Hey folks, this is Keith Gribbins, publisher of Compact Equipment coming at you with another Machine Heads video. In this episode, we’re going to be talking about compact wheel loaders - specifically three new units from John Deere. Small, tool carrying wheel loaders have become a popular and dynamic category of off-highway earthmoving equipment today. In our Spec Guide, we covered 15 different brands of compact wheel loaders on the market, so the manufacturers see the potential and the demand.
John Deere has offered small wheel loaders for decades, and today its line is robust. John Deere can offer compact wheel loaders with unique cutting-edge technologies like Articulation Plus or, with its new G-tier machines, popular and practical options for contractors and rental houses. With everyone talking about an uncertain economy, practical is kind of my style right now, so I wanted to highlight these three cool new John Deere machines that caught my eye.
John Deere has been offering compact wheel loaders to customers for more than 30 years, and recently the famous global brand expanded its portfolio to give owners and operators more options. John Deere’s new G-tier compact wheel loaders are three new models that embrace the company’s performance tiering strategy. The new 184 G-tier and the 204 G-tier and 304 G-tier machines were designed with the same Deere DNA as the company’s other compact wheel loader models, but these units are practically equipped. In fact, John Deere has stated its 184 G-tier is the most economical model in its lineup right now.
Pricing is obviously important right now, and when you consider the spectrum of compact loaders options on the market - skid steers, track loaders, stand-ons - compact wheel loaders are usually the most expensive. They offer big ROI benefits you need to consider into your purchase - units are great on fuel and tire wear - plus that awesome perch for great visibility. But, when a customer is considering that initial purchase price, compact wheel loaders can be 10 to 25 percent more expensive than a skid steer. So, giving contractors economical options is a smart idea.
These are not basic units. These G-Tier models still come with a lot of cool tech. Limited slip differential comes standard. It automatically engages if one wheel loses traction, providing enhanced safety for the operator and the machine. There’s the option of ride-control, which reduces spillage from the bucket when traveling over rough terrain, reducing jobsite cleanup and improving ride quality for the operator.
The visibility on a compact wheel loader is one of its greatest advantages, and John Deere offers both a canopy and enclosed cab configuration, built with operator visibility in mind. The redesigned enclosed cab features a frameless, fully glass door, floor-to-ceiling front windshield and remounted machine display, providing a clear line of sight to machine surroundings. The right-side full glass window also swings out 180 degrees to further enhance overall visibility for the operator. Additional features include an adjustable steering column, slip-resistant steps and an optional LED lighting package. The spacious cab includes amenities such as improved air conditioning systems and ergonomic low-effort controls to keep operators comfortable during a long shift.
The smaller G-tier models are the 184 G-tier and 204 G-tier. With a canopy height of 8 ft and a width of 5 ft, 10 in., these machines are nimble. The 184 G-tier sports a 48-hp diesel, operating weight of 10,670 lbs and can handle buckets from 0.9 up to 1.4 cu yds. The 204 G-tier compact wheel loader boasts a 62-hp diesel engine, operating weight of 11,541 lbs and can handle buckets from 0.9 up to 1.4 cu yds. The new 0.9-cu yd bucket is optimally sized and pairs with both the 184 G-tier and 204 G-tier units, and it can be attached to either a Quik-Tatch or hook-style coupler.
The largest of the three new G-tier models is the 304 G-tier, and this unit is focused on high productivity. Travel speed of the 304 G-tier goes up to 18.6 mph. This enhancement allows the machine to accomplish tasks and move around jobsites in less time. It also allow for roading capabilities, in the same way a municipality might use a backhoe loader. This model also comes equipped with an optional Attachment Assist Package, including Proportional Mini-Joystick 3rd Function Control with Detent, Combined Creep Control and Throttle Lock and Integrated Electrical Attachment Controls (3-Pin).
All of these units can come with a skid steer style quik-tatch system coupler, which allows these units to run skid steer and track loader attachments. John Deere offers around 100 attachments in its portfolio - from brooms to snow blowers - including optimized pallet forks for these G-tier compact wheel loaders, offering improved visibility, increased capacity and better durability. Learn more at ww.compactequip.com.
4 окт 2024
