John Deere Releases New Line of Skid Steers, Compact Track Loaders

John Deere, Moline, Ill., has released a new E-Series line of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders, which the company says feature enhancements and improvements that were developed after extensive input from customers. The new line includes five skid steer models and four compact track loaders, each with Interim Tier Four or Final Tier Four engines and several improvements designed to enhance operator and machine productivity.

John Deere 328E

“The E-Series skid steers and compact track loaders are one of the finest examples of customer-driven product development the John Deere Commercial Worksite Products group has ever offered,” says Gregg Zupancic, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “We asked hundreds of customers how we could make this equipment better. They told us, and we responded.”

The large-frame skid steers and CTLs feature a flat floor design with 25 percent more foot room than previous models. Lower noise levels also contribute to what the company says is reduced operator fatigue and increased productivity. All models include electro-hydraulic (EH) controls. The EH controls are available for ISO, H, and foot control patterns. In addition, the E-Series features an option to allow operators to switch between all three industry control patterns.
Other new standard features include connect-under-pressure auxiliary hydraulic couplers and a new courtesy lighting feature that automatically shuts the machine lights off after operation.

The mid-frame models have been improved to enhance performance and make the machines more versatile, says the company. The optimized boom design provides “best-in-class” boom and bucket breakout throughout the lift path, John Deere adds. It also offers greater reach at truck-bed height and increases lift height to the hinge pin.

In addition to standard improvements, both the large- and mid-frame E-Series models offer several options that enhance ease-of-use and productivity, according to the company. The mid-frames include the option for switchable controls to allow operators to choose between foot pedals, ISO and H-pattern. Other options include a new keyless start feature and a ride control option that cushions the boom under heavy load for a smoother ride.

The E-Series offers several customer favored features that carried forward from the D-Series, including a pressurized cab with best-in-class visibility, auto-idle to help conserve fuel and best-in-class service access. In addition, industry-leading options such as the reversing fan will also be available.

The skid steers and CTLs are powered by Yanmar 3.3 or 3.1 liter diesel engines. The large-frame model engines provide up to 10 percent more horsepower than the previous D-Series models. Engines more than 75 hp will meet Interim Tier 4 emissions requirements, while engines under 75 hp will be Final Tier 4 compliant. The engines in all E-Series models feature cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) with an exhaust filter consisting of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DCF).

The E-Series consists of nine total models. In skid steers, there are three large-frame models (326E, 328E, 332E) and two mid-frame models (318E, 320E). In CTLs, there are two large-frame models (329E, 333E) and two mid-frame models (319E, 323E). All models will be compatible with more than 100 available Worksite Pro™ attachments for optimal jobsite performance.

John Deere also has introduced cab improvements and a redesigned 35G Compact Excavator. The G-Series excavator is a smaller, nimbler version of John Deere’s G-Series excavators. The new line has been designed for rental, commercial/residential building, landscaping, underground and site development. The new excavator offers a Final Tier 4 engine, without the need for an after treatment device.

“We paid special attention to cab adjustments and emissions regulations when designing the 35G,” says Mark Wall, product marketing manager for excavators, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “The operator’s station is now wider and longer than the previous D-Series model, providing improved operator comfort and productivity. In addition, the machine provides increased visibility to work in close quarters comfortably and safely.”

John Deere 332E

The 35G incorporates a 23 hp (17.4 kW), Final Tier 4 diesel engine to power through any job. The FT4 design is based on John Deere’s IT4 design that has a track record of exceptional reliability. The 35G features auto-idle that slows engine speed when the pilot-control levers are momentarily released – for reduced fuel consumption and noise.

To increase ease of use and safety, John Deere designed a new door for improved entry and visibility to the left hand side of the machine. The door design also widens the size of the opening for entering the cab. Within the operator station, a new multifunction monitor provides a coolant temperature and fuel gauge, clock, two trip meters, regeneration inhibit, auto shut down control, and machine hours among the many functions.

With a focus on improving uptime, a third service door was added to provide improved access to the cooling core for cleaning purposes. The cores were also positioned side by side rather than being stacked inline to permit easier access.

Attachments and options also strengthen the 35G’s offerings. The excavator can be equipped with an optional, hydraulic, adjustable-angle backfill blade that features 25 degrees of adjustment to both the left and right for more efficient trench backfilling. In addition, a standard coupler accommodates a wide variety of available attachments such as hydraulic breakers and augers. Contractors also have the ability to choose the tracks that are best suited for their work. Rubber tracks, steel tracks and steel tracks with rubber pads are all available.

For more information, visit John Deere at www.JohnDeere.com.