John Deere Small Dozers Get Upgrade on SmartGrade Technology
Available now on small dozer models, John Deere unveils its next generation of SmartGrade offering improved flexibility, ease of use and performance. Expanding offerings for customers, the next generation of SmartGrade is now available in both Leica and Topcon solutions.
“Since its introduction to the construction market in 2016, SmartGrade has been a proven solution that enables our customers to get jobsites to grade quickly and accurately,” said Matt Costello, product marketing manager John Deere. “Now, as we build upon this technology with the rollout of the next generation of SmartGrade, starting with our small dozer line-up, customers will benefit from improved and expanded capabilities that help increase user confidence and productivity. We are confident that any customer looking to improve their day-to-day operations will greatly benefit from implementing SmartGrade on the jobsite.”
The next generation of SmartGrade helps customers complete grading tasks and supports new operators to hit target grade more quickly and efficiently. Customers can get to work sooner, as no daily setup or calibration is needed at the start-up of the machine. When issues arise, customers and dealers can troubleshoot their machine with Wireless Data Transfer and Remote Display Access integration through the John Deere Operations Center.
The split screen capabilities on the new G5 10-inch touchscreen display allows the operator to see jobsite plans and the selected grade management option simultaneously, helping enhance operator flexibility. Machine calibrations can be done through the monitor in the cab.
The 450, 550 and 650 P-Tier dozer models come equipped with upgradable technology solutions that allow machine capabilities to grow with business or jobsite needs. Therefore, customers can select the solution that best suits their needs, including the adoption of EZ Grade with electro-hydraulic (EH) controls, Slope Control, SmartGrade-Ready with 2D grade control or 3D SmartGrade with Topcon or Leica. These options not only provide the customer with the capability to increase performance, but can also be upgraded to a more enhanced grade management solution.
Pre-wired with Leica and Topcon
The new SmartGrade-Ready with 2D grade control option comes pre-wired for SmartGrade with Leica and Topcon, enabling upgradeability. This option brings in the new John Deere G5 display that has Slope Control and plug and play laser capabilities. This solution is an option for rental fleets and customers who may later require SmartGrade.
The next generation of SmartGrade is now available as a factory option or through field kit solutions on all 450, 550, and 650 P-Tier dozers already in the market.
To learn more about how the next generation of John Deere SmartGrade offers improved flexibility, ease of use, and exceptional performance on the job, please visit www.JohnDeere.com or contact your local dealer.
About the Author
Michael Roth
Editor
Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.