June 2015, Vol. 70, No.6
New Products
John Deere Utility-Class Wheel Loaders Latest Models To Undergo Updates
John Deere continues to update its K-Series wheel loader lineup to adhere to Final Tier 4 emissions standards and better meet the needs of today’s operators.
The 444K, 524K and 544K utility-class wheel loaders are designed for jobs that demand extra agility and ability on the jobsite or at the farm.
“The goal in updating our K-Series utility wheel loaders was to build upon the reliable platform of the previous models, while offering more customer-inspired productivity features to increase uptime, including easier daily checks and maintenance access and the ability to work in all areas—regardless of air quality conditions,” said Chris Cline, product marketing manager for utility wheel loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Whether you are a road builder, site developer, landscaper, or running a cattle or dairy operation, the new utility loaders provide best in class stability and hydraulic controls, maximum uptime, and unmatched serviceability. Our customers can do more with these machines.”
The implementation of a John Deere PowerTech™ EPA Final Tier 4 (FT4)/EU Stage IV diesel engines enable operators to work anywhere, even in nonattainment areas. The PowerTech™ engine delivers impressive torque, 444K (124 hp), 524K (141 hp), 544K (163 hp), to help maintain good boom and bucket speed in and out of the pile for heaped loads, even in wet or hard-packed material.
The K-Series loaders implement excavator-style hydraulics that sense the load and deliver the flow needed for smooth combined functions and fast work cycles. A PowerShift™ torque-converter transmission employs Smart-Shift™ technology to continuously evaluate speed and load conditions. The 544K’s new standard five-speed transmission with lockup torque converter in gears 2–5 offers increased acceleration, speeds cycles, and optimizes power and fuel efficiency during transport, roading, and ramp climbing.
John Deere understands operator comfort is critical to productivity, which is why the three models come standard with several features to make the operator’s job easier. These improvements include an enhanced multifunction monitor with diagnostic and maintenance information, tinted glass and a Level 1 sound suppression package that reduces engine noise heard by the operator and bystanders, thus decreasing operator fatigue and increasing productivity on job sites that are in or around areas that have noise restrictions.
Similar to other John Deere construction machines, operators will find comfort in the high-back air-ride seat of the K-Series. A keyless start and effortless push-button operation of a number of machine functions allows the operator to get extra productivity from their wheel loader. Operators will also have two optional radio offerings – an AM/FM/WB with auxiliary port or an AM/FM/WB and XM Satellite Radio™ with auxiliary port, USB and Bluetooth™ connectivity.
To eliminate downtime, the K-Series models are equipped with remote battery terminals for faster and easier jump-starting. The engine compartment can remain closed and locked to charge the batteries, which reduces the threat of vandalism. These machines also feature an optional right-side platform and steps for easy access to the right side of the machine.
The utility class wheel loaders continue to boast best-in-class onboard diagnostics providing detailed troubleshooting information for faster diagnosis and repair. Like their predecessors, the models will feature John Deere’s exclusive Quad-Cool™ system that is unequaled in providing the highest cooling efficiency and ease of cleaning.
Operators looking to get the most out of their 444K, 524K or 544K can rely on Ultimate Uptime featuring John Deere WorkSight™. With Ultimate Uptime, operators receive pre-delivery and follow-up inspections; three years of JDLink™ telematics, machine heath prognostics and remote diagnostics, and programming capability; and the ability to add dealer-provided uptime solutions to customize the package to individual needs.
For additional information and model-specific specifications on the new utility wheel loaders, visit http://www.JohnDeere.com or contact your local dealer.
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