterman said. "As a result, customers have several options available for the 944K."
Inside the cab, customers worked with Deere to get easy-to-read gauges for vital machine functions and more room for the operator. As a result, the 944K features large gauges and a spacious cab.
"We won't rest until this nine-yard production-sized loader addresses customer requirements for maximum productivity and uptime, and lower daily operating costs," Chesterman said. "We are targeting 2013 for launch."
The unit will undergo rigorous customer testing and will not be available until it fully meets every customer need.
Deere is also showing a 644K hybrid-electric loader at ConExpo 2011. The 644K is another indication of Deere's commitment to bringing customers the innovative technology, fuel efficiency, durability and reliability they ask for.
James River Equipment is your John Deere Construction and Forestry dealership servicing Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Stop by and learn more about the 944K wheel loader.