John Deere has integrated the SmartGrade machine control offering to its 750K and 850K crawler dozers. Adding SmartGrade availability on these larger machines will improve jobsite accuracy and quality of work through the complete integration of the Topcon 3D-MC2 Grade Control System, according to Deere. The system is fully incorporated into the machine cabin, structures, and software, delivering precise grading performance while eliminating vulnerable external masts and cables.
The machines can be used for road building and site development.
The 750K and 850K incorporate a PowerTech 6.8L Final Tier 4 diesel engine with 165 hp and 205 hp, respectively. Both models feature Eco mode, which automatically adjusts engine power and transmission settings based on load while maintaining ground speed, to help optimize fuel economy.
Since SmartGrade is integrated into the machines, it removes the need to install blade-mounted sensors and components daily, reducing setup time. Eliminating external cables to the masts reduces breakage, and the removal of the masts from the blade eliminates vulnerability to damage and theft.
A key feature of the integrated machine control is Auto SmartGrade. This allows the operator to easily adjust the system when moving the machine from one soil type to another. Additionally, machine dimensions are preloaded into the grade control monitor, reducing the time required to calibrate the dozer to about 30 minutes.
