Overview
AUTOMATION and TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIENCED vs. NOVICE OPERATORS
Novice and Experienced operators benefit from Automation and Technology in slightly different ways. With the Novice Operator these features help them get comfortable quicker and relieve some of the learning curve. The experienced operators who already understand the job site and what the task is can enhance their already proven skills and customize when needed.
John Deere P-Tier motor graders have standout features that set Deere apart from the competition, specifically with our technology and automation. The P-Tier option provides standard features such as cross slope, return to straight, Auto-Articulation, Blade Flip, Machine Presets, lever steering, and choice between fingertip or joystick controls. Additionally, the P-Tier option includes position sensing cylinders which enable additional options such as automation and SmartGrade™.
Want the latest technology on an existing machine? The industries’ latest automation and SmartGrade machine control technology can be ordered on new machines and be added to existing motor graders by your John Deere dealer.
CONFIDENCE
- When grading a flat pad with obstacles, SmartGrade allowed the experienced operator to get more finish grade area within ±0.05’, increasing grade accuracy by 42 percent
- The novice operator increased grade accuracy by 126 percent in the same application
- A 27 percent increase in grade accuracy was achieved by an experienced operator with SmartGrade™ while building a crowned road as compared to running string line
- The novice operator increased grade accuracy by 49 percent in the same application
- The Standard Cross Slope feature paired with Auto-Gain provided a 36 percent increase in grade accuracy for experienced operators and 100 percent increase for novice compared to manual grading.
EASE
- Utilizing automation suite features allowed the novice operator to turn around at the end of a pass 32 percent faster
- Using only automation suite features (without cross slope or SmartGrade), operator inputs of the novice operator were reduced by 75 percent when grading a flat pad with obstacles
- Auto-Shift plus reduced foot movements by 65 percent compared to running with the inching pedal
EDGE
- Automation features can be ordered individually or as a suite, and can be upgraded at anytime
- All SmartGrade graders include Premium Circle, Automation Suite, and Machine Damage
- John Deere Automation features are designed with the customer in mind
Auto-Shift PLUS (industry exclusive): Auto-Shift PLUS reduces foot movements by up to 65 percent by allowing operators to work without the use of an inching pedal. Operators can take off and come to a complete stop, in any gear, using only the throttle and brake pedal. This feature gives operators full control of travel speed in any application for both tandem and 6wd machines. This feature also includes hill hold and adjustable RPM settings
Included on all P-Tier graders
Auto Articulation: Auto articulation combines front steering and rear articulation using only a single control on the joystick or fingertip controls. This feature automatically articulates the machine when steering to allow the rear tandems to follow the tracks of the front tires. Auto Articulation also allows operators to make fine steering adjustments without activating articulation. This provides operators precise grading control with auto articulation enabled.
Machine Pre-sets (industry exclusive): Machine Presets save operators time by activating multiple functions, features, and machine positions by pressing a single button. Operators can automatically raise and rotate the blade, turn on the machines hazard lights and beacon(s), enable auto-shift, return articulation to straight, turn on auto differential lock, and stow the ripper; allowing easy machine configuration for tasks such as transport.
Blade Flip (industry exclusive): Blade Flip automatically mirrors the blade angle to a preset position. This eliminates repetitive operator input when making grading passes. This feature enhances our already proven Cross Slope system, making it easy for operators to automatically mirror blade angle and cross slope settings.
Available in technology packages or 500 hour demo.
Machine Damage Avoidance: Assists operators of all experience levels and prevents costly damage to the machine even while in the most complex machine orientations. This feature allows operators to work with confidence knowing the blade will not damage the machine’s tires and steps or contact the saddle.
Auto Pass (industry exclusive): Auto-Pass reduces operator input of repetitive functions at the beginning and end of grading passes with the press of a single button. Auto Pass automatically lowers the blade to a predetermined elevation and enables machine control/cross slope at the start of a pass. At the end of the pass the feature can be configured to automatically raise and flip the blade angle.
SmartGrade™: SmartGrade is John Deere’s 3D mastless integrated grade control system that allows operators to grade without limitations. SmartGrade motor graders are fully integrated and calibrated at the factory, arriving to your jobsite ready to work! The system is incorporated through all the machine’s structures and software delivering precise grading performance while eliminating masts and cables. SmartGrade is also capable of running other Topcon grading technologies such as laser, sonic, mmGPS, and LPS. Also included with SmartGrade are the following automation features:: Machine Damage Avoidance, , and Auto Pass & future releases.
Customers can easily access Grader’s Automation features highlighting the utilization and benefits of the technology through Machine Analyzer in Operations Center.
View within Machine Analyzer
Avoid Costly Repairs with Machine Damage Avoidance | John Deere Motor Graders
Simplified Machine Movement with Auto-Pass | John Deere Motor Graders
Shifting Made Easy with Auto-Shift PLUS | John Deere Motor Graders
John Deere SmartGrade™ Motor Grader