Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd (HCA) has released the full range of John Deere's D-Series skid steer loaders (SSL'S) and compact track loaders (CTL's) to the Australian market.

The culmination of years of dedicated research and a partnership with skid steer owners and operators from around the world, D-Series operators have experienced the comfort, features and performance required to achieve optimal operational performance.

"We've listened to what customers told us they wanted in skid steer and compact track loaders, and we've responded with nine models that incorporate their suggestions," said Gregg Zupancic, Deere's Product Marketing Manager for skid steers and compact track loaders.

The 318D, 320D, 326D, 328D and 332D skid steer models complement the radial lift 313 and 315. The compact track loader line includes the 319D, 323D, 329D and 333D.

One of the most dramatic differences in the D-Series is the cab. "Customers have been asking for more comfortable cabs similar to those found on larger pieces of John Deere equipment, so we've introduced an all-new operating environment," said Zupancic.

D-Series cabs feature 24 percent more room than their predecessors and 150 mm more headroom. They are also quieter, positively pressurized and easier to get in and out of due to a larger door opening. "Even with all the changes, visibility to the work is better than the industry-leading visibility on the previous generation 300 Series machines," said Zupancic.

The high-performance air conditioning system includes eight adjustable airflow vents for added comfort. Tests in Australia prove that the D series cab is a true positively pressurised cab and meets the Western Australian mine spec for pressurisation.

They feature many comfort and convenience features such as suspension seats, storage box, 12 volt power outlet, mobile phone/iPodTM holder, adjustable pull down padded lap bar and excellent 360 degree visibility.

The 50-percent noise reduction in and around the D-Series cab comes from several sources beyond mere sound absorption, including a hydraulic fan drive, an auto idle feature that also saves fuel, and electronically controlled engines.

As a result of further customer suggestions, Deere's D-Series incorporate several industry firsts. "Operators asked us why they can't get more 'big machine' features in skid steers and CTLs, in addition to the bigger, more comfortable cab," Zupancic explained. "We think they're right and that's why we've responded with items like the auto idle, an optional reversing hydraulic fan, and an innovative V-Plenum cooling system that provides significantly more cooling capacity and performance."

D-Series SSL's and CTLs have electronically controlled Tier 3/interim Tier 4 engines coupled with a new auto idle feature, providing quieter operation and fuel savings. The optional reversing hydraulic fan is a variable speed unit working with a computer program that monitors engine and hydraulic fluid temperatures to increase or decrease fan speed as required.

"Spinning only as fast as needed saves fuel and reduces noise," said Zupancic. "Like bigger machines, it has 'cool on demand' type advantages - one is that there will be less debris intake into the cooling system if the fan runs slower on average throughout the day, another is the reversing option for high-debris applications. If you're working in a trashy or high-dust environment, you can easily blow debris off the coolers from the comfort of the cab."

V-Plenum cooling, first introduced on John Deere four-wheel-drive loaders, has side by side coolers that are significantly larger and taller for greater cooling efficiency. An efficient "sucker" fan pulls air through the coolers eliminating sand blasting of the coolers for longer life and enhanced accessibility to the coolers providing easy cleaning.

"Customers asked us if they could adjust the maximum speed and sensitivity of the boom and bucket when operating in a specific application," Zupancic said. "They also asked for a Creeper mode to slow down wheel speed independently of the engine speed. So we created the enhanced operator productivity option, called the EH Performance Package, where the operator can make adjustments to create a machine that perfectly fits his application or skill level."

The EH (electro hydraulic) Performance Package includes switchable controls from the ISO to H pattern, the creeper mode in which the operator can set wheel or track speed in 10-percent increments of the unit's top speed, and boom and bucket metering, with three different speed settings: Precision/Economy (slow), Utility (medium) and Production (fast).

All D Series SSL's and CTL's feature John Deere's patented vertical lift loader geometry for fast truck filling. Combined with high bucket and boom breakout forces and high bucket roll back angles results in faster bucket filling and less material spillage.

John Deere D Series CTL's feature a long wearing and low operating cost track/undercarriage system. Based on John Deere's dozer experience the all steel design uses solid steel sprockets, idlers and rollers. There is no rubber to chunk off or sprocket bolts to maintain or replace. Triple-flange rollers and double flange idlers distribute the load over a wider area of the track. The large diameter sprockets and front and rear idlers result in the track bending around a larger radius. Five rollers on the 329D and 333D and four rollers on the 319D and 323D provide better track support. It all contributes to a longer lasting track system.

D Series CTL's also feature an easy to maintain track system. The open track frame is easy to clean as well as being less likely to clog. Track tension only needs to be checked weekly or every fifty hours and can be done in the field, in minutes with only a spanner and a grease gun.

Daily servicing is quick and convenient. There's no need to raise the boom to get access to the engine- just pivot the cab and remove the floor. Same side checkpoints are grouped and colour-coded, and easily removable side panels give way to the coolers, battery, fluid and air filters.

500 hour engine oil change and long service intervals, as well as self adjusting hydraulic tappets and serpentine belt keep maintenance costs down.

In dash diagnostics speed up troubleshooting and the auto shut down system monitors engine coolant, hydraulic oil temperatures and engine oil pressure. If the limits are exceeded, an audible alarm sounds. If necessary, it will shut down to protect its self.

To protect your investment John Deere SSL's and CTL's feature a PIN code anti-theft system to prevent unauthorised starting. The system can be set to automatically activate when the engine shuts down or after 5 or 60 minutes of the engine shutting down. In addition all construction machinery sold by Hitachi in Australia is fitted with the DataDotDNATM system. It uses microdots that contain unique information linking the machine with the owner. The DataDot system is recognised as being one of the most effective ways of preventing theft, and plays a crucial role in the recovery and return of stolen goods.

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Australia) Pty Ltd (HCA) distributes the complete John Deere range of construction machinery in Australia. Hitachi and John Deere have a relationship extending back to the mid 1960's. John Deere is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.

www.hitachi-c-m.com/au