2007 Construction and Forestry News Releases and Information

LENEXA, Kansas - (May 26, 2006) - Operators of pull-type scrapers put in long hours moving earth and are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.  John Deere offers a new solution with AutoLoad, an automatic scraper control system.

"AutoLoad was designed with the customer in mind," says Greg Laudick, division manager, marketing, John Deere Waterloo Works. "This industry-exclusive system automates the scraper's hydraulic lift functions during the loading cycle. Once activated, it automatically adjusts the scraper's cutting edge height according to draft loads of the equipment without operator intervention."

An operator engages AutoLoad at the beginning of a cut.  Then the system automatically varies blade height according to draft load, wheel slippage, and soil conditions. The system is disengaged at the end of the cut through normal operation of the selective control valve (SCV) lever in the tractor. AutoLoad can also be overridden at any time for manual operation.

"The new system is compatible with John Deere 9020 Series Wheel Tractors with PowerShift Transmission (PST) and John Deere ejector and carry-all type scrapers," explains Laudick. "An operator can also easily adjust transport height and dump height with the tractor's TouchSet™ depth control system. These two heights can be customized to an operator's specific working needs. This eliminates the need to see the cutting edge of the scraper because the TouchSet control system puts it to the same level above the ground every time."

Because of the ease of operation, AutoLoad reduces training time for operators and brings them more quickly to productivity levels of the more experienced operators. The new system also reduces overall operator fatigue and ensures that the equipment is working efficiently and consistently.
 
"Our customers will appreciate the ease of operation with AutoLoad," says Laudick. "With the new system, the tractor and scraper are working together for consistent productivity around-the-clock in earth-moving applications."

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. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com.

Deb Filipek
Fergus/Peters Group
847-298-9900
dfilipek@ferguspeters.com