Deere hybrid loaders top 1M hours in the field

944K Hybrid

John Deere says that its 644K and 944K hybrid wheel loaders have combined for more than 1 million hours of field operation.

Deere says the milestone is “key as more OEMs look to John Deere Power Systems for technologies to reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, and enhance machine performance and reliability.”

“Exceeding 1 million operating hours shows that John Deere has an in-depth understanding of how to make hybrid drivetrain systems work in the field,” says Deere Power Systems drivetrain and product planning manager, Darren Almond. “We can use our expertise to discover innovative ways to develop reliable, efficient, cost-effective alternatives to traditional drivetrain systems.”

644K Hybrid

The 644K hybrid loader was one of the first electric drive machines introduced, followed in 2015 by the 944K hybrid. The company released a fully integrated electric drivetrain system concept at Bauma 2016.

“Accounting for the entire system solution will be vital to the successful development of this emerging market,” Deere says. “The OEM electrification approach of John Deere seeks to offer integrated solutions that address the interfaces between the electrical generator and/or motors, power electronics, and mechanical interfaces.”