Tech
John Deere unveils next E-Drive wheel loader, the 744 X-Tier
Burning less fuel while moving more material was a key selling point for John Deere’s unveiling of its 744 X-Tier wheel loader.
The 744X-Tier is new to the John Deere line of mid to large-sized hybrid E-Drive wheel loaders.
“We are introducing an electrified drivetrain component, specifically, an electric variable transmission in this machine that we anticipate has a lot of similar qualities to our 644 X-Tier and 944 X-Tier wheel loaders,” said Luke Gribble, solutions marketing manager wheel loaders, John Deere Construction and Forestry Division.
He said the 744 X-Tier wheel loader is expected to be available in 2024. Gribble said the 824 X-Tier utility wheel loader also will be introduced at the same time.
John Deere’s 744 X-Tier E-Drive wheel loader is expected to be available in 2024.John Deere“So not only are we bringing the 744 X-Tier to market sometime soon, but the 824 X-Tier will also join our fleet at that same time,” he said.
For the 744 X-Tier in particular, Gribble anticipates one of the lead applications to be aggregates, whether it be working in a standard gravel pit in the bottom of a quarry loading trucks or at a ready mix or asphalt plant.
“We do anticipate that there’s going to be a lot of interest from the aggregate sector with customers moving towards more solutions like this,” he said. “That would be probably the target and we’re expecting a lot of activity with this machine.”
John Deere has been active with hybrid loaders since 2013 with the introduction of the 644K Hybrid wheel loader, which has since evolved into the 644 X-Tier.
Like its smaller cousin, the 944K Hybrid also has been rebranded as the 944 X-Tier to align with John Deere’s performance tiering strategy.
“All our loaders that we used to call hybrids are now being badged as this X-Tier designation with the E-Drive systems, an electric drive system,” Gribble said.
John Deere’s E-Drive machines feature an electrified drivetrain with a diesel engine as the primary power source.
Gribble noted that the E-Drive machines like the 644 X-Tier, 944 X-Tier, and new 744 X-Tier, enable better fuel economy, improved powertrain component life, and stronger pushing power on the job than traditional models.
To date, via the available 644 X-Tier and 944 X-Tier machines, under their previous branding, he said John Deere has gotten nearly 3 million hours of service since they have been available.
For now, at its size class, the 944 X-Tier is the only model available to customers.
Gribble said the 744 X-Tier wheel loader is going through its final validation phase as all of John Deere’s machines do to ensure they are hitting all the marks for what customers can expect.
It’s a gas. . .sort of
The E-Drive is composed of a brushless electric generator that continues to be powered by the machine’s more traditional diesel engine, which then sends a 3-phase AC charge to an inverter which delivers power to an electric motor based on operator demand.
Energy from the electric motor is converted back to rotational energy and torque in the final drive process.
Also, recycled, or excess energy is passively consumed through the two brake resistors that assist in maintaining reversal performance and engine over speed while coasting downhill.
“It’s that transmission component that really makes this special,” Gribble said. “There are two electric motors on that transmission along with an inverter. Those tools are what allow the machine to manage torque, power to the ground, and ground speed effectively.”
In addition, he noted that different clutch ranges within that allow the machine to provide the power it needs with less input.
“Because it’s got a direct power path from the engine to that transmission to the ground, it doesn’t have to go through things like a torque converter, and that’s where you get that efficiency gain and productivity increases,” Gribble said.
John Deere is adding the 744 X-Tier wheel loader to its line of E-Drive (hybrid-electric) models along with the 644 X_Tier and 944 X-Tier shown here.John DeereWith the fuel cost savings, increased productivity, and potential savings in a rebuild event, John Deere is anticipating the overall total cost of ownership benefits to come from the X-Tier models.
“The electric components are some of the most reliable that we have out on the marketplace,” he said.
All the electric components are designed to last the life of the machine and most only require an inspection, which now includes the electric cables, reducing the cost of a rebuild.
“The E-Drive brings big advantages when you’re undergoing a rebuild event,” Gribble said, noting that is a common event for loaders of this size class.
