John Deere’s tractor loaders now grade control ready

The John Deere 210L and 210L EP tractor loaders are now available with grade control-ready and grade indication factory options - an industry first, according to the company. 

The grade technology options, designed to allow for faster and more accurate fine grading, when combined with an updated box blade can result in increases to productivity and efficiency when completing site prep, road building and landscaping jobs, especially in tight areas.

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

The grade control-ready machines are designed to support 2D or 3D grade control technology solutions, automatically controlling the box blade’s lift and tilt cylinders. Additionally, the factory-installed grade control-ready solution requires no hydraulic hose disconnections or bracket welding, and is designed to minimise technology installation. When adding grade control capabilities in the field, the customer selects their preferred technology provider and works with their dealer to install the finishing kit on the machine.

These tractor loaders are also available with a factory-installed grade indication option. It provides an on-board readout of the machine cross slope and main fall slope in real time, all within the existing machine’s display. No additional hardware or software is required.

The 210L and 210L EP machines are also equipped with an updated box blade, providing a single attachment solution designed to both cut the 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 company reports.

John Deere introduced an array of technological advancements at ConExpo in March, including obstacle intelligence, SmartWeigh, SmartAttach and a new scraper earthmoving productivity system, will assist operators while boosting job site productivity and efficiency.

“The construction industry is rapidly changing, and technology is a driving factor in this evolution,” said Kevin Very, director of technology and product marketing, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “The right technology impacts how a customer bids a job, manages their fleet, assists with operator recruitment and retention, and ultimately improves overall profitability. Technology development is changing the construction industry, and we are continuing to accelerate our technology innovation across equipment and job sites.”