MOLINE, Ill. (March 5, 2007)-With numerous improvements, the new John Deere 17D Compact Excavator provides maximum versatility and productivity. Chief among its enhancements are new, adjustable-width tracks and a new backfill blade with foldable end sections.

When the tracks are retracted and the blades' end sections folded, the machine fits through a 40-inch opening. When fully extended to over 50 inches, the undercarriage provides maximum stability for operation. What's more, the standard mechanical quick coupler/hydraulic attachment package makes the job site possibilities almost endless, according to Mark Wall, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry Company.

"The 17D's ability to fit into tiny spaces coupled with its many attachment options and ample power make it among the most versatile compacts on the market," Wall said. "This machine can perform well in any light-duty application that requires a nimble but powerful machine."

The 17D provides many other benefits that translate into big productivity with lower owning and operating costs. Multi-function operations mean the operator can easily execute simultaneous operations such as swinging and traveling. Maintenance is fast and simple, since all service checks can be done by opening just two covers. The battery, fuel tank, hydraulic reservoir and coolant reservoir are conveniently located behind a single service door. In addition to the adjustable width feature, the reduced tail-swing 17D also provides improved performance specs (including 20 percent more horsepower, 8 percent more arm force and 19 percent more bucket dig force), rugged construction, more operator comfort features, long service intervals (2,000 hours for hydraulic oil, 250 hours for engine oil and grease intervals), and better fuel economy.

More Productive
In addition to the increase in digging forces, the 17D has faster operating speeds, additional weight and 10 percent more hydraulic flow. Travel speeds have been increased, too. The new long-arm/heavy counterweight option provides an additional eight inches of digging depth and reach.

The operator station offers the ultimate in comfort. A standard ROPS/TOPS/OPG three-pillar canopy provides a generous opening for easy entry and exit and virtually unobstructed visibility. One enhancement that dramatically improves operator comfort and convenience is new pilot controls, which have been repositioned on the left- and right-hand side of the operator. The new pilot levers are spaced far enough apart for the largest operator and feature wrist rests for added comfort. The monitor has been redesigned for better visibility. A cup holder is standard, and a factory-installed suspension seat is available.

More Durable
The 17D compact excavator provides a number of new durability features, including a redesigned undercarriage, with sloped track frames that shed dirt easily to aid cleanout. The larger diameter drive sprocket and track idler increase durability and reduce the likelihood of a thrown track. It also features a cylinder guard that has been reinforced to improve strength and prevent cylinder damage.

"The durable 17D delivers mechanized muscle to places where shovels used to be the only option," Wall said. "It's a comfortable, versatile machine that can do just about any light-duty job. It's easy to service and inexpensive to maintain and operate. In short, it delivers maximum value."

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.

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