John Deere is expanding its G Series equipment line with three new mid-frame models.
The 320G and 324G skid steers, and the 325G compact track loader include a 69 to 74 horsepower Tier 4 Final Yanmar Engine for increased performance and higher pushing power. The new mid-frame models join their large and small-frame counterparts to round out John Deere’s skid steer and CTL lineup.
“In the middle of our lineup we had this gap where we had E Series, so we’re catching up,” said Gregg Zupancic, John Deere’s product marketing manager for skid steers and compact track loaders.
All three models are capable of loading a 3 metre sidewall dump truck or hopper. As well, the 324G skid steer and 325G CTL boast a height to hinge pin of 3.20 metres.
“The key is to have a lift height of more than 10 feet. A lot of the trucks and hoppers are over 10 feet high,” Zupancic said.
Based on customer feedback, John Deere has equipped the new machines with optional boom cushioning, ride control and bucket self-levelling to reduce material spillage and make for a smoother ride over rough and uneven terrain.
“Previously you could order bucket self-levelling, or boom cushioning, but you couldn’t get them together,” Zupancic said. “Our customers said they want both. With this G Series model, we’ve been able to package those options together.”
As well, flexible control choices allow contractors to choose between standard manual foot and hand controls, joystick controls that are switchable between ISO- and H-patterns, and performance package options for adjusting drive system response, boom and bucket speeds or for setting creep mode.
“Customers want different speed settings for their boom and bucket,” Zupancic said. Furthermore, the machines allow up to five operators to program their preferred settings.
“The operator that starts the machine with their unique code, all of those settings that they adjust, the machine will remember it,” Zupancic said.
John Deere’s 4G JDLink Ultimate machine monitoring is also available on the three machines. The system provides real-time data and health prognostics to suggest maintenance solutions and protect against machine theft. Remote diagnostics enable a dealer to read codes, record performance data and even update software without a trip to the job site.
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“When we first introduced them on the medium models, it went really well,” Zupancic said. “The take rate for the telematics options was higher than anticipated, so were rolling it into our smaller models.”
The new models have the same pressurized cabs of their large-frame counterparts — which are designed to keep out excess dust and noise — but are built with a smaller width and weight for contained job site areas.
Furthermore, the cab is now enhanced with heated seats, Bluetooth radio, a rearview camera and LED lighting package that provides increased durability and 50 per cent more visibility.
Zupancic explained the versatility of CTL and skid steers means operators are spending more time in the machines.
“It diversifies their business, that’s driving growth for this industry. But it’s also meaning customers are spending more time in the seat so they’re looking for comfort features,” Zupancic said.
