John Deere will showcase a variety of sustainably-focused construction solutions with alternative power options at CONEXPO 2023. These offerings provide customers with an innovative and eco-friendly take on equipment.
“As we continue to introduce battery-electric and electric-hybrid solutions to the market, we aren’t just designing a new way to fuel your fleet. We’re also focusing on building an electric infrastructure through innovative and forward-thinking technology,” said Ryan Campbell, president, worldwide construction and forestry and power systems. “That means expanding our efforts to provide customers with optimal dealer support, jobsite data and charging solutions aimed to increase the electric presence in the construction space around the world.”
John Deere will offer E-Power machines utilizing battery solutions from Kreisel Electric. Offering a hybrid solution, E-Drive machines feature an electrified drivetrain with an engine as the primary power source. In addition, E-Drive machines support powertrain component life and provide pushing power on the job.
The John Deere electrification-hybrid journey began in 2013 with the introduction of the 644K Hybrid wheel loader, which has since evolved into today’s 644 X-Tier. The 644 X-Tier offers performance with its combined E-Drive and Power Shift transmission system. In addition, the 944 X-Tier wheel loader is newly rebranded from the 944K Hybrid to align with the John Deere performance tiering strategy. With over three million collective customer hours since entering the market, John Deere E-Drive machines are built on customer experience and electric technology.
Other new E-Drive machines on display at the show include the 850 X-Tier dozer, which has been recently upgraded from the 850L model, providing customers with multiple operating models to tailor performance and fuel consumption to their specific jobsite needs. The less complex drivetrain powers each track with an electric motor to maintain the maneuverability and control of a traditional hydrostatic John Deere dozer. Lastly, the 744 X-Tier E-Drive wheel loader, featuring an electric variable transmission, provides performance in worksites.
In 2021, John Deere tested and showcased the 310 X-Tier E-Power electric backhoe. In 2023, the 310 X-Tier E-Power backhoe model will enter the next phase of development and will advance as a result of customer feedback. The 145 X-Tier E-Power excavator concept, previously showcased at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show will also be on display. Making its debut at CONEXPO/CON-AGG, the battery electric 244 X-Tier compact wheel loader is a solution for customers looking to utilize an E-Power machine in a variety of material handling applications.
John Deere is also developing electrification infrastructure solutions to address the energy replenishment challenges faced by battery electric vehicles in off-road production environments. A John Deere electrification ecosystem will offer a wide array of solutions to address needs for charging, data and connectivity, machine support and financial services. The charging ecosystem will include a range of solutions for overnight and fast charging. All John Deere machines and charging stations will use common automotive style charging connections, helping to simplify the re-charge process for electric equipment. In addition, John Deere is developing new features, such as an Operations Center specific to battery-electric equipment to help customers monitor usage remotely and manage work while charging their equipment.
“As a leader in the construction industry, John Deere is committed to helping decrease contributions to climate change and is uniquely positioned to deliver both economic and sustainable value to its customers through advanced technology and solutions,” said Campbell. “By 2026, John Deere aims to offer its customers a variety of electric construction equipment solutions, including 20+ electric and hybrid- models, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry, starting with the nine electric or hybrid electric John Deere and Wirtgen Group machines on display at this year’s CONEXPO/CON-AGG.”
