The new John Deere D-Series excavators — 240D LC, 270D LC, 350D LC, 450D LC, 650D LC and 850D LC — retain many of their predecessors’ features, with improvements including faster hydraulics, a redesigned cab, undercarriage enhancements, and a new cooling system.

“These new excavators deliver power, smoothness, ease of operation, and comfort that’s second-to-none,” said Mark Wall, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry Company.

The totally re-designed cab features a fully adjustable suspension seat and extra legroom.

Forty-seven percent more right-hand window glass and a larger roof-hatch area provides a clearer view of the entire work area.

Generous hydraulic flow and metering ensure powerful digging force, precise control and multi-function operation.

Shorter pilot controls result in smooth, predictable control with less effort and less fatigue.

A completely re-designed multi-function monitor features large, easy-to-read gauges, warning lights, and icons that provide operating information at a glance, and multiple languages accommodate a variety of operators.

Easy-to-navigate screens provide access to warning messages, attachment preferences, and maintenance and service information.

The cab provides AM/FM radio, a 12-volt port, a place for a lunch box, a hot-cold beverage holder and a large cup holder.

The D-Series’ faster hydraulic system boosts productivity by up to 8 percent, according to Wall.

“Improved hydraulics ensure faster digging and more work per hour,” Wall said. “Drawbar pull, swing torque, lift capacity, and arm force have improved significantly, as well.”

The 240D LC and 350D LC feature John Deere PowerTech engines, which meet stringent U.S. EPA Tier 3 emissions requirements. The 450D LC, 650D LC and 850D LC use Isuzu engines that also meet Tier 3 requirements.

All of these engines employ a four-valve design that enhances fuel economy.

An electronically-controlled variable-geometry turbocharger matches engine speed to load requirements, further improving fuel economy on the 240D LC, 270D LC and 350D LC models.

These machines feature a new cooling system designed to keep the engine and hydraulics cool in the toughest environments and high altitudes.

The hydraulically-driven cool-on-demand fan runs only as needed, reducing noise, fuel consumption, and operating costs.

The 350D LC undercarriage has been significantly enhanced with larger upper and lower rollers, strong idlers, and thicker links.

The D-Series excavators also feature several improvements to keep daily operating costs down and simplify maintenance.

Service intervals have been extended to 5,000 hours on the hydraulic system.

Easy-access remote-mount oil and fuel filters are located in the pump compartments, so they can be changed without crawling under the machine or removing access panels.

Large service doors provide wide-open access to daily service items, and daily service points are grouped for quick access.

“Like the C-Series machines before them, the D-Series excavators are tough, reliable and economically smart to run,” Wall said. “And with the best productivity available, there’s a machine to fit virtually every excavating application.”

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