John Deere has gone from strength to strength while remaining at the cutting edge of innovative machinery. Looking back on 2023 provides an opportunity to review its enormous achievements.
“At John Deere, we continue to provide customers with ground-breaking, smart technologies aimed to improve user experience in the present and yield proven results in the future,” says Andrew Kahler, Senior Group Product Manager of Precision Construction, John Deere Construction & Forestry.
2023 was a testament to that commitment to innovation and improvement. At the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG show, John Deere showcased its latest technology offerings. It included advanced vision and object detection solutions, SmartWeigh, standard EZ Grade on P-Tier small dozers and a variety of other grade management and automation solutions available to customers.
“Our portfolio of precision construction technologies is strategically curated to help our customers manage their fleets,” says Kahler. “It also improves job site performance and enhances operator skillsets. Our technologies are helping to equip the next generations of construction professionals.”
Innovative technological developments
The next phase of Deere’s technology journey was displayed with SmartDetect and SmartDetect with Assist. SmartDetect combines cameras and machine learning to help give operators a better view of their surroundings.
The system alerts operators when an object enters the machine’s projected travel path and provides unique detection alerts for people in the camera’s entire field of view. SmartDetect Assist ensures the machine will automatically stop before touching a person.
The SmartWeigh payload-weighing solution for John Deere wheel loaders allows operators to load their vehicles accurately without rework. It’s available as a factory-installed or field-kit option. SmartWeigh is fully integrated with the Operations Center, ensuring payload data is available whenever and wherever needed. It is designed to maximise job site efficiency and increase operational profitability.
Education and sustainability
2023 saw the rise of attention and education to important considerations for the industry, such as sustainability. John Deere is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and ensuring the sustainability of its engines.
It was an opportunity to highlight several key initiatives the company is undertaking to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This includes improving its machines’ fuel efficiency. Over the past decade, John Deere has achieved an average fuel efficiency improvement of 16 per cent across its construction equipment product line. This has been accomplished through engine technology improvements and machine design enhancements.
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In addition to improving fuel efficiency, John Deere is also investing in alternative fuel technologies. For example, the company has developed a hybrid-electric powertrain for its wheel loader machines, which can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40 per cent. The company is also exploring the use of biofuels, such as biodiesel, to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Reman Day
John Deere also celebrated Reman Day this year. It highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of remanufactured parts. Reman Day also provided an opportunity to showcase its influential role in growing business and industry sustainability. John Deere Reman is a world leader in producing remanufactured parts at equal or better standards than the original. This helps to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
“Remanufacturing was an integral contributor to the company’s mission,“ John Deere Australia and New Zealand Director of Aftermarket and Customer Support Emma Ford says. “It’s an opportunity to connect with businesses and customers worldwide to sustainably support communities as the global population grows.”
Workplace safety and smart technology
Another essential topic John Deere is committed to is job site safety. This was achieved through precision construction and intelligent technology in machines. John Deere not only focuses on innovation in machines that make jobs easier and more efficient. It also makes machines that make the job safer.
Precision construction is about total control of what operators are doing with their machinery.
One way to do that is with Deere Obstacle Intelligence. Obstacle Intelligence uses a combination of cameras, radar, and machine learning to protect anyone and anything in close proximity.
“2023 has proved to be an exciting and innovative year shaped by environmental and people-focused considerations,” says Kahler.
“Looking into 2024, John Deere is excited and focused on improving and advancing how machines can help people and businesses reduce their environmental impact.”
This article was originally published in the December edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.