John Deere Motor Graders: Uses, History and Evolution
Construction companies can make use of John Deere’s wide range of motor graders to complete their projects efficiently and on time. These motor graders are designed to help construction businesses carry out all of their daily construction tasks on the worksite. Over the past many decades, John Deere has built motor graders that have been fully integrated and calibrated with the latest technology to offer the best results. With time, they have improved in efficiency and safety. Let’s take a look at its uses, history, and how it evolved over time under John Deere.
Motor grader and why do construction businesses need it
A motor grader is also alternatively called a road grader. Being a self-propelled machine, it is equipped with an adjustable blade that has been positioned between the front and rear axle. It serves to spread, cut, and level material. Motor graders may also be named according to their frame structure. For example, motor graders that come with just one axle are called rigid frame motor graders while those that have a hinge between the front and rear axle are known as articulated frame motor graders. Each motor grader has a specific use where it excels.
Putting it briefly, motor graders are mostly used for road maintenance. However, at the same time, they may also be used in situations where heavy earth has to be moved from one place to the other. Motor graders may also be used to move snow. This equipment is best suited for trenching and ditching. It is also used in land grading and scarifying.
Evolution of John Deere Motor Graders
John Deere came up with its first design way back in the 1960s. It was a front-wheel steering motor grader, named the JD 570. A decade later, it followed its first hydrostatic front-wheel drive equipment that hit the market.
By the time the 1980s arrived, the company had produced motor graders that boasted variable horsepower. At that time, the operators or the clients were no longer necessitated to work with a welded-on frame.
At the start of the 1990s, a major transformation occurred when the company introduced its PowerShift Plus™ which was a direct-drive countershaft transmission.
At the dawn of the current century, John Deere unleashed its latest and largest models known as the 870D and 872D. This was the time when John Deere also introduced its event-based shifting that was powered electronically by controlled high-pressure fuel delivery.
By the time the 2010s started, operators started handling equipment with fingertip controls. They also found its cross-slope control to be of great help.
John Deere Motor Grader Technology
Motor graders that were produced by John Deere started being equipped with several advanced features. These features gave the company a competitive edge over others. Any construction business looking to invest in motor graders will find several useful technological features that will streamline their construction operations.
Auto-Shift PLUS
This feature helps the operators utilize the throttle and brake to exert complete control over the motor grader. This feature turned out to be the first of its kind in the history of motor graders.
This meant that the operators were no longer worried about the need to use the inching pedal. It allowed for manually selecting gears and made stalling the machine easier.
Auto-Pass by pushing just one button
The motor grader manufactured by John Deere is known for automated machine movements. This involves raising and flipping or even rotating the angle of the blade. This feature allows the operators to opt for adjustments by simply pushing a button. This feature is now included in all the Pro models manufactured by the company.
Machine-Damage Avoidance turns out to be a game changer
This feature is an exclusive innovative technology of the John Deere company. This feature allows for the blade movement to be limited, thereby helping avoid damage to steps, structures, and tires. These parts are protected even if the equipment performs the most complex positions. This allows the operators to pay attention to tasks, such as making the grade.
To buy the best John Deere motor graders for sale, contact the leading suppliers of heavy equipment in the market.
Technological Innovations that John Deere focused upon as it evolved
John Deere has been coming up with innovative technologies to ensure its motor graders are equipped with state-of-the-art features. This has resulted in the equipment integrating a range of advanced technologies. This has allowed the company to advance its motor graders to the stage where productivity and efficiency are enhanced while operator comfort is improved.
With its automated blade control, John Deere has gained a competitive edge in the market. This feature is at the forefront of the revolution that motor graders went through. Automated blade control systems are a feature that involves the use of sensors and advanced algorithms. It allows for automated blade movements. Overall, it enables consistent and accurate grading activities. This technology has made the completion of tasks easier for the operator while also ensuring high-quality work.
Telematics and connectivity are an important technological innovation that has helped transform the way motor graders are operated and managed. Being equipped with telematics systems, these motor graders have the capability to access real-time data on different aspects, such as machine performance and fuel consumption. It also helps streamline maintenance schedules. All of this information is valuable in allowing operators and project managers to streamline construction operations and reduce downtime. Overall, it serves to boost productivity.
John Deere and its future
With technology continuing to advance and unleashing major changes, John Deere is consistently coming up with cutting-edge technology that is reshaping the boundaries of innovation. It is serving to revolutionize the motor grader industry. John Deere boasts of a rich history and has built for itself a reputation for excellence and this has allowed the company to position itself as a leading manufacturer of heavy equipment that is meeting the needs of the construction sector.
From its past rigid-frame origins to a more sophisticated version of articulated frame, hydrostatic front-wheel drive, and advanced transmissions, John Deere has always remained at the front when it comes to making the job easier for construction companies.
