John Deere has unveiled the first new machine form the construction industry has seen in decades — the 764 High Speed Dozer (HSD).
This rubber-tracked dozer combines the speed of a grader with the flotation of a crawler dozer. As a result, operators can perform grading and moderate dozing at approximately double the speed of a similarly sized crawler. They’ll also have the ability to travel 18 mph (29 kmh) across a job site without damaging pavement, according to the manufacturer.
“The 764 HSD has the potential to revolutionize site preparation and road building with its speed alone,” said Dan Drescher, Deere’s product marketing manager for crawler dozers and crawler loaders.
“Combining the rubber tracks with the speed dramatically expands travel possibilities around the job site, meaning less trailer hauling and no need for contractors to lay out mats just to cross pavement,” Drescher said. “Its mobility and also its maneuverability, due to articulated steering, are unprecedented for a dozer.”
Built for Speed, Powered for Production
The 764HSD weighs in at 32,000 lbs. (14,515 kg) and is powered by a Tier-III John Deere PowerTech 6.8-L engine rated at 200 hp (149 kW).
The hydrostatic drivetrain is very efficient in delivering power to the ground on the 764, Drescher explained. The machine’s rubber track and drive system ensures there’s much lower rolling resistance than with a conventional steel track system, so operators can work and travel at much higher speeds.
Twenty-four-in.-wide (61 cm) tracks provide 4,989 sq. in. (32,187 sq cm) of track-on-the-ground for enhanced flotation.
The entire power train system works together to distribute power to the tracks for maximum push while avoiding spin. When the machine articulates, the inside and outside track speeds automatically change to improve turning. The hydrostatic transmission also adjusts to deliver the maximum power and speed to the tracks under varying load conditions.
Speed can be infinitely controlled from 0 to 18 mph, with four ranges available at the touch of a button. Finish grading can be achieved at speeds approximately twice that of a comparably sized dozer.
“The finish grading speed lets operators do precise work faster,” Drescher said. “That means higher production and more profits.”
An articulation joint gives dozer operators increased maneuverability, vital when grading around pavement and helpful when navigating side slopes. While turning, the shorter tracks are swept over less ground than longer tracks, extending life and improving performance.
The fore-mounted operator’s station is close to the 12-ft. (3.6 m), six-way dozer blade and moves with it as the unit turns. This gives the operator a full, panoramic view of the blade at all times and close-quarters control.
“With the 764’s cab position, ample glass, and the fact that the blade is directly in front of you at all times, you get the most complete blade view in the industry,” Drescher said.
The 764 HSD is available with Deere’s “plug-and-play” Integrated Grade Control, meaning the dozer arrives from the factory pre-wired and ready to add the operator’s favorite laser/GPS system. A rear hitch and two hydraulic circuits allow the dozer to pull implements such as scrapers, discs, box blades and compactors, increasing its versatility.
The 764 HSD features familiar, smooth and easy-to-use controls. Two right-hand levers handle blade functions, while the left controls perform steering and FNR/speed change duties.
Proven Components for Uptime
While the 764 HSD is an entirely new machine form, it was developed with components from other Deere-engineered products. The power train, hydraulics, blade and C-frame are from John Deere crawlers, while the cab, engine, controls and articulation joint come from Deere 4WD loaders.
The 764’s undercarriage has been designed as a complete unit for maximum life and performance. It excels in soft conditions due to its flotation and provides a smooth ride at higher speeds to produce a high-quality grade, according to the manufacturer.
Unlike long steel tracks, there are no track segments to make the blade bounce.
A combination of friction and positive contact ensure the rubber tracks deliver long life. Track tensioning systems also work to extend life. All four tracks are fully, independently suspended and can walk smoothly over uneven or bumpy surfaces. The undercarriage is backed by a 3,000-hour wear assurance program.
Serviceability Helps
Lower Daily Costs
Like all John Deere machines, the 764 HSD is engineered for easy maintenance. Daily service points are grouped together for fast access. Lockable service doors provide wide-open access to sight gauges, filters and dipsticks.
There is a 500-hour service interval for hydraulic/transmission filter changes and 2,000 hours for transmission oil.
Deere’s QuadCool System he1ps keep the cooling elements clean and is less susceptible to plugging. The standard reversing fan automatically ejects material at regular intervals, further minimizing clean out time.
The track sprockets are designed to automatically shed material. Ample room between the track and the roller frame allows for easy cleaning during extremely muddy applications.
“When a machine is easy to service, operators don’t mind performing daily maintenance and that leads to fewer repairs down the line, more time in the cab and lower daily operating costs,” Drescher said. “John Deere makes serviceability a win-win situation.”
For more information, visit www.johndeere.com.
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