The Township I work for bought a new machine last week. Took delivery on Wednesday in the middle of a road project.
This machine is 6WD, 255HP, 42K lb machine, 17.5x25 Bridgestone Radial tires, 14'x27"x1" moldboard w/8" cutting edges. Powertrain is a 9.0L 6 cyl engine and 8 spd powershift trans.
John Deere machines are designed for ease of service. These pics reflect that.
First pic is left side of machine. Air Filter is behind forward panel. Center panel accesses engine oil dipstick and fill tube, trans dipstick/fill tube, batteries, power disconnect. Rear panel accesses oil coolers. Below that is the fuel fill, green cap. Below that is DEF fill, blue cap.
Deere offers these machines in three different control configurations. This machine is what's known as a rack style. They offer two joystick versions. Third option is fingertip controls on the armrests of the seat. They even offer the joystick/fingertip setup with both. Easily converted by the operator by switching out the armrests.
We use rack controls because of cost. It's $27,000 option to get the joystick or fingertip controls. Pretty hard to justify that option.
Deere's cabs are spacious and well designed. Lots of storage space. Great visibility. Air seat. Double filtered air system that keeps the cab extremely clean.
I prefer one hand lift controls on the rack. Outer most lever on right side lifts right end of blade, next one in lifts left side of blade, next one in is rear articulation. I can perform all three functions without lifting my hand. Two lift levers in my palm, thumb running articulation.
The trans gear selector has been changed from our previous machine. This shifter it straight line, one gate. Forward is neutral. Click rearward to select gear. Lean the lever inward to select forward. Lean the lever outward to select reverse.
Works very well once I get used to it. Previous machine used two gates. You had to go forward to neutral and then inward/outward and rearward to select gears. Every time you changed direction you had to go forward thru the gate.
I've put 17hrs on this machine and still try to go forward thru that gate...?br>
In this pic you can also see the 6WD controls, Cruise Control, Heat AC.
Here's a pic of the old style that our previous machine used.
The dash display has also changed in this machine. It's very high tech. Some of the data I'm still trying to figure out.
The first pic is when power is first initiated. This is an indication of how much information can be displayed during normal operation if needed.
The second pic shows the display as you would normally see it.
There's also a menu selection for choices of settings and/or data. The machine is connected via JD Link. The dealer can access the machine anytime. They can pull all the operational data from the machine plus any codes that might be happening without coming to the location of the machine. The location is GPS pinpointed. I'm going to test this system Monday. I've got an error code regarding the reverse lights. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. I'll call the dealership and they'll access the machine for information regarding what the problem is. If it's simple computer correction they'll perform that from 100 miles away.
This switch panel is on the right side B pillar about eye level. It's pretty self explanatory. Notice the center switches also have numbers on them. They are used as a keypad to make selections on the dash screen when setting up the machine.
Was a bit disappointed when I realized the front wheels have different back space than the rears. I rotate tires regularly. This machine will be limited. Fronts can only rotate side to side. Rears rotate amongst those four.
Excellent clearance under front axle which is very important.
6WD hydraulics is protected best it can be. Uses hydraulic motors like AG combines use.
