Aggregates Manager » John Deere

Deere: Focusing on U.S. competitiveness

Tina Barbaccia — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:11:40 +0000

An initiative aimed at enhancing U.S. manufacturing competitiveness has taken another step forward at a meeting hosted by Deere & Co. at its World Headquarters.

At the meeting this week, members of the U.S. Council on Competitiveness reviewed recommendations and discussed priorities for the Council’s National Manufacturing Strategy that will later be presented to the U.S. Administration and Congress.

Deere & Co. Chairman and CEO Samuel R. Allen is also the current chairman of the Council, which includes leaders from business, education and labor.

“Competitiveness is an important priority,” said Allen in a press release. “At John Deere, competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing is important to our employees who know that we compete for customers every day against companies from around the world.”

The Council on Competitiveness is a non-partisan and non-governmental organization that convenes top private and public sector leaders to address America’s long-term competitiveness challenges.

Deere is keenly interested in competitiveness as the company aspires to global growth of its two main equipment businesses – agriculture and construction. Products for export to countries outside the U.S. can total 20 to 30 percent or more of the output at some John Deere factories in the U.S.

“To best serve customers, John Deere is investing in manufacturing facilities in markets around the world, including the U.S.,” said Allen. “We are building factories in key emerging markets and have invested millions of dollars to improve U.S. factories. The focus of our employees and our company is to remain a leader through global competitiveness.”

John Deere 850K crawler dozer

kclines — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:00:54 +0000

John Deere’s new 850K crawler dozer represents years of working side by side with customers. The dozer’s Interim Tier 4 engine uses EGR technology with exhaust filters and provides 187 to 205 horsepower at 1,800 revolutions per minute, depending on machine configuration. The engine’s diesel particulate filters are cleaned automatically during routine operation, so there’s no need to idle down for maintenance. A dual-path hydrostatic transmission automatically matches machine power and speed to load demand, eliminating the need for inefficient gear systems. Inside the cab, noise levels have been reduced by 45 percent, according to the company. The cab features larger access doors and more interior room for better comfort, as well as ample glass and well-positioned in-cab components for great visibility to the blade. Sloped cross members provide lateral strength and visibility to the rear of the blade. The dozer is available in six configurations.

Deere & Co. quarterly dividend $.41 a share

Tina Barbaccia — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:04:08 +0000

The Deere & Co. Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.41 a share on common stock, payable Nov. 1, 2011, to stockholders of record on Sept. 30, 2011.

John Deere G-Series excavators feature Tier 4 Interim-certified engines

kclines — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:00:15 +0000

John Deere has launched three new G-Series excavators with Tier 4 Interim-certified engines, more power, and cab improvements for increased visibility. The new series includes the 250G, 290G, and 350G, which range from 191 to 299 net horsepower. The new machines retain a number of key features from the previous D-Series, such as the Powerwise III management system. The cooling system cools on demand and has an optional reversing fan to blow out debris. The operator’s station features a full-suspension, high-back seat that adjusts independently from or together with the control console to accommodate any size operator. The next models within the series, the larger 470G, 670G, and 870G, will be formally introduced later this summer.

Excavators: Digging With the Big Boys

kclines — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:58:58 +0000

This article was originally published in the September 2010 edition of Aggregates Manager. To see the digital edition version, which includes photos, click here.

Supply Lines

Digging with the Big Boys

This selection of 70-ton and larger excavators can help increase the production level at any quarry.

by Kerry Clines, Senior Editor

Liebherr Construction Equipment

Liebherr’s R 964 C Litronic offers a 29-foot, 10-inch digging depth; 75,400-pound breakout force; an operating weight of 150,790 pounds; and a lift capacity of 25 feet over end and side. Liebherr Tool Control allows operators to easily change hydraulic tools and adjust pressure and flow rates.

Doosan Heavy Construction Equipment

Doosan’s soon-to-be-debuted DX700LC features a six-cylinder, 463-horsepower turbo-charged Isuzu diesel engine and an operating weight of 158,953 pounds with standard boom and arm, 35.4-inch double grouser shoes, and 4.32-cubic yard bucket. Standard bucket breakout force is 78,485 pounds; arm breakout force is 78,044 pounds. Maximum digging reach is 40 feet, 10 inches at ground level; maximum digging depth is 25 feet, 4 inches. Dump height is 27 feet. Optional buckets range from 3.27 to 5.89 cubic yards.

