John Deere SmartGrade Motor Grader Revolutionizes Construction

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Posted Nov 17, 2024

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Vintage John Deere Tractor by Lakeside in Summer
Credit: pexels.com, Vintage John Deere Tractor by Lakeside in Summer

The John Deere SmartGrade Motor Grader is a game-changer in the construction industry. It's a heavy-duty machine that can grade and smooth out rough surfaces with ease. With its advanced technology, it's capable of producing highly accurate grades.

The SmartGrade system uses a combination of GPS and machine control to guide the grader, allowing operators to achieve precise grades without the need for traditional string lines. This results in significant time and labor savings.

One of the key benefits of the SmartGrade Motor Grader is its ability to work in tight spaces. Its compact design and advanced steering system make it perfect for urban construction projects.

Operators can also take advantage of the grader's advanced diagnostics and monitoring system, which provides real-time information on machine performance and maintenance needs.

What Makes Deere's Machine Control Unique

John Deere's SmartGrade machine control for motor graders is a game-changer in the industry. It's the first mastless grade control system of its kind, removing expensive equipment from vulnerable positions on the machine.

Credit: youtube.com, What makes Deere SmartGrade for motor graders so unique

The system's accuracy comes from in-cylinder position sensing, which allows it to determine the position of the blade within a millimeter. This is made possible by a rod with a magnet on the end inside each hydraulic blade cylinder, which sends a pulse back to the sensor as the cylinder extends out.

This method of position detection can't be done via an inertial measurement unit, which is commonly used in dozers and excavators. Inertial measurement systems require movement and adjustments, but motor graders typically operate by shifting the blade into position and leaving it there.

The in-cylinder position sensing allows for positioning that's tailor-made for motor grader operation, providing ultra-tight tolerances.

Here are the solutions still available for John Deere graders, including those with SmartGrade:

  • Antler rack with mechanical controls
  • Fingertip EH controls with dual joysticks
  • G-ready kits for putting a grade control system on your G
  • Ready kits for GP

John Deere isn't trying to push customers into buying the new integrated system. They're keeping all available solutions on the table, including mold board mounts for masts and coil cable hookups on SmartGrade GP machines.

Motor Grader Features

Credit: youtube.com, John Deere SmartGrade™ Motor Grader Feature Walk-Around

The John Deere SmartGrade motor grader is packed with innovative features that make it a game-changer for contractors and operators alike. One of the standout features is the SmartGrade technology, which uses in-cylinder position sensing to achieve ultra-precise grading accuracy, with a positioning accuracy of within a millimeter.

This technology is made possible by the use of a magnet on the end of a rod inside the hydraulic blade cylinder, which sends a pulse back to the sensor, allowing the system to determine the position of the blade. This is a significant improvement over inertial measurement units, which require movement and adjustments to work effectively.

The SmartGrade motor graders also come with a range of other features, including Auto-Pass, which automates machine movements, and Blade Stow, which allows operators to stow the blade with the touch of a button. Additionally, the Machine Presets feature enables operators to prepare the machine for transport with a single button press, stowing the blade and ripper, activating lights, and adjusting the moldboard to a predetermined angle.

Credit: youtube.com, John Deere SmartGrade™ Motor Grader

Here are some of the key features of the John Deere SmartGrade motor grader:

  • SmartGrade technology with in-cylinder position sensing for ultra-precise grading accuracy
  • Auto-Pass for automated machine movements
  • Blade Stow for easy blade stowing
  • Machine Presets for easy machine preparation
  • Machine Damage Avoidance for reduced downtime

These features, combined with the factory-installed Premium Circle and the power of the SmartGrade technology, make the John Deere SmartGrade motor grader a highly productive and efficient machine that can help contractors boost their bottom line.

Auto-Shift Plus

Auto-Shift PLUS is a game-changer for motor grader operators, allowing them to control the machine with just the throttle and brake.

This feature eliminates the need for manual gear selection or the inching pedal, reducing the risk of unexpected stalling.

With Auto-Shift PLUS, operators can enjoy smoother operation and more precise control over the machine.

Motor Graders

Motor graders are incredibly powerful machines that can help you achieve precision and efficiency on your job site. John Deere's SmartGrade technology is a game-changer in this area, allowing even less experienced operators to achieve higher productivity and accuracy.

With SmartGrade, you can expect better turnaround and profits due to its mastless 3D grade control system. This system enables the machine to stay on grade no matter what blade pitch, articulation angle, or circle offset you're running.

Credit: youtube.com, Cat® M Series Motor Graders | Joystick Control Tutorial

The SmartGrade Motor Graders are fully integrated and calibrated from the factory, arriving at your job site ready to work right out of the gate. This means you can start working on your project without any delays or extra setup time.

The feature that makes Deere's SmartGrade machine control for graders so unique is its lack of masts. This eliminates expensive equipment from vulnerable positions on the machine and reduces the daily chore of mounting and calibrating the equipment.

In-cylinder position sensing is what allows SmartGrade to achieve such high accuracy. This method involves a magnet on the end of a rod inside each hydraulic blade cylinder, which sends a pulse back to the sensor when the cylinder extends out. This allows the system to determine the position of the blade within a millimeter.

Here are the machine control options available for John Deere graders:

  • Antler rack with mechanical controls
  • Fingertip EH controls with dual joysticks
  • G-ready kits for putting a grade control system on your G
  • Ready kits for GP

Blade Stow & Auto-Gain

Blade Stow and Auto-Gain are two innovative features that simplify the motor grader operation for GP-Series machine operators. Blade Stow allows for automatic stowing of the blade with the touch of a button, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

Credit: youtube.com, Simplified Machine Movement with Auto-Pass | John Deere Motor Graders

This feature is especially useful in changing operating conditions, as it ensures accurate blade movement. Auto-Gain automatically adjusts the Cross Slope gain setting on the fly, based on the operating conditions.

With Blade Stow, operators can save time and effort by having the machine prepare itself for transport with just a few clicks. The Blade Stow feature is part of the Machine Presets, which also includes other convenient functions.

Auto-Gain improves productivity by eliminating the need for manual adjustments, allowing operators to focus on the task at hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does SmartGrade work?

SmartGrade optimizes performance based on soil type and load size, adjusting the blade to prevent stalling and track slip. This allows for smooth operation in all phases of grading.

How much does a John Deere 872gp grader weight?

The operating weight of a John Deere 872GP grader is 21,600 kg or 47,620 pounds. This significant weight is crucial for its stability and performance on the job site.

Where are John Deere motor graders made?

John Deere motor graders are manufactured at Davenport Works in Davenport, Iowa. This facility also produces other heavy machinery, including wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks.

Pauline Lees

Writer

Pauline Lees is a writer who has a passion for storytelling. She loves to share her thoughts and experiences through her writing, and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Her blog focuses on personal growth, self-improvement, and mental health.

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