“Because you don’t have a traditional transmission axle like a regular loader would have, those don’t need to be replaced during that rebuild event.,” he said. “You’re just swapping out your motors, inspecting some of the electrical components, and refreshing the engine. That’s a significant cost saving.”
Gribble suggested that it could be as much as 50 to 60% of the cost of rebuilding a traditional loader.
Well technically
Standard features on the E-drive X-Tier loaders include traction control, coast control, multiple speed modes, and more.
The company says traction control automatically limits torque to any wheel when slippage occurs, eliminating runaway wheel spin and inherently increasing tire life. The aggressiveness of the feature can be adjusted by the operator, but its use requires no direct input.
Coast control gives operators the capability to adjust the aggressiveness of the machine during deceleration using the electric brake resistors.
SmartDetect combines cameras and machine learning to help give operators a better view of their surroundings.John DeereAccording to John Deere, three setting levels allow the operator to adjust the aggressiveness of machine deceleration with the use of electric brake resistors. When enabled, one pedal controls forward movement as well as dynamic braking.
The machines offer variable speed control as well.
Normal mode adjusts engine speed to match hydraulic and tractive load requirements. Comparatively, performance mode will run the engine at a constant engine speed, so the operator does not need to wait for RPM to increase.
Depending on the application, John Deere says running normal mode can match the productivity levels of a machine running in performance mode at a higher RPM while burning less fuel.
Other benefits specific to the X-Tier machines include rimpull control, which limits torque to the wheels on the ground when in soft or slippery conditions to avoid tire spin and slicing. The loaders also feature auto idle and auto shutdown.
The P- and X-Tier utility loaders also are being designed to improve overall operator visibility and awareness.
Select models can be equipped with new vision and object detection technology.
Object detection technology is paired with a high-resolution camera and a dedicated display. John Deere says vehicle trajectory logic technology overlays the projected vehicle reverse path to illustrate where the vehicle will move next.
The company says its advanced vision system integrates two digital cameras on the side-view mirror frames and gives an integrated view of all cameras for wider views and enhanced clarity.
SmartDetect combines cameras and machine learning to help give operators a better view of their surroundings. The system alerts operators when an object enters the machine’s projected travel path and provides unique detection alerts for people in the camera’s entire field of view. With SmartDetect Assist, the machines will automatically stop before encountering a person.
Another technology now available on the P- and X-tier utility wheel loader is SmartWeigh, a payload weighing to assist with increased accuracy, dynamic weighing capabilities, and ease of calibration when loading trucks.
The bucket weighing technology helps reduce boom raising and lowering. Bucket capture height can be set anywhere between 15%-90% of boom height and can be captured at any boom speed.
According to the company, SmartWeigh does not require calibration with a known weight, so customers can calibrate the system themselves. Also, the system integrates with the payload weighing data in JDLink telematics.
John Deere says the Auto Level technology feature offers near-perfect parallelism throughout the entire raise and lower cycle, plus or minus 2 degrees for new P-Tier and X-Tier wheel loaders.
John Deere’s payload weighing system, SmartWeigh, is now available on the full line-up of P and X-Tier utility loaders.John Deere
Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.
The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.
“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”
The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.
CaterpillarMore power and torque
Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.
Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.
“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”
The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.
Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.
If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.
A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.
The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.
A more spacious cab
Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.
A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.
The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.
Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.
“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”
Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.
Advanced technologies
Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.
“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.
The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.
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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.
Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.
Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.
Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).
[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]
Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159).
During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.
EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.
[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]
Used Wheel Loader Market
Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.
The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.
EquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.
Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).
EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.
Wheel Loader Auction Prices
Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.
The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.
In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)
EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.
[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023]
Volvo Construction Equipment bought Terex’s off-road truck line in 2014, and six years later, it rebranded its articulated haulers under the Rokbak name.
On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.
Rokbak, as with other construction equipment brands, is working toward a zero-emissions future. On this episode, he explains where the articulated dump truck market is heading in terms of alternative fuel. He adds that customers will see big changes in emissions and engines in the next five years, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero emissions within 10 years.
So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.
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