Increased fuel efficiency, more horsepower, and improved hydraulics add up to greater production with these excavators.

Liebherr Construction Equipment

Case Construction Equipment

Case says its CX800B is ideally suited for applications requiring heavy muscle and long reach. The 178,575-pound machine features an electronically controlled, common rail, 15.7L Isuzu engine and is available in standard and mass-excavation configurations.

Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar’s 156,043-pound 374D improvements include new buckets and a greater operating weight to boost loading and lifting capabilities, a stronger undercarriage, safety enhancements, and easier serviceability. The Cat C15 ACERT engine features electronic control, precise fuel delivery, and refined air management.

Komatsu

Komatsu says its PC800LC-8 Super Digger uses double-arm cylinders and an HD bucket cylinder to increase arm digging force by 19 percent and bucket digging force by 9 percent over a standard machine — without sacrificing working range. The machine also features the Komtrax satellite monitoring system and on-board diagnostics.

These excavators feature cab improvements — more space, better visibility, increased safety, and reduced vibration — for increased efficiency and production.

Volvo Construction Equipment

The 70-ton Volvo EC700C has a Tier III-compliant engine with Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology for high torque at low revolutions. The machine boasts a hydraulic system with high breakout force, and a robust undercarriage and reinforced superstructure and boom/arm for greater endurance.

Kobelco

Kobelco says its SK850LC Super ACERA provides competitive breakout, drawbar pull, and swing torque forces. The unit is designed for easy transport — it can be configured four different ways to meet various local requirements. A centrally located catwalk and walking platform provide easy access for routine maintenance checks.

John Deere

John Deere’s 850D LC offers fast hydraulics, powerful swing torque, and generous drawbar pull. Its Powerwise III management system balances engine and hydraulic performance. The company says its generous hydraulic flow and best-in-class metering ensure powerful digging force, precise low-effort control, and multifunctional operation.

Hitachi Construction Machinery

Hitachi’s EX1200-6 comes with a front-shovel bucket range of 7.7 to 8.5 cubic yards, which matches well with 65-ton class trucks. An air-ride seat and improved joystick controls provide better ergonomics. Other features include improvements to the undercarriage and upper structure.

Hyundai Construction Equipment

The 181,880-pound R800LC-7A is the largest in Hyundai’s family of excavators. A lighting package — boom-mounted work lights and lighting built into the frame of the cab’s roof — make nighttime work easy. Maintenance and service is fast and easy with a centralized lube bank, wide-opening access door, and easy-to-reach filters.

LBX Company, LLC

The Link-Belt 700 X2 has an operating weight of 153,442 pounds with a maximum digging depth of 27 feet, 7 inches and a digging reach of 43 feet, 2 inches. The machine boasts precise and aggressive performance, as well as increased fuel efficiency.

John Deere G-Series excavators offer more power, cab improvements

kclines — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:00:55 +0000

John Deere has launched three new G-Series excavators featuring Tier 4 Interim-certified engines, more power, and cab improvements to increase visibility. The new series, introduced at ConExpo-Con/Agg, includes the 250G, 290G, and 350G ranging from 191 to 299 net horsepower. The new machines retain a number of key features from the previous D-Series, such as the Powerwise III management system. The cooling system cools on demand and has an optional reversing fan to blow out debris. The operator’s station features a full-suspension, high-back seat that adjusts independently from or together with the control console to accommodate any size operator. The next models within the series, the larger 470G, 670G, and 870G, will be formally introduced later this summer.

SAF-Holland opens Aftermarket Distribution Center in Cincinnati

Katie Wood — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:35:09 +0000

SAF-Holland recently opened its new 85,000 square foot Aftermarket Parts Distribution Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The facility will supply replacement parts to SAF-Holland distribution centers and customers throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The location of the new Aftermarket Parts Distribution Center provides SAF-Holland with the logistical capability to enhance efficiency and significantly reduce delivery times to [...]

