John Deere is now offering its 950K PAT model with fully integrated machine control from the factory.
Introduced last year, the 950K PAT features an 8.6-cubic yard Power Angle Tilt blade. The machine allows operators to place material with greater precision thanks to the cutting angles the six-way blade provides. Deere says the PAT blade can “execute several tasks that might otherwise require multiple machines.” Using a hydraulic power-pitch option, the operator can control the PAT blade pitch from the cab. A return-to-pitch setting lets the operator preset blade-pitch positions, and activate them with a button push. The blade pitch is also adjustable using three mount locations on the blade.
Now Deere is offering operators even more precision with an integrated Topcon 3D-MC2 Grade Control System. Because plumbing for the system is done at the factory, all of the wiring and components are incorporated into the machine’s cab and structures.
That means no masts attached to the blade or cables hanging from the exterior of the machine.
Beyond eliminating the setup time involved in at attaching masts, sensors and other aftermarket machine control components, Deere says because the machine’s dimensions are pre-loaded into the in-cab grade control monitor, calibrating the machine only takes about 30 minutes.
And thanks to the Auto SmartGrade feature on the system, there’s no recalibration needed when moving the machine from one soil type to another. Auto SmartGrade also allows new operators ease into using the 950K PAT since it automatically lifts the blade over heavy loads before track slippage occurs, then returns the blade to grade, Deere says.
And because the SmartGrade system lowers the number of passes required to achieve grade, wear on the undercarriage of the machine is reduced. Deere says the SmartGrade system makes a dozer 7 percent more accurate across its entire speed range compared to conventional masted systems.
The 950K PAT is powered by a 9.0-liter, Tier 4 Final Deere engine that provides 280 horsepower. The engine is paired with a dual-path hydrostatic transmission. Deere says unlike torque-converter transmissions on competing machines, the 950K PAT’s drivetrain allows operators to push full a full load through turns without losing material.
