John Deere integrates SmartGrade technology into the 750K and 850K dozer models
John Deere is building on its lineup of SmartGrade crawler dozers with the integration of the machine control offering on the 750K and 850K models. Adding SmartGrade availability on these larger machines is aimed at improving jobsite accuracy and quality of work through the complete integration of the Topcon 3D-MC2 Grade Control System. The system is fully incorporated into the machine cabin, structures and software – delivering precise grading performance while eliminating vulnerable external masts and cables.
“The launch of our 700K SmartGrade dozer was a huge hit earlier this year, and many of our customers asked for the grade control technology to be integrated into our larger offerings," said Liz Quinn, product marketing manager, John Deere WorkSight. “The 750K and 850K SmartGrade dozers answer that call. They’re easy to set up and are highly productive earthmoving and grading machines intended for roadbuilding, site development and residential building applications. Like the 700K SmartGrade dozer, these models are purpose-built and ready to work the moment they roll off the dealer lot.”
The 750K and 850K incorporate a PowerTech 6.8-L Tier 4 Final diesel engine with 165 hp and 205 hp, respectively. Both models feature Eco mode, which automatically adjusts engine power and transmission settings based on load while maintaining ground speed, to help optimize fuel economy.
Since SmartGrade is integrated into the machines, it removes the need to install blade-mounted sensors and components daily, reducing setup time and allowing operators to get to work. Eliminating external cables to the masts reduces breakage, and the removal of the masts from the blade eliminates vulnerability to damage and theft.
A key feature of the integrated machine control is Auto SmartGrade. This allows the operator to easily adjust the system when moving the machine from one soil type to another, unlike an after-market system, which often requires the GPS manager to make a trip to the machine to recalibrate the system. Particularly helpful to new operators, Auto SmartGrade automatically lifts the blade over heavy loads before track slippage occurs, then returns the blade to grade. SmartGrade also limits the number of passes required, reducing the pace of wear on the undercarriage. The John Deere SmartGrade dozer is nearly 7 percent more accurate across the entire speed range of the dozer when compared to conventional masted systems.
Another benefit of the SmartGrade technology is that machine dimensions are preloaded into the grade control monitor, reducing the time required to calibrate the dozer to about 30 minutes. The easy-to-use system is beneficial to new operators in that it can get them up and running quickly.
The SmartGrade integration into the 750K and 850K dozers also allows for enhanced diagnostics. Having the ability to get the grade control system and diagnostic information over the John Deere JDLink telematics system provides valuable uptime information to customers.
