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John Deere's latest graders lighter & more fuel efficient

John Deere's latest graders lighter & more fuel efficient

John Deere has added to its G-Series motor grader lineup with the addition of two models - the 620G/GP and 622G/GP - designed for cities, townships and contractors that want lighter, more fuel-efficient graders. Ripper-stow automation, courtesy lighting and an updated high-resolution reverse camera monitor are new to both G and GP models. Deere has also added a dual-joystick option on all Grade Pro (GP) models.

"Now operators and owners can select from the traditional antler rack mechanical controls, interchangeable GP fingertip controls or dual joysticks, whichever they prefer and are most productive with - all while retaining the steering wheel," said Luke Kurth, product marketing manager for motor graders at John Deere. 

Both the 620G and 622G boast the fuel-efficient Tier 4 Final 6.8L John Deere diesel engine with 215 hp and 225 hp, respectively. The generous horsepower, torque and blade pull deliver the power and lugging ability to get through tough spots. The operating weights of the 620G (40,350 pounds) and 622G (42,060 pounds) are ideal for applications requiring smaller graders. Eco mode, which is standard on all John Deere graders, helps optimize fuel usage, decreases operating costs by an additional 5 to 10 percent compared to the larger 670G and 672G models.

The new dual-joystick option provides intuitive control for operators who prefer it to the standard antler rack. Hand motion is minimized during direction changes and gear shifting. Also, there is no need to "twist" for blade circle or articulation with the Deere system.

Other updates to the G-Series line include the addition of a seven-inch, high-resolution reverse camera monitor that provides a clear picture to the operator when reversing around obstacles. Machine lights turn on as the operator exits the machine, which is especially important at the end of a long work day when it is dark and the operator is tired. 

On GP models, ripper-stow quickly returns the ripper to its fully raised position at the end of a pass by simply double-tapping the control.  

For those looking for other sizes, weights and power ratings, John Deere has six additional models, the 670G/GP, 672G/GP, 770G/GP, 772G/GP, 870G/GP and 872G/GP, ranging from 215 to 300 net horsepower. 

Six-wheel drive on the 622G/GP, 672G/GP, 772G/GP and 872G/GP enables them to power through the toughest cuts with power flowing to all wheels. It gives operators increased traction, the ability to get more work done in fewer blading passes and a 30 percent increase in blade pull.

The John Deere "open-architecture" design lets customers employ their favourite brand of grade-control system. GP models come factory-equipped with bulkhead connectors, sensor mounts, electrical wiring harnesses, integrated controls and moldboard mast mounts. Machines can also be factory-installed with Topcon ready, Trimble ready or the new Leica ready kits to make installation quick and easy. All GP models come standard with automated cross-slope.

Fleet managers looking to get the most out of their G-Series motor graders can rely on their John Deere dealers to provide Ultimate Uptime, featuring John Deere WorkSight. With Ultimate Uptime, owners receive predelivery and follow-up inspections that include five years of JDLink telematics, machine health prognostics, remote diagnostics, programming capabilities and the ability to add dealer-provided uptime solutions to create a customized package.

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