John Deere has announced several new technological features for its Grade Pro series of motor graders — Auto-Pass, Auto-Shift Plus, Configurable Float and SmartGrade Remote Support.
These features will help reduce operator fatigue, enhance the operating experience and add functionality, the company says.
Auto-Pass programs machine movements at the beginning and end of a grading pass and can be programmed to raise and rotate the blade 180 degrees while simulatenously placing the blade on the ground for the next pass.
This feature will be optional on Deere’s Grade Pro series graders and standard on its SmartGrade models.
The company describes Auto-Pass and Auto-Shift Plus as “industry exclusive”, with the latter feature removing the need for using the inching pedal by giving the operator increased control and allowing the machine to come to a complete stop without stalling.
Coming as standard on all Grade Pro machines, Configurable Float will allow float switches to be programmed to control any auxiliary function.
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John Deere’s 872GP grader is one model that will benefit from the upgrades
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SmartGrade Remote Support, as the name suggests, will allow the dealer to connect remotely to the machine to troubleshoot issues, upgrade software and remotely transfer project files.
Deere’s solutions marketing manager Matt Goedert says the company has a long history of technological and mechanical innovation and these updates were another example of that.
“We’re still striving to deliver industry-leading capabilities that allow any operator — new or experienced — to work more efficiently on the job site,” he says.
“The latest features build upon that legacy, allowing us to put even more power and precision into the hands of the operator.”