John Deere has unveiled its new portfolio of SmartGrade Motor Graders to the construction market.
Built to meet evolving customer needs, the new 620, 622, 670, 672, 770, 772, 870 and 872 P-Tier graders deliver impactful technology and design enhancements.
“This P-Tier launch is more than a model update. Every technology and safety enhancement was intentionally integrated with operators in mind,” said Lauren Meyer, Product Marketing Manager at John Deere.
“From flexible and easily upgradeable grade control solutions to all new Advanced Vision System with Dual Front Alley Cam, we focused on giving crews confidence, comfort and the control they need to work their best every day.”
Next Generation SmartGrade enables flexibility as jobsite needs evolve. Operators can easily upgrade grade control capabilities using either Topcon or Leica solutions and achieve consistent accuracy regardless of machine position or blade angle.
“Existing users of either technology can integrate smoothly,” Meyer said. “This approach means contractors don’t have to choose between upgrading to SmartGrade or staying with the systems they know. They can have both.”
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SmartGrade is operated via the G5 25-cm touchscreen display where an operator can navigate quickly between 2D and 3D solutions.
The P-Tier motor grader also supports 2D or 3D John Deere solutions outside the centre saddle position, enabling precise grading in nontraditional configurations. When issues arise, customers and dealers can easily troubleshoot their machine with wireless data transfer and Remote Display Access integration through the John Deere Operations Center.
Operation is simplified through the addition of new automation features and technology enhancements, which help improve operator performance and productivity.
All P Tier models come standard with blade flip, auto articulation and machine presets, as well as a new automation feature called Cutting Edge Wear. Cutting Edge Wear allows operators to set the blade on a level surface to get a baseline. Operators can validate the cutting-edge wear at any time to adjust for excessive wear or plan time to replace the edges.
The P Tier technology packages include Machine Damage Avoidance, Auto Pass and two new automation features including intelligent blade control and SmartSaddle. Intelligent blade control provides an assist to operators by maintaining a level blade through all grade operations, while SmartSaddle puts the blade in the optimal saddle position with a simple press of a button.
“Motor graders are known for precision, but they also demand a lot from the operator,” Meyer said. “With the automation features available on these P-Tier models, we found ways to reduce repetitive moments and simplify the learning curve.”
Standard cross slope technology now offers target and joystick modes, which help operators adjust to their jobsite. These tangible improvements directly translate to greater efficiency and operator comfort on the jobsite.
Operator comfort is further enhanced with a fully updated cab featuring improved seating, displays, climate control, storage and controls.
“When a customer climbs into the seat of a new P-Tier motor grader, the first thing they will notice is comfort and that’s not just a small detail,” Meyer said.
The improved seat features optional heating and ventilation capabilities, as well as easy-to-adjust armrests for added operator customization. Operation-focused changes also include the next generation 20-cm touchscreen primary display, simplified six-wheel drive controls and centralized switches for seamless performance.
Safety and awareness improvements are key changes offered on the new grader lineup. The new, optional Advanced Vision System and Advanced Vision System with Dual Front Alley Cam help operators maintain situational awareness on busy or confined jobsites. These new camera systems provide dedicated, in-cab displays for better visibility, which ultimately boost overall jobsite situational awareness.
“We’re not just updating the machine; we’re packing it full of new proven components to allow John Deere to support more customers on more jobsites,” Meyer said.
