John Deere's powerful new 850 X-Tier dozer with E-Drive gives operators maximum control

John Deere has introduced the all-new 850 X-Tier dozer alongside significant upgrades to its 700, 750, and 850 P-Tier dozers.

The 850 X-Tier dozer was first previewed in its prototype stage at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023.

Cory Brant, crawler dozer product consultant for John Deere, is excited to highlight the E-Drive at the heart of the 850 X-Tier. "We've removed the high stack components out of this tractor and replaced it with a generator and a dual path electric-drive system," he says. "There's an electric-drive motor at each final drive to control each track independently."

But why would John Deere want to do that?

"That's a question we hear a lot," Brant continues, "and it's answered best by saying we want to have total control over the entire machine in every application."

When side cutting into slopes, carrying materials around corners, and doing full power turns, the independence of each track on the 850 X-Tier ensures that all the power goes to the ground to move the material efficiently and quickly.

"This dual-path electric-drive system is the next level of efficiency. So we're able to take every ounce of fuel that goes into this engine and put it to the ground as efficiently as possible," says Brant.

What operators will notice in the cab is incredible controllability that is superior to a hydrostatic machine.

Operators can tailor the controls to their preferences, and movement is consistent and predictable with smooth direction changes from forward to reverse on the 850 X-Tier. This will be easier on the operator's body — and ideal for contractors who want to keep their older skilled operators comfortable in the cab.

Operators will also appreciate the view from their workstation. With 14 percent more glass area, ergonomic controls, and an Advanced Vision System, John Deere has prioritized job site awareness.

Next-gen grade control is easy to manage via the 12.8-inch touchscreen. EZGrade, SmartGrade ready with 2D grade control, and 3D SmartGrade will up the performance of operators of all skill levels.

Designed to minimize downtime, the dozer also features a tilting cab, providing quick access to E-Drive components for easy diagnostics and maintenance.

John Deere updates P-Tier dozers

John Deere's updated 700, 750, and 850 P-Tier dozers are also ready to wow operators with technology and comfort features.

These updated dozers are built with next-generation technology like EZGrade, SmartGrade ready with 2D grade control, and 3D SmartGrade. The SmartGrade platform provides plug-and-play capabilities for laser and total station control. Larger touchscreen displays simplify navigation and set-up for machine operation.

Features updated for operator comfort include heated and ventilated seat options, expanded storage, and enhanced climate control. Auto-load and carry automatically adjust blade settings based on ground conditions.