Designed to enhance productivity and efficiency, John Deere is debuting its enhanced production series buckets for the 744K-II, 824K-II and 844K-III wheel loader models. The enhanced production buckets offer several new features, including an improved bucket profile, integrated narrow spill guards, bushed static bucket pin joints and optional wear plating.

“In speaking with wheel loader users in the field, they drove home the fact they wanted a bucket option that would increase production and offer greater efficiency in material retention,” said John Chesterman, product marketing manager, production class four-wheel drive loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “We worked with our engineers to develop 30 configurations that improve loading and visibility; are easier and quicker to repair; and extend bucket life in all types of material.”

When updating bucket design, John Deere added curved profile side cutters that improve material retention and allow for better bucket fill of loose material. Integrated narrow spill guards provide better visibility to the load so the operator can see when the bucket is full. This helps reduce loading time, fuel consumption and number of loads on the machine, and protects wheel loader linkage.

The enhanced production series buckets also feature bushed static bucket pin joints – a popular feature on the current 844K and 944K wheel loaders. These pin joints greatly reduce the need for welding and align boring for repair, enable repair in the field and greatly reduce maintenance time overall.

Warranty

Also, on the heels of its most successful ConExpo-Con/Agg ever, John Deere is now offering a 96-month (eight-year)/20,000-hour power electronic components warranty on the 944K hybrid wheel loader. The warranty is retroactive to existing machines in the field and provided on new 944K loaders through October 31, 2018.

“We continue to build confidence in our hybrid technology and the high-design life of machine components,” said Jason Daly, director, customer and product support, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “As our hybrid experience continues to grow, we feel strongly that this 20,000-hour warranty allows a customer the opportunity to go through a 15,000-hour rebuild/re-life without the expense of worrying about power electronic components.

The warranty includes a 96-month (eight-year) or 20,000-hour (whichever comes first) non-prorated assurance on wheel motors, generators, power inverters and brake retarders. Certain customer conditions must be met to maintain warranty coverage. This includes component rotation between 15,000 and 18,000 hours; drive voltage cables replacement between 15,000 and 18,000 hours; and an annual dealer machine inspection.

The 536-hp 944K hybrid wheel loader features an EPA Interim Tier 4 engine (IT4), and it can provide significant fuel savings over 9-cu.-yd. loaders with conventional drivetrains. The production-class wheel loader’s brushless AC generators and motors, water-cooled brake resistors and solid-state power electronics deliver reliable, long-term performance to quarry and large-load applications.

Deere & Company, www.JohnDeere.com