By Giving Operators Freedom of Choice, Deere Steers Grader Debate Back to Center
A new crop of John Deere graders due to arrive at dealers this spring will offer customers the freedom to choose between two modes of steering. The new G-Series includes six models ranging from the 185-hp 670G to the 275-hp 872G.
In its new graders, Moline, Ill.-based Deere was faced with an important decision, as these important roadbuilding machines have been coming out with cleaner diesels whose emission controls tend to sap fuel. Caterpillar in 2006 radically replaced its graders’ steering wheels and control levers with joysticks to serve two needs: help rookie operators get up to speed faster and give experienced blade hands increased productivity and therefore better fuel economy. In 2007, Volvo kept its new graders’ controls traditional but added transmission gears to conserve fuel.