Deere & Company : John Deere Unveils Productive and Durable 844K Series II Wheel Loader

MOLINE, Illinois (January 24, 2012)--Building on the strengths of the K-Series, John Deere today introduces the 844K Series II Wheel Loader to meet the demands of today's evolving jobsite. The seven-yard class loader affords operators higher productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating costs for a more valuable wheel loader experience. The improvements revolve around the new axles, improved stability and a six percent boost to full-turn tip-load capacity, Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) certification, and low-profile tires.

"Our Customer Advisory Group (CAG) directly influenced the updates and modifications to the 844K Series II," said John Chesterman, product marketing manager for wheel loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. "Customer feedback is paramount as we strive to better meet the needs and demands of owners and operators, and challenging jobsites. We're confident the 844K Series II addresses the critical insight we received."

The most significant customer-driven improvements are found in the 844K Series II axles. These new higher-capacity axles boast standard temperature monitoring and automatic cooling and filtration. In addition, the 844K II employs Hy-Gard™ oil that allows change intervals to extend to 2,000 hours.

Additionally, the 844K II comes with four traction-boosting axle-differential configurations, including two with on-the-fly differential lock engagement:

• Front axle hydraulically actuated differential lock with on-the-fly engagement is ideal for pushing up piles.
• Front and rear axle hydraulically actuated differential lock with on-the-fly engagement provides maximum traction control for tough conditions, such as working on virgin aggregate banks.
• Auto differential lock that applies when the wheels spin and the operator doesn't apply the differential lock themselves.
• Conventional differential lock is a good match for standard load-out applications.

An increased ROPS capacity enables the 844K II to enter the waste handling market via an optional package that allows the use of solid or foam-filled tires. The new ROPS has thicker internal components than the 844K and is certified to handle 88,000 pounds (38,916 kilograms). However, the increase in components does not impact the 844K II's large cab and near 360-degree visibility.

The new, optional low-profile tires are four-in. (10.2 centimeters) wider, delivering increased traction and reduced ground pressure for added tire life. In addition, the low-profile tires increase stability and full-turn tip load. The 844K II is also equipped with new five-piece rims that provide maximum tire-to-rim contact to prevent bead slippage.

The 844K II is a Tier 3/Stage 2 emission-certified machine with a 13.5 liter, 380 horsepower John Deere PowerTech™ diesel engine. An Interim Tier 4/EU Stage IIIB engine will be available in May 2012.

Not everything has changed with the 844K Series II. The updated model retains everything the industry values about the 844K from the Quad-Cool™ System with reversing fan that provides wide-open access to both sides of the coolers for easy cleanout and easy-to-read diagnostic monitors to NeverGreese™ pin joints that keep joints tighter for more productive operation.

Standard productivity-enhancing features include joystick steering with integral forward/neutral/reverse, advanced LCD color monitor, sealed-switch module, ride control, and hydraulic controls integrated into the deluxe heated seat.

Productivity options also include the choice between five forward gears with a lockup converter and three reverse gears, or four speeds forward with a three-speed reverse. Other specification options include embedded and advanced payload weighing systems. In addition, the industry-exclusive radar object-detection system is integrated into the optional rear-view camera.

For those fleet managers, owners or operators looking to get the most out of their equipment, the JDLink™ Ultimate system continuously collects and transmits machine data for machine management via mobile phone technology. The system enables the preventive maintenance and remote diagnostics of loaders, as well as the tracking of machines working on multiple jobsites. John Deere provides its customer with the tools to optimize their loader's performance.

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at .