John Deere Adds Three Track Models to Scraper Special Series Tractor Line

Wed December 14, 2011
Aggregate Equipment Guide

John Deere introduced the 9R/9RT Scraper Special Series Tractors, providing contractors improved productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating costs on the job site. The highlight of the new series is the unveiling of three track models — the 9460RT, 9510RT and 9560RT — designed for the toughest earthmoving applications and work site conditions. The new line-up also includes three wheeled models — 9460R, 9510R, 9560R. The full line is equipped with a fuel-efficient, high-torque IT4 13.5L PowerTech PSX engine featuring 460 to 560 hp (343 to 417 kW).

“With six new models available from John Deere, earthmoving contractors can choose the scraper tractor best suited for their application needs,” said Mark Oliver, product marketing manager of scraper systems, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “In particular, our special track models will help contractors navigate the harshest terrains on their job site.”

Special Track Tractors

The 9460RT, 9510RT and 9560RT are equipped with the Durabuilt 5500 Series Scraper rubber track in a 30-in. (76 cm) width. These tracks are manufactured with four-ply layers and are designed for tough debris and resistance to high side loads. To increase durability, John Deere enhanced the internal construction with a heavy-duty main cable and optimized it for puncture resistance.

“Operators asked us for a tracked tractor to give them a comfortable and dynamic piece of equipment suitable for use on soft, low friction and uneven ground,” Oliver said. “The new 9RT models will allow these contractors to be more productive throughout all job site conditions and drive profits to the bottom line.”

Answering the customers’ requests, all 9RT Series Track Tractors are equipped with an AirCushion suspension system. This suspension isolates the entire front chassis when operating on harsh, uneven terrain. The entire system is fully automatic and requires no operator adjustment or special care. In addition, this system allows the tractor to travel much faster over rough terrain found in everyday operations, while increasing operator comfort, according to the manufacturer.

CommandView II Cab

Fitted with the CommandView II Cab, the 9R/9T Series tractors provide operators a spacious and comfortable cab. The new cab design and layout takes the mobile office environment to a whole new level with easy-to-use fingertip controls and enhanced visibility, convenience and productivity. Improvements to the cab include a 10 percent increase in overall cab volume, seven percent more glass area and four times more storage area over the previous CommandView cab.

In addition to a new cab design, John Deere incorporated many creature comfort features to ensure a productive and enjoyable ride. The right-hand console from previous models was removed to improve visibility and provide more space. In its place, John Deere added a right-hand convenience area. This area includes: two cup holders, an ISO connector, power outlets, an MP3 jack (premium radio option required) and storage for cell phones, MP3 players, etc.

The functions and features formerly located on the right-hand console were relocated to the redesigned CommandARM, including a new 7-in. color CommandCenter display. The CommandArm provides fingertip controls of key tractor functions, including throttle, transmission speed and direction, and selective control valves. Additional adjustments and configuration settings are made on the optional touch-screen capable GreenStar (GS3) CommandCenter display.

Transmission

In an effort to lower daily operating costs, John Deere incorporated the Powershift transmission (PST) with efficiency manager as base equipment on all 9R/9RT Scraper Special Tractors. This transmission allows the tractor to operate at an optimal performance level while minimizing fuel consumption. With a thumb wheel located on the transmission lever, the efficiency manager gives pinpoint ground-speed control by allowing the operator to set speeds for transport or when the operator is not in the cut loading dirt. Efficiency manager also allows maximum efficiency and productivity from the tractor through continuous communication between the engine and transmission. The program can make appropriate adjustments based on inputs received from the tractor and matches engine and transmission performance to ground speed, providing a fuel-efficient tractor.

JDLink and Service Advisor Remote Capability

For those fleet managers, owners or operators looking to get the most out of their equipment, the JDLink system continuously collects and transmits machine data for machine management via mobile phone technology. The system enables the preventive maintenance and remote diagnostics of tractors, as well as the tracking of machines working on multiple job sites. John Deere provides its customer with the tools to optimize their tractor’s performance.

Additional Enhancements

The 9R/9RT Scraper Series Tractors incorporate feedback directly from John Deere customers. To start, John Deere included a new common hydraulic/transmission/axle oil reservoir that provides the operator many benefits, including improved oil level management and a common oil reservoir that improves ease of operation by decreasing the number of checkpoints. Additionally, the oil reservoir allows the operator to easily maintain the proper oil level for all conditions. For improved serviceability, the 9R wheel tractor now has two hydraulic oil filters, instead of one. This enhancement increases the service interval from 750 hours to 1,500 hours.

Other improved features on the scraper tractors include enhanced fender coverage, upgrades to the frame, chassis and axles, and a standard tow cable. The increased tire fender coverage helps the operator spend less time cleaning dirt and mud off windows and more time in the cab. The foundation of the 9R Scraper Special Series is a three-section frame with components specifically designed for the harsh demands of the job site. Axle flats integrated on 4.72-in. (12 cm.) diameter axles offer improved wheel attachment and reduced maintenance. The axle lubrication system features pressurized cooled and filtered oil for greater axle component reliability and service life. In addition, the tow cable is now included as base equipment and is no longer a field install only kit.

For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.