John Deere will showcase a variety of productivity and sustainability focused construction solutions with alternative power options at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023.
"As we continue to introduce battery-electric and electric-hybrid solutions to the market, we aren't just designing a new way to fuel your fleet. We're also focusing on building an electric infrastructure through innovative and forward-thinking technology," said Ryan Campbell, president of worldwide construction and forestry and power systems at John Deere. "That means expanding our efforts to provide customers with optimal dealer support, job site data, and charging solutions aimed to increase the electric presence in the construction space around the world."
Providing power options that meet the needs of users, John Deere will offer machines utilizing battery power from Kreisel Electric. Offering a hybrid solution, E-Drive machines feature an electrified drivetrain with an engine as the primary power source. In addition, E-Drive machines enable better fuel economy, improved powertrain component life, and stronger pushing power on the job than traditional models.
The John Deere electrification/hybrid journey began in 2013 with the introduction of the 644K Hybrid wheel loader, which has since evolved into the 644 X-Tier. The 644 X-Tier has a combined E-Drive and power shift transmission system. In addition, the 944 X-Tier wheel loader is newly rebranded from the 944K Hybrid to align with the John Deere performance tiering strategy.
Other new E-Drive machines on display at the show are the 850 X-Tier dozer, which has been recently upgraded from the 850L model, and provides users with multiple operating models to tailor performance and fuel consumption to their specific needs. The less complex drivetrain powers each track with an electric motor to maintain the maneuverability and control of a traditional hydrostatic John Deere dozer. Lastly, the 744 X-Tier E-Drive wheel loader, featuring an electric variable transmission, provides improved performance with increased fuel efficiency.
In 2021, John Deere tested and showcased the 310 X-Tier E-Power electric backhoe. E-Power technology provides lower daily operating costs, decreased job site noise, and zero tailpipe emissions. In 2023, the 310 X-Tier E-Power backhoe model will enter the next phase of development and will continue to improve as a result of feedback. The 145 X-Tier E-Power excavator concept, previously showcased at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show will also be on display. Making its debut at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the battery electric 244 X-Tier compact wheel loader is an ideal solution for contractors looking to utilize the benefits of an E-Power machine in a variety of material handling applications.
John Deere is also developing electrification infrastructure to address the energy replenishment challenges faced by battery-electric vehicles in off-road production environments. A John Deere electrification ecosystem will offer a wide array of solutions to address needs for charging, data and connectivity, machine support, and financial services. The charging ecosystem will include a range of solutions for overnight and fast charging. All John Deere machines and charging stations will use common automotive-style charging connections, helping to simplify the recharging process for electric equipment. In addition, John Deere is developing new features like an Operations Center specific to battery-electric equipment to help users monitor usage remotely and manage work while charging their equipment with confidence and ease.
"By 2026," continues Campbell, "John Deere aims to offer its customers a variety of electric construction equipment solutions, including 20+ electric and hybrid- models, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry, starting with the nine electric or hybrid electric John Deere and Wirtgen Group machines on display at this year's CONEXPO-CON/AGG."
