John Deere’s new 300G LC excavator cranks up the power

john-deere-300g-lc-excavatorBy EPA mandate, almost every new machine introduced today includes a Tier 4 final emissions reduction system. So what really sets a machine apart from the competition is everything else they throw into the package, which for the new Deere 300G LC excavator, is a lot.

For starters, the 300G LC boasts an increase in horsepower of 19 percent, and the swing torque jumps 17 percent, compared to the 290G LC, which it replaces. Larger hydraulic pumps match that engine output with more digging and lifting power.

A larger hood improves engine access and single-side, ground level fluid and filter service make your pre-flight checks a bit easier. The nine-pin diagnostic connector was moved inside the cab so your techs don’t have to do their laptop tests in the rain or weather.

If you’re of a mind to wire your new 300G LC with a grade control system, factory installed sensor mounting brackets are welded onto the boom, arm, dogbone, counterweight and mainframe. A programmable thumb attachment mode is also available and lets you program oil flow to the thumb attachment using the monitor in the cab.

New handrails increase your safety when walking around the top deck. An optional light package includes a hood light so your late-shift techs and fuel and lube guys don’t have to fumble around with flashlights at night. And Deere ships the 300G LC with a free three-year subscription to their proprietary telematics system JD Link.

And about that Tier 4 Final business: the 300G LC is powered by a John Deere PowerTech PVS 6.8 liter engine using selective catalytic reduction and diesel exhaust fluid to cut NOx emissions. According to the company, the engine’s diesel particulate filter cleans itself automatically with no impact to machine operation and can go up to 15,000 hours before ash removal.

This article was written by Wayne Grayson, Online Managing Editor of Equipment World.