MOLINE, Ill.(March 5, 2007)—Need sure-footed stopping power when using scrapers on job sites with inclines? John Deere’s new heavy-duty, open disc Scraper Brake option for 18 cu.-yd. and 21 cu.-yd. scrapers is the ideal solution.

“Our new scraper brakes are ideal in mining applications or other jobs that require transporting on inclines,” said Kent Stickler, product consultant, scraper tractors and scrapers, John Deere Construction & Forestry Company. “The system reduces dependency on tractor brakes and allows for shorter stopping distances, whether the scraper is fully loaded or empty. It all adds up to excellent performance on the jobsite with reduced maintenance, since there’s less stress on the tractor brakes.”

The scraper brakes are equipped with fixed-mount, dual-opposition, self-retracting pistons and heavy-duty seals for long life. Steel hydraulic lines are routed along the mainframe of the scraper, delivering improved responsiveness and reliability versus rubber hoses. The scraper brakes are activated by the tractor’s brake pedal, which results in seamless operation. The brakes are effective in both single and tandem scraper jobs, and are approved for applications in which ISO, ASAE and MSHA standards are required.

John Deere (Deere & Company-NYSE: DE) is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment, a major manufacturer of construction equipment, and a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care. John Deere also manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment and provides landscape and worldwide financial services. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.