With the introduction of its new articulated dump trucks (ADTs), John Deere continues to expand its construction equipment product line to include larger equipment, while serving a growing market. Deere’s line of ADTs consists of four models — 250C, 300C, 350C and 400C. These large haul trucks are ideal for applications including site preparation, road building, land reclamation, landfill construction, waste management, mining and quarrying. They offer an excellent power-to-weight ratio, allowing for faster acceleration, haul speeds and overall cycle times. The trucks also feature high- capacity dump bodies that allow for larger loads. The key to an efficient hauling unit is reduced vehicle weight, allowing for a higher percentage of available power to haul the payload instead of the machine weight. Deere’s trucks have an innovative design that delivers less dead weight without sacrificing strength. Elements of the high power-to-weight-ratio design include: alloy steel in the front and rear chassis for a lighter frame; high power density, fuel-efficient engines; and a reinforced, box-ribbed construction load body. Other design features of the Deere ADTs include: • Oscillation frame joint — Essential to carrying loads off-road, this frame joint permits the rigid front and rear sections to move independently of each other. This reduces stress on the chassis and ensures equal and constant contact of the wheels on the ground. • Hydraulic articulated steering — A strong, rugged design with an automotive feel, the steering system allows the operator to “duck walk” the ADT out of deep mud when necessary. • Controlled traction — This provides equal traction to all wheels to prevent one or more wheels from spinning out. • High-grade steel fabrication — Reinforced in critical areas, the chassis and body components are manufactured from high-strength and wear-resistant alloy steel. • High flotation tires — Low air pressure in the oversize tires allows the tire to shape itself to the surface, providing traction with minimal ground disturbance. • Automatic transmission — This provides smooth, simple, and safe operation with optimum use of engine power and torque. Truck Power The 250C is equipped with a six-cylinder, in-line, turbocharged and intercooled, 237-hp (176.7 kW) engine. A naturally aspirated V8-engine powers the 300C, supplying 251 hp (187.1 kW). The 350C and 400C are equipped with turbocharged and intercooled V8-cylinder engines, providing 335 and 410 hp. (249.7 and 305.6 kW) respectively. These fuel-efficient engines power the ADTs to their top travel speeds of 32 to 34 mph (515 to 54.7 kmh). All engines are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency for off-road applications. Powertrain and Hydraulics The 250C, 300C, 350C and 400C are equipped with fully automatic, electronically controlled transmissions. These transmissions are able to log operator events and diagnose problems. The hydrodynamic torque converter can be locked up in all gears for faster haul speeds and better fuel efficiency. This drivetrain powers the three outboard, heavy-duty planetary axles, which are in a permanent six-wheel-drive configuration. Deere’s ADTs feature dual-circuit, hydraulic or air-over hydraulic, dry-disc service brakes on all six wheels. Engine valve braking and hydraulic retarders provide additional braking capacity for excellent control, while reducing service brake wear. The load-sensing, variable-displacement axial piston pump services the prioritized steering, body-tipping, and brake functions. A ground-driven, load-sensing emergency steering pump is integrated into the system. Big Body Specifications The 25-ton (22.5 t) 250C has a rated payload of 50,706 lbs. (23,000 kg) and a load capacity of 15-cu.-yd. (11.5 cu m) struck, and 18-cu.-yd. (13.8 cu m) heaped. It has an empty operating weight of 35,534 lbs. (16,118 kg). The 30-ton (27 t) 300C has a struck capacity of 17 cu. yd. (13 cu m), a heaped capacity of 22 cu. yd. (16.8 cu m) and a rated payload of 59,524 lb. (27,000 kg). It has an empty operating weight of 40,124 lbs. (18,200 kg). With an empty operating weight of 57,099 lbs. (25,900 kg), the 350C offers a rated payload of 70,547 lbs. (32,000 kg). It has a struck capacity of l9.6 cu. yd. (15 cu m) and a heaped capacity of 25.6 cu. yd. (19.6 cu m). The 400C, with a rated payload of 80,468 lbs. (36,500 kg), and has a load capacity of 22-cu.-yd. (16.8 cu m) struck, and 29- cu.-yds. (22.1 cu m) heaped. It has an empty operating weight of 63,493 lbs. (28,800 kg). Heavy on Comfort Deere has placed a great emphasis on operator comfort. The cab is sound-insulated and offers low interior noise levels. It is centrally mounted behind the front axle, where the truck’s movement has minimal effect on the operator. The operator’s cloth seat with seat belt is air-suspended and fully adjustable. A fold-away instructor’s seat also is standard. In addition, the cab and hood design provides enhanced visibility all around, and features tinted safety glass. Other standard amenities include: fully adjustable tilt, and telescopic steering column; high-capacity air conditioner with heater/defroster; FOPS/ROPS-equipped; and a flat floor for easy cleaning. Commitment to Parts Availability The ADTs are 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 Deere truck from a certified CounterParts dealer can count on machine-down parts that can be replaced in under two hours of being at the dealership — or they are free, according to the manufacturer. 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, call 800/503-3373 or visit www.deere.com/ind. This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.
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