John Deere updates construction website

Katie Wood — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:35:02 +0000

John Deere Construction & Forestry recently enhanced its North American construction website to better serve its key audiences. The new site’s features include easier-to-navigate functionality and even more interactivity.

The update, which is part of a larger JohnDeere.com upgrade, features a more customer-friendly, visually dynamic design with faster access to more information on products, such as specifications, comparisons and user testimonials. It also provides customers with information on important industry issues, such as Tier 4 emissions and leveraging telematics to increase productivity. In addition, customers have an even greater voice on the new site thanks to enhanced interactivity like the new “Sound Off” feature that solicits customer suggestions and offers direct response from Deere.

Additionally, there is increased use of video and graphics technology to provide a more engaging web experience.

“Not only does the new website deliver the information contractors are looking for more quickly, it also provides customers with more avenues to communicate their specific needs to us,” said Denny Docherty, director of marketing for John Deere Construction & Forestry.

“Interactive features like ‘Sound Off’ and the ‘Straightforward’ blog are perfect ways for us to engage in direct dialogue with our customers, glean a deeper level of insight to their particular construction challenges, and respond directly to their needs,” Docherty said. “Our ongoing goal is to give our customers a voice and ultimately the solutions they want.”

Other global Construction & Forestry sites will be launched later in 2011.

MICO earns partner-level status from John Deere

Tina Barbaccia — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:02:12 +0000

MICO Inc. has earned recognition as a partner-level supplier for 2010 in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program. The partner-level status is Deere & Co.’s highest supplier rating.

MICO was selected for the honor in recognition of its dedication to providing products and service of outstanding quality as well as its commitment to continuous improvement. Company employees accepted the recognition during formal ceremonies held on March 1, 2011, in Moline, Ill.

MICO is a supplier of hydraulic brake valves and controls to John Deere’s construction and forestry operation in Davenport, Iowa, and to John Deere’s agriculture operation in Waterloo, Iowa.

Suppliers who participate in the Achieving Excellence program are evaluated annually in several key performance categories, including quality, cost management, delivery, technical support and wavelength, which is a measure of responsiveness. John Deere Supply Management created the program in 1991 to provide a supplier evaluation and feedback process that promotes continuous improvement.

Editorial

Brooke Wisdom — Sat, 07 May 2011 22:00:14 +0000

Increased Optimism

By Therese Dunphy

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty,” –Winston Churchill

Throughout the last several years, many aggregate producers may have been pessimists rather than optimists, but the tide may be turning on the age old question of whether the glass is half full or half empty.

A new quarterly study from Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Inc. shows a two-year growth trend in the optimism quotient of those participating in its Construction Industry Survey. In 2009, the index dropped to a record low of 42 and rebounded to 66 in 2010. For the first quarter of 2011, respondents expressed more favorable sentiments pushing the index to 96, a level not seen since before 2007.

While Wells Fargo depicts these results as cautiously optimistic, it’s worth noting that 37 percent of respondents project increased local non-residential construction activity in 2011 compared to 2010. At the other end of the spectrum, only 14.5 percent expect a decrease in this category. In terms of residential construction activity in 2011 compared to 2010, 28.4 percent anticipate an increase and 16.4 percent forecast a decrease. In both categories, respondents overwhelmingly look for construction activity to improve in the second quarter of 2012 or later.

Respondents also expect equipment sales to be brisk, with nearly two thirds of distributors who say sales of new equipment will rise and more than 54 percent of distributors who call for used equipment sales to increase.

For operators hesitating to sign a purchase order, those predictions may seem wildly optimistic, but they aren’t without merit. The report notes that Volvo CE’s unit sales rose by 70 percent in 2010 compared to 2009. John Deere is projecting equipment sales to be up 18 to 20 percent for the fiscal year. Atlas Copco’s CMT division reported operating profits that were up 51 percent in 2010. And, Cat announced a 202-percent increase in profits between 2010 and 2009.

If these measures hold, operators should re-examine what opportunities the future holds.

3 Things I learned from this issue

1. The grinding action of a rod mill creates a manufactured sand that closely resembles river sand.

2. Aggregate producers should consider selling virgin aggregate to municipalities and taking stockpiled RAP off their hands. High-quality unused RAP is worth about $40 per ton.

3. When quartz is struck or rubbed together, it lights up. Cool.