Offering the first-to-market solution to the tractor-drawn scraper industry, John Deere introduces AutoLoad.  With the introduction of AutoLoad, John Deere has taken a significant step in building upon the already proven performance and productivity of the tractor and scraper package.

Industry-exclusive

AutoLoad is exclusive to John Deere and is a new evolution in the earthmoving industry.  It will allow novice and experienced operators alike to be consistently productive operating John Deere tractors and scrapers.  Operators can become consistently productive operators with the touch of a button, even if they have never operated tractors and scrapers.

What benefits does AutoLoad provide?

• Reduced labor cost opportunities
• Reduced training time to bring operators up to full productivity
• More consistent yards per cycle, per hour, per day
• Ease of operation, reduced operator fatigue
• Opportunity for more consistent cut profiles for a new or inexperienced operator
• Opportunity to achieve more consistent fill profiles utilizing AutoLoad set point features
• Opportunity to reduce required support equipment such as compactors, graders, dozers
• Consistent productivity, regardless of operator experience, for the entire work day, and the entire work week

AutoLoad Tractor Components
The system includes a draft sensor on the drawbar, radar for measuring wheel slip, position sensors on the scrapers, AutoLoad operator armrest controls, and a controller that analyzes the inputs from all sensors and controls the scraper operation during the loading cycle, providing consistent productivity.

Operation
AutoLoad was designed with the customer in mind to minimize the time needed for operator training and maximize the ability of an operator to optimize the system for maximum productivity when operating conditions or equipment configurations change.  AutoLoad automates the scraper's hydraulic lift functions during the loading cycle.  The system requires the operator only to engage the system at the start of a cut.  Once in the automated mode, AutoLoad will vary the blade height in an effort to maintain a draft set point based on user settings.  The system is disengaged through normal operation of the SCV lever at the end of a cut.  AutoLoad can also be overridden at any time for manual operation.
 

AutoLoad is controlled using existing hydraulic selective control valve (SCV) controls, and TouchSetTM depth control functionality with slight modifications.  The AutoLoad controller software replaces TouchSet depth control information normally displayed on the TouchSet display panel with additional AutoLoad-specific operating information.     The operator utilizes controls under the armrest to change target draft set points to optimize the performance of the system under varying conditions.         The TouchSet depth control system is used in conjunction with the scraper position sensors and provides two scraper height positions that can be customized at any time by the operator specific to their individual requirements:  The upper set point, which is also used as the transport height; and the second position, the lower set point.  The system is engaged by simply putting the SCV into detent once to arm the system, which brings the scraper to the lower set point height position that is set by the operator; then detent again to lower the scraper and engage the scraper into load control.  The lower set point can also be used during the unloading cycle to provide a consistent dump height, providing even unloading load after load. What affects AutoLoad performance? The same operating conditions, soil types, and tractor or scraper configurations that affect manual operation will affect AutoLoad operation.  The critical component to successful demonstration and operation with your customer, to provide optimum performance with AutoLoad, will be to know your customer's specific conditions and tractor and scraper configurations, and set AutoLoad settings accordingly. Compatibility Tractor Compatible with John Deere 9030 Series Scraper Tractors with PowerShift transmission (PST) Dual and single tire configurations High-flow or standard-flow hydraulics Will retrofit to any John Deere 9030 Series Tractor with PST Scraper Compatible with John Deere ejector and carry-all type scrapers Single and tandem scrapers Will retrofit to any John Deere scrapers, model year 2004 and newer Note:  AutoLoad is not compatible with tractors equipped with AutoTrac or tractors other than 9030 Series Wheel Tractors.  Currently AutoLoad cannot be used simultaneously with laser leveling. Ordering AutoLoad is available as a factory or field installed option.