2007 Construction and Forestry News Releases and Information

MOLINE, Ill. (January 23, 2007)—For machine owners who get frustrated with constant greasing and the various challenges of auto-lube systems, John Deere’s newest innovation is the perfect solution: NeverGrease™ pin joints. Available exclusively for John Deere four-wheel-drive loaders, NeverGrease™ pin joints are lubricated for life.

“Initially available on the 744J, 824J and 844J loaders, these maintenance-free pin joints increase a loader’s uptime by extending the life of the pin system while simultaneously reducing operating costs—they totally eliminate the need to grease,” said David O’Keeffe, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry Company.

NeverGrease pin joints are designed for all the joints in the boom, linkage and bucket.  Rolling elements are utilized in the boom-to-bucket joints, which receive constant abuse in the course of a day’s work, and sliding elements in the remainder of the machine’s joints. Both systems include a seal that keeps debris out of the joint, extending pin joint life. The pin and rolling or sliding element are not a required set, which makes repair easier since the technician does not need to worry about keeping a matched set together.

NeverGrease pins eliminate grease fittings and the hassle of locating and preparing grease guns while ensuring that the life of the pins is consistent from joint to joint, since there’s no risk of haphazard or infrequent greasing. Due to the extended life of the pins there’s less rebuilding of pin joints, as well as reduced maintenance because the rolling and sliding elements are pressed in, thus, eliminating welding components and line boring.  Additionally, the machine stays cleaner because there isn’t as much grease to hold dirt—loaders equipped with NeverGrease pins are faster to wash, easier to inspect and easier to repair, according to O’Keeffe.

“Machines with NeverGrease pins require considerably less maintenance and are more reliable. They’re also more environmentally friendly, since there’s less grease required on the job site,” he said. “Overall, this system is a real cost- and time-saving innovation, particularly for fleets that use large numbers of loaders.”

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. John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products through a network of more than 1,300 dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com.

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