Deere’s L-Series tractor loaders are now grade control-ready

tractor loader

A first for the construction market, John Deere has equipped its 210L and 210L EP tractor loaders with grade control-ready and grade indication factory options, allowing for faster and more accurate grading. 

The grade control option, paired with an updated box blade, delivers increased productivity and efficiency when completing site prep, road building and landscaping jobs, particularly in tight areas.

“We’re excited to facilitate grade control solutions for customers involved in fine grading applications,” said Brian Hennings, product marketing manager for backhoes and tractor loaders at John Deere Construction and Forestry. 

“When utilizing grade control technology, operators can finish jobs faster with fewer passes and less rework. This results in less fatigue and more productivity, ultimately boosting the business’s bottom line.”

2D or 3D tech

The grade control-ready machines are designed to support 2D or 3D grade control technology, automatically controlling the box blade’s lift and tilt cylinders. As well, the factory-installed grade control-ready solution does not require hydraulic hose disconnections or bracket welding, and is designed to minimize technology installation. 

When adding grade control capabilities in the field, the customer simply selects their preferred technology provider, and works with their dealer to install the finishing kit on the machine.

The tractor loaders are also available with a factory-installed grade indication option. This provides an on-board readout of the machine cross slope and main fall slope in real time, all within the existing machine’s display. The integrated solution requires no additional hardware or software.

Updated box blade

The 210L and 210L EP tractor loaders are also equipped with an updated box blade, providing a single attachment solution designed to cut grade and spread materials accurately with great visibility. The increased clearance of the ripper mechanism on the box blade allows rock and gravel to more readily pass through the frame. It also features fewer moving parts, increasing reliability, while the ripper hook has improved locking in the working position.

The 210L is equipped with a 93 hp PowerTec Plus diesel engine, while the 210L EP boasts a 69 hp Yanmar engine that requires no aftertreatment components to comply with emissions regulations, resulting in lower total cost of ownership and enhanced uptime. Both models feature a four-speed PowerShift transmission for smooth, no-clutch, fingertip shifting.

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The on-the-fly mechanical front-wheel drive can be engaged to give extra traction in poor jobsite conditions or to move heavy loads.

An optional limited-slip front axle delivers 65 per cent of available power to the tire with the best traction for true all-wheel-drive pulling power. Additionally, compared to the K-Series tractor loaders, loader lift cycle times and loader lifting capacity were increased by 26 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively, increasing productivity. 

Furthermore, when the ride control option is activated, the front loader hydraulic cylinders act as shock absorbers with or without full loads, smoothing box blading over rough terrain to help get sites to grade and reduce operator fatigue.