2006 Construction and Forestry News Releases and Information

MOLINE, Ill. (March 7, 2006)—Well suited for earthmoving work requiring a
99-horsepower machine, the new John Deere 605C Crawler Loader extends the company's crawler loader line to the under 100 horsepower class while providing many features usually found on much larger crawlers.

"This crawler loader is an excellent fit for applications requiring a smaller machine, yet it is designed with performance and durability in mind," said Ken Poppe, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry Company. "This crawler loader fills the need for an under 100 horsepower size machine with the performance and durability our customers have experienced on our 650J crawler dozers."

The 605C uses the same rugged and reliable drive train and undercarriage found on the popular 650J, including the engine, hydrostatic pumps and motors, transmission controller, final drives and track frames. Additionally, the 605C shares its operator station, instrumentation, controls, boom and bucket design with the John Deere 655C Series II and 755C Series II. This common design approach allows John Deere engineers to incorporate many features usually found only on larger machines, including bucket float, return-to-dig, boom height limiter, bucket level indicator, piloted hydraulic control, and auxiliary hydraulic function.

Differentiating features of the 605C significantly enhance productivity. Like the larger crawler loaders, the 605C has the engine in the rear, providing best-in-class visibility to the bucket for digging and truck loading applications, as well as best-in-class bucket capacity, breakout force and tipping load. Full featured hydrostatics deliver power management, infinite speed control, power turns, counter-rotation and dynamic braking. Open center load-sense hydraulics deliver predictable response regardless of the load size, and hydraulic pilot control results in less operator fatigue and better control of the machine. Transmission-only decelerator mode provides full power to the hydraulics while slowing the tracks. The equipment owner can customize the machine's controls to the operator by choosing between V-pattern with pedal steering or joystick transmission and steering control. An ether injection starting aid delivers fast cold weather startup.

Owning and operating costs are kept low by a long list of features that reduce maintenance and repair costs, including sealed and lubricated bucket pins, dealer fabricated hoses throughout the machine, an automatic serpentine belt tensioning pulley and a loader boom safety locking device. Remote test ports provide quick diagnosis of hydraulics and transmission, and a monitor system with audible and visual warnings and illuminated gauges keep the operator informed. The 99-horsepower, John Deere wet sleeve engine provides long life, and the hydraulic and hydrostatic systems use multi-viscosity engine oil. The hydraulically driven fan provides better fuel economy, reduced noise levels, less debris intake and reduced belt wear. The change interval for both transmission and hydraulic oil and the filter is a generous 2,000 hours. In addition, a hydraulic tilt operator's station that requires the removal of only a few bolts and ground level servicing simplify everyday maintenance and enhance uptime. The undercarriage provides sloped track frames for easier cleanout, as well as rugged John Deere sealed and lubricated track chains. Extended life undercarriage is optional.

"This machine was designed to fill the need for a rear engine crawler loader in the under 100 horsepower size class," Poppe said. "It is perfect for jobs that require the flexibility of a smaller loader, but it provides big loader durability and performance."

About John Deere: 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. Additionally, John Deere manufactures engines used in heavy equipment and provides financial services and other related activities that support the core businesses. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has established a heritage of quality products and services providing performance that endures to customers worldwide.

Key Specifications*

* Specifications subject to change. Please contact your  local dealer for more detailed information.

Contact:
Lara Holy
913/901-2119
holyl@weyforth-haas.com

Tara Wiles
913/901-2192
wilest@weyforth-haas.com