2008 News Releases and Information

MOLINE, Ill. (March 12, 2008) — With the introduction of Electro-Hydraulic (E-H) joystick controls for its large-frame skid steers and largest compact track loader, John Deere now offers the widest variety of control patterns available from any manufacturer, giving operators the freedom of choice.

"Operators have asked us to provide the controls they’re most comfortable running," said Gregg Zupancic, product marketing manager for skid steers and compact track loaders for John Deere Construction and Forestry. "A comfortable operator is a more productive operator, so whether your favorite style is the hand/foot control tandem, H-style hand controls or these electro-hydraulic ISO controls, we're on it."

E-H controls are now available for Deere's model 325, 328 and 332 large-frame skid steer loaders and the CT332 compact track loader.

Fast Response, Full Power

The new E-H joystick controls offer John Deere skid steer and compact track loader users smooth, exact controls without the delay of some manufacturers' joystick options. Push-button auxiliary hydraulics are standard and feature a proportional thumb roller for easy control of attachments. The thumb roller provides a "dial-a-flow" effect, with virtually an infinite number of speed settings for any attachment.

A horsepower management system allows the operator to channel all the power required for continuous operation of the boom and bucket without the power loss seen on competitor pilot control systems. A foot throttle accelerator pedal lets the operator set the hand throttle at a low rpm and only use the pedal for periodic speed or power bursts.

"Electro-Hydraulic joystick controls are truly the next generation in skid steer and CTL operation," Zupancic said. "These controls mean more productivity with less effort for high-production applications. The 'drive-by-wire' technology gives the operator lightning fast response."

Deere's E-H controls' steering and propel functions maintain their smoothness even through differential steering use. Operators will also see superior controllability during fine operation in digging and grading applications.

"More and more, skid steer and compact track loader operators are telling us they're handling increasingly expensive loads like paving stones, slate stone and trees," Zupancic said. "The E-H joysticks offer precise load control to prevent loss of these expensive materials. You can feather the controls and gently place the load exactly where you want it."

The E-H control pattern is easy to use, with machine movement controlled by the left hand, while bucket and boom functions are controlled by the right hand.

With E-H controls, there are no hydraulic pilot lines entering the operator station to heat the cab or burst or leak, leading to more uptime and decreasing service costs. The service calibration routine is simple and intuitive for both the steering and hydraulics, according to Zupancic. No manual adjustments are necessary.

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is the world's leading provider of advanced products and services for agricultural and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com/skidsteers.