John Deere Adds SmartGrade For 650K Dozer

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John Deere SmartGrade is now available on the company’s 650K crawler dozer, and all SmartGrade machines are now available in LGP or XLT track configurations. (Photo courtesy of Deere & Company.)

John Deere recently announced that in addition to its 700K, 750K, and 850K crawler dozers, the 650K model will also come equipped with SmartGrade technology. The Topcon 3D-MC2 Grade Control System that comes complete on all four models is particularly important for the 650K because it not only improves the accuracy of grading, but also maintains the smaller profile of the machine in comparison to larger alternatives. This system allows for different track configurations as well as a choice between low ground pressure (LGP) and extra-long track option (XLT) within those configurations.

The SmartGrade Advantage

The John Deere 650K SmartGrade sports a 104 horsepower engine, a cab-forward design, and Total Machine Control, which is exclusive to Deere products. The goal of these different features is to improve operator comfort as well as safety and visibility. And what makes SmartGrade particularly beneficial is that it will be integrated into the 650K going forward, so there is a shorter setup time allowing you to get to work more quickly.

This system also comes with an Auto SmartGrade features that makes it even easier to use by automatically adjusting blades to different soil and terrain types on the fly, but of course you have the ability to manually set those options as well. This should help reduce unnecessary passes and extend the operating life of your machines.

Versatility Abound

If choosing different blade setups manually or automatically based on changing terrain wasn’t enough, the aforementioned ability to change between low ground pressure and extra-long track configurations pushes the versatility of the 650K SmartGrade even further. The XLT option is perfect for rockier environments that require higher load capacities and the LGP option is better for lighter grading and operating in damp or generally wet environments. All of these systems work together to give crawler dozer operators more control, more comfort, and better performance across the board.

Source: Deere & Company