Innovative Iron Award: John Deere’s P-Tier Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders

The off-highway equipment industry has made significant strides in 2024, introducing machines that are smarter, greener and more efficient and powerful than ever before. Compact Equipment‘s 2024 Innovative Iron Awards celebrate these advancements, highlighting equipment that sets new standards in performance, sustainability and operator comfort. See all the winners here. Now, let’s celebrate…

John Deere’s P-Tier Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders

John Deere’s new P-Tier skid steers and compact track loaders — the 330, 334, 331, 333 and 335 — bring a host of operator-focused features that are aiming to redefine productivity on the jobsite. These machines debut with a powerful lineup of cool tech, like the industry-exclusive SmartGrade Ready, offering 2D and 3D grade control options for the 333 and 335 P-Tier models, and the Attachment Manager, which customizes settings for optimal attachment performance.

The P-Tier models also feature a fully redesigned, larger cab with enhanced comfort — sealed, pressurized and now with a premium touchscreen display and hands-free Bluetooth calling. With 20 percent better visibility than previous models, John Deere has further boosted situational awareness with Surround View technology, providing a 270-degree view that increases safety and precision. Complementing the powerful new machines are three attachments — the CP40G cold planer and MK76 and MH72D mulching heads — that enhance versatility for complex applications. Even the Quick-Tatch coupler has been improved for faster attachment switching. Let’s get into the details on these awesome new models.

Enhanced Technology: SmartGrade and PCLS Hydraulics

John Deere’s P-Tier machines take technology to the next level with features like SmartGrade Ready tech, available on the 333 and 335 compact track loaders. This system supports both 2D grade control and 3D SmartGrade with Topcon, offering impressive precision for grading applications. By automating complex tasks, SmartGrade reduces the need for rework, saving time and materials.

These machines also feature a Pressure Compensating Load Sensing (PCLS) hydraulic system, an upgrade over traditional open-center hydraulics. PCLS adjusts hydraulic output based on demand, providing optimal performance for attachments while improving fuel efficiency. The system’s ability to deliver precise flow control enhances multi-function capabilities. This allows operators to run attachments like mulchers or cold planers while maintaining hydraulic strength for lifting and maneuvering.

With 4,000 psi system pressure and a high-flow rate of 44 gpm, the 334 and 335 P-Tier models are built for demanding tasks. The hydraulic horsepower on these machines delivers the power needed for advanced attachments. It makes them ideal for industries requiring heavy-duty performance.

Operator Comfort: Redesigned Cab

The P-Tier models feature a fully redesigned, one-piece cab that prioritizes operator comfort and efficiency. Unlike previous two-piece designs, the new cab seals out noise, dust and vibration more effectively, creating a quieter and cleaner work environment. Larger rubber isolators reduce vibration further, improving operator focus and reducing fatigue during long workdays.

Inside, operators will find heated and ventilated seats, hands-free Bluetooth audio and optimized joystick controls. The 8-in. touchscreen display, standard on the 334 and 335 models, offers intuitive machine control and integrates John Deere’s Attachment Manager feature. This system allows operators to preprogram flow and pressure settings for specific attachments, ensuring optimal performance and preventing damage caused by improper configurations. Helping take control to the next level, the optimized joystick controllers enable more tasks to be completed with easy to reach and adjustable controls that offer personalized setup. The new 25 button SSM puts all functions in one spot, eliminates rocker switches and makes it easier to quickly make machine adjustments while operating.

Enhanced Visibility on John Deere P-Tier Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders

Improved visibility enhances safety and precision. The one-piece cab design allows for more glass, providing a 20 percent increase in sightlines compared to the G-Series. Operators can see the tracks, tires, and ground more clearly, helping to avoid obstacles and improve applications like grading accuracy. Enhancing visibility, John Deere’s Surround View dynamically integrates two boom mounted cameras in addition to a rear camera onto a dedicated monitor that provides a 270-degress view of the sides and rear of the machine.

Lastly, the John Deere Operations Center and its telematics services will continue to be included on all large-frame Deere track loaders and skid steers, enabling fleet managers to monitor machine location, codes, fuel usage and other key features more efficiently. Enabling data sharing with