2010 News Releases and Information

MOLINE, Illinois (July 29, 2010) — John Deere has added an Interim Tier 4 (IT4) engine option for its 744K 4WD loader that gives customers an industry first: the first piece of big iron to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) IT4 emissions regulations.

The John Deere PowerTech™ 9.0-L IT4 diesel engine for installation in the 744K was certified by the EPA in March 2010 and uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology to meet emissions regulations while producing the same 304 hp and big-time torque as a 744K equipped with a Tier 3 engine.

"Customers asked us for a simple, proven technology to help them meet regulations that wouldn't skimp on the productivity or durability they're used to in John Deere wheel loaders," said Jahmy Hindman, product marketing manager for wheel loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry.

"We responded with the 744K. The 744K with the IT4 engine is a tested, certified and proven wheel loader that's available at dealers right now. The fact that we're out with it early as an option is also a response to contractors who need the highest emission tier available, or Best Available Control Technology (BACT), on machines that can still qualify for use in non-attainment areas or when facing regional emissions laws," Hindman said.

A Rigorously Tested Emissions Solution

Deere's chosen technology path for meeting IT4 emissions, cooled EGR with exhaust filter, is a simple solution to help customers meet emissions challenges.

"Our customers wanted a simple solution with one fluid – diesel fuel – and no concerns about storage or temperature," Hindman said. "EGR is also field-proven in a variety of customer applications. It's the right technology in the right product, right now."

The 744K IT 4 machine has undergone thousands of hours of thorough customer testing in very harsh conditions. In Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, in February 2010, the 744K cleared snow and moved pipe in extreme cold. It was also operated at altitudes above 10,000 feet in typical quarry load-out use. In addition, it has been tested in continuous use applications like municipal waste transfer. Throughout, the 744K loader and IT4 engine delivered high performance and productivity.

"Because John Deere makes the engine for the 744K, the engine and its EGR emissions solution are fully integrated into the unit, and supported by John Deere dealers everywhere," Hindman added. "This systems integration benefit ensures that the addition of the diesel exhaust filter is transparent to the operation of the machine. Operators notice very little difference between an IT4 unit and a Tier 3."

The 744K IT4 unit features all the other hallmarks of Deere's K-Series 4WD loaders, including the Quad-Cool™ system and a multi-function easy-to-read color LCD monitor with onboard diagnostics. The NeverGrease™ pin joint option keeps joints tight longer for more productive operation, extending pin life overall and eliminating daily greasing. Single-side ground-level service makes daily maintenance easy.

John Deere (Deere & Company — NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation.
John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products through a network of more than 1,300 dealer locations worldwide.