John Deere manufactures 250,000th backhoe loader

John Deere Construction & Forestry has passed the milestone of manufacturing its 250,000^th backhoe loader. The model 310SK built at the company’s Dubuque Works was bought by Phoenix, US-based NPL Construction.

“Backhoes have been our bread and butter since the first model rolled off the line over 40 years ago,” said Byron Taylor, plant manager at the John Deere Dubuque Works. “Our employees, many of which have had a hand in backhoe assembly since the beginning, are proud to meet this milestone.”

John Deere Worldwide Construction & Forestry resident, Michael J. Mack added, “The piece of equipment we are recognising today is only a single representation of the long line of backhoe models that have evolved right here in this factory. It is a testament to the innovation and quality engineering we at John Deere pride ourselves in thanks to insight and input from stakeholders at every stage of the supply chain, from engineer, to line worker, to customer.”

The John Deere 310SK backhoe loader, part of the K-Series, is the latest of more than 50 different backhoe models that have been produced at the Dubuque Works factory since 1971. The model was introduced in 2012 and features an Interim Tier 4/ Stage III B John Deere Power Tech engine.