MOLINE, Ill. (March 5, 2007)-John Deere's 250D, 300D, 350D and 400D  Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs) have been enhanced to increase productivity and uptime, including updates to the transmission, operator station improvements, electrical enhancements and a new engine in the 250D and 300D.

 "All of the new enhancements boost the productivity of our ADTs while keeping the overall operating cost low," said Chris Maifield, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry Company. "With a significant weight advantage and the best payload-to-weight ratio among the top five ADT manufacturers, Deere trucks continue to burn less fuel, particularly in high time-on-grade applications and in poor underfoot conditions."
 
The 350D and 400D ADTs are powered by a turbocharged and inter-cooled Mercedes-Benz OM501LA, 12-liter V6 engine that has been updated to meet Tier 3 EPA emissions standards. Its compact V6 design allows the Deere truck to achieve best-in-class approach angle, and the robust retarding system works seamlessly with the transmission retarder to prolong service brake life. The 250D and 300D feature a Tier 3-certified John Deere 6090 PowerTech Plus I6 engine with 24 valve cylinder head. Engine displacement has increased from 8.1 to 9-liters. Fuel economy testing in the 9-liter class shows that this engine provides superior fuel economy across the operating range. Best-in-class engine fuel economy and best-in-class payload-to-weight ratio translate to lower daily operating costs.
 
The transmission has been updated in all four models to further improve reliability and operator comfort. The transmission controller features improved shift quality and clutch control. The 250D and 300D cooling system also provides greater transmission cooling capacity.

Numerous features set the John Deere ADTs apart, from the ergonomic cab to enhanced retarding and braking systems. Like the previous models, automatic retarding on all four trucks is still best-in-class in terms of ease of operation, capacity and smoothness. Cab comforts include a fully adjustable air suspension seat, more extensive sound-insulation and a high-capacity air conditioner. A new monitor provides increased diagnostic capability, and a new sealed switch module with centralized controls eliminates several rocker switches, a retarder lever and mechanical HVAC controls. A relocated electrical center provides easy access to fuses, relays, and controllers. Only four relays remain in the electrical center. Dual 12-volt power sockets, storage shelf, and an AM/FM stereo with CD player are now standard equipment.

A new electrohydraulic tip control enables several functions that make operation easier and more comfortable. The operator now can set maximum dump body tip height, and enable either soft or hard stops and the end of dump body travel. The driveline assist feature automates some of the repetitive actions during dump body tip. It shifts the transmission to neutral, applies the park brake and takes the engine to maximum speed when the dump body lever is in the full dump position. Once the maximum dump angle is reached, the engine returns to low idle travel.

"Sticky material applications may require mechanical hard stops to minimize carry-back, but for other applications that don't require hard stops, the electrohydraulically-controlled soft stop reduces machine structural loads and improves operator comfort," Maifield said.

 "Overall, these design improvements enhance driver comfort and ease of operation and increase productivity," Maifield said. "Deere trucks provide the best combination of productivity, low daily operating cost and uptime in the industry."

John Deere (Deere & Company-NYSE: DE) is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment, a major manufacturer of construction equipment, and a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care. John Deere also manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment and provides landscape and worldwide financial services. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.

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