John Deere Dump Trucks Provide Higher Productivity

Wed August 30, 2006
Aggregate Equipment Guide

John Deere’s 250D, 300D, 350D and 400D articulated dump trucks (ADTs) feature numerous design improvements that deliver a high horsepower-to-weight ratio. Other enhancements increase operator comfort and fuel efficiency while lowering maintenance cost, according to the company.

“Our focus when developing these ADTs was lowering the overall operating cost,” said Chris Maifield, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry Company. “These machines offer simplified maintenance, greater fuel economy, faster cycle times and the best possible operator comfort — all of which are vital to an owner’s bottom line.”

These ADTs also provide a high percentage of available power to haul the payload, achieved by increasing engine torque while minimizing the weight of the truck, according to Maifield.

“Based on three years of research and development, the innovative design saves weight without sacrificing strength,” he said. “Numerous enhancements and extensive use of high strength steel and composite materials have resulted in trucks that deliver a higher horsepower to weight ratio, empty or loaded.”

The 350D and 400D ADTs are powered by a turbocharged and inter-cooled Mercedes Benz OM501LA, 11.95 liter V6 engine.

The engine’s electronic control unit (ECU) optimizes combustion, resulting in maximized fuel economy, more power and emissions that achieve EPA/CARB off-road certification.

In addition, its compact V6 design provides long engine life through a parallel designed, internal cooling system that simultaneously cools cylinders.

The 250D and 300D feature a turbocharged and inter-cooled John Deere 6081H in-line 6-cylinder engine with an exhaust brake.

Numerous features include a completely re-designed ergonomic cab to enhanced retarding and braking systems.

Cab comforts include a fully adjustable sprung air suspension seat, fully sound insulated cab, a high capacity air conditioner, heater/defroster with eyeball ducts for clear glass and operator comfort, and a fully adjustable seat belt.

Service and maintenance requirements have been reduced through several engineering advances.

All systems and components are easy to reach, with features that reduce the time needed for maintenance.

The new design is the result of an intensive program, in which prototype machines were tested for more than 20,000 hours at some of the world’s toughest construction and mining sites, according to Maifield.

“Overall, the design improvements made to these ADTs enhance fuel efficiency, driver comfort and ease of operation, which increases productivity,” Maifield said. “These trucks provide the best possible value to owners.”

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.