Concrete Products covers the issues that attract producers of ready mixed and manufactured concrete focusing on equipment and material technology, market development and management topics.
Issue link: http://concrete.epubxp.com/i/442865
76 • January 2015 www.concreteproducts.com The K-Series 4WD Wheel Loaders feature three models that meet Envi- ronmental Protection Agency Final Tier 4 emissions standards. An engine update also allowed John Deere to offer enhancements to the 624K, 644K, and 724K for added durability, productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating costs. As the K-Series approached Final Tier 4 compliance, notes John Deere Construction & Forestry Utility Wheel Loader Product Market- ing Manager Chris Cline, "Our goal was to integrate the engine with minimal machine impact and maintain the performance features our customers have come to expect. The engine update also allowed our engineers to implement several customer-inspired solutions, includ- ing axle improvements and several feature upgrades to better meet the needs of today's wheel loader operator." The implementation of a John Deere PowerTech EPA Final Tier 4/ EU Stage IV engine delivers impressive torque to help maintain good boom and bucket speed in and out of the pile for heaped loads, he adds, even in wet or hard-packed material. The new loader models weigh the same as their Interim Tier 4 predecessors with no increase in machine dimensions. In addition, there is no impact on visibility in the Interim Tier 4 to Final Tier 4 engine transition. The K-Series boasts several axle improvements for increased dura- bility in demanding conditions, including standard cooling and fil- tration, along with brake retractors and adjustors on the Teammate V axles. Standard axle cooling and filtration keeps axle oil and its components cooler in hard braking and significant load-and carry applications. For added protection, axle oil is filtered by continuously cleaning and removing wear particle and debris. Together, this system provides increased engine reliability, durability and longevity. Finally, brake reactors and automatic self-adjustors were added to the 624K, 644K and 724K models to eliminate brake drag and maintain a con- stant brake running clearance with better compliance and less heat. The K-Series 4WD utility models feature a standard five-speed lockup torque converter transmission to improve productivity and fuel efficiency. The feature connects the entire drivetrain directly to the engine to provide full power during transport, ramp climbing and downhill conditions, eliminating wasted energy and excess fluid con- sumption by 5 to 8 percent. Mindful that operator comfort is critical to productivity, John Deere added to the K-Series models such standard features as a Lev- el 1 Sound Suppression Package and quiet cab with air condition- ing. The former reduces engine noise, in turn decreasing operator fatigue and boosting productivity on jobsites in areas that have noise restrictions. A quiet cab provides ready to work climate con- trol for comfort in all seasons, and also keeps windows clear of ice and humidity. To eliminate downtime, the K-Series models are equipped with remote battery terminals for faster and easier jump-starting. The engine compartment can remain closed and locked to charge the bat- teries, which reduces the threat of vandalism. The machines also fea- ture an optional right-side platform and steps for easy access to the right side of the machine. All John Deere wheel loaders come standard with WorkSight (note companion sidebar), billed as the most com- prehensive, easy-to-use suite of technology available for increasing uptime and productivity. — www.JohnDeere.com Deere equips medium sized loaders with Final Tier 4 power The 644K and 724K wheel loaders have bucket sizes of 4.25-yd. and 4- to 4.75-yd., respectively. INNOVATIONS REPORT WHEEL LOADERS