Deere has introduced the 304H four-wheel-drive loader, the third model in the new 300H series line. It joins the 324H and 344H to complete H series whee1 loader lineup.
Designed to serve a wide variety of markets, the compact 304H is ideal for rental, material handling in manufacturing, building construction, road construction, governmental, agriculture, landscaping, nursery and underground applications.
Competing in the under 75-kilowatt (100 hp) loader class, the 304H provides maximum operator comfort and visibility, enhanced maneuverability and increased versatility.
Maneuverability
Stereo steering that combines articulation with rear-axle steering gives the 304H the shortest turn radius in its class. This unique steering system provides increased maneuverability in confined areas, as well as superior tipping loads (as a result of less articulation) in full turn situations.
Attachments
Attachments for the 304H greatly expand its capabilities beyond normal dirt work. An integral hydraulic coupler is standard equipment for effortless handling of various attachments such as forks, augers, jib booms, brooms, compactors, grapples and multipurpose or side dump buckets.
Engine and Powertrain
Powered by an emissions-certified four-cylinder 48-kilowatt (65 hp) engine, the 304H wheel loader delivers excellent performance. It features a standard auxiliary drive used for the hydraulic-driven engine cooling fan, and a poly vee front drive belt with automatic tension adjustment.
Ground-level access to engine oil level, air cleaner dust unloader valve, hydraulic oil level, engine coolant level and engine oil fill simplify daily servicing.
The 5,443-kilogram (12,000 lb.) 304H has a two-speed hydrostatic transmission with electronic shift control that provides smooth operation and dynamic braking. The operator has infinite speed control with one pedal, making it possible to maintain high engine rpm with slow travel speeds for attachments that require this feature and for finish grading.
Dual disk service brakes are hydraulically activated and adjustment-free. The parking brake is an automatically spring applied, hydraulically released disk with a frame mounted debris guard.
Hydraulics
The open center, high pressure hydraulic system used in the 304H incorporates a three-function pilot-operated loader control valve with single lever control for boom and bucket, and an auxiliary lever for the standard pin disconnect and auxiliary hydraulics.
Deere offers an optional fourth function pilot-operated loader control valve with momentary switches located in the top of the single lever control for boom and bucket.
The results are good metering characteristics with low effort for smooth control and faster cycle times, plus excellent lift-to-crowd match and combined functions.
Operator’s Station
The large cab has dual door entry and a greater glass area with lower cut glass for better visibility. Both doors also have sliding windows. Reduced sound levels and improved sound quality add to a more productive operating environment.
The modernized exterior of the 304H extends to the interior styling and trim. A tilt steering console and comfort grip steering wheel add comfort, while a multi-function monitor provides audible and visual warnings.
The 304H wheel loader is backed by the CounterParts program. Based on the idea that critical parts should be at dealerships when customers need them, anyone who buys or rents a 304H wheel loader from a certified CounterParts dealer can count on machine-down parts that can be replaced in under two hours being at the dealership — or they are free.
The CounterParts program is part of Deere’s Total Repair Cost Management (TRCM) strategy for customer support. TRCM is a lineup of ongoing programs and services that help control costs, preempt downtime and reduce stress that sometimes accompanies owning and operating equipment.
For more information, 800/503-3373 or visit www.deere.com/ind.
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