With a unified design and more than 100 improvements, John Deere’s 300 Series skid steers are more productive and more reliable than ever before.
“Every feature of the new 300 Series was designed with productivity, uptime and operating cost in mind,” said Larry Foster, product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry Division. “Owners of these new machines get more done, more reliably for lower daily cost.”
Enhanced Productivity, Performance
The 300 Series machines provide numerous features that enhance productivity.
Among these is superior stability, resulting in faster speeds and quicker cycles.
This stability is delivered by a low center of gravity due to heavy components being mounted lower in the frame; a long wheelbase that provides smoother ride with less fore-to-aft rocking; optimal balance due to 60/40 weight distribution on the front and rear axles and larger tires.
A vertical-lift boom provides a true vertical lift pattern, ensuring the machine remains stable when lifting heavy palletized loads from flat beds. The boom allows maximum reach to be achieved at full lift height, ideal for center load placement during truck loading.
Thirty-five-degree rollback translates into a level bucket at carry position, resulting in more material carried with less spillage. A 45-degree dump angle allows quick and clean shedding of material from the bucket.
In addition, ample height-to-hinge pin provides the extra clearance needed when loading high side-boarded trucks, and cushioned cylinders ensure a smooth deceleration at the end of the boom lower cycle for less noise and reduced material spillage.
Like the prior John Deere skid steer line, the 300 Series features the company’s Quik-Tatch technology. The option provides effortless attachment engagement and disengagement from the operator’s seat with a simple push of a button.
Hydraulics delivered to the loader boom, bucket and attachments also enhance productivity. High flow hydraulics is available as a factory-installed option for equipment owners requiring more hydraulic power.
“Massive breakout forces provide the performance needed for tough digging, as well as heavy load and carry operations; and best-in-class hydraulic horsepower maximizes the performance of attachments,” said Foster. “In short, the 300 Series skid steers can mill and trench more feet per hour than competitive machines.”
The 300 Series machines’ John Deere Power Tech engines provide maximum performance and lugging capability.
Direct-injection, high-ring piston design results in optimal starting and excellent fuel economy, and hydraulic valve lifters provide quieter operation and eliminate valve lash adjustments.
Several operator station features provide increased protection while boosting operator performance, including 360-degree visibility; wet-disk brakes that apply automatically anytime the seat belt is unfastened, the operator leaves the seat, cab door is opened, engine is shut down or brake switch is engaged; and lower steps and four handholds that provide easy entry and exit.
On models 317 and 320, low-effort manual pump controls allow a full day’s operation without fatigue, while models 325, 328 and 332 feature Servo pump controls that provide light, controllable efforts for increased productivity. Hand controls are available as a factory installed option.
An instrumentation package provides more than 20 enhancements, including automatic preheat; glove friendly rocker switches; a larger LCD for easier viewing; job clock; sealed rocker switches for increased reliability; diagnostic codes for quick problem source identification; self diagnostics check; automatic shutdown with alarm; and an audible low fuel warning with LCD text message.
An integral, in-cab boom lock is engaged and disengaged from within the safety of the operator station and can never be lost or misplaced.
Optional hydraulic self-leveling eliminates spillage and automatically adjusts bucket cylinders to maintain a level load position throughout the loader arm raise cycle.
Optional four-season cab enclosure, which features air-conditioning and a heater/defroster to allow the operator to control temperature and humidity, has been enhanced to provide more than 30 percent more air flow. All air-conditioning components are easily accessed for maintenance or service.
Low Daily Operating Costs
Several design improvements keep costs low by ensuring fast and easy service of the 300 Series machines, according to Foster.
The oil cooler swings out with rear door for full, easy inspection or cleaning. Engine oil changes are simplified with extended, 500-hour oil change intervals with John Deere Plus 50 engine oil and filter. All models are equipped with visual hydraulic fluid level checks, resulting in fast, easy and no-mess daily checks.
A quick-pivoting ROPS provides access to major components — simply remove two nuts and raise the ROPS in two minutes or less. The rear door, engine top cover and side panels provide quick, no-tool access, while a single-point lock for vandal protection secures all engine and hydraulic service points and fluid reservoirs.
In addition, environmentally friendly, easily accessed drains are provided for all fluids, eliminating excess effort and mess.
Today's top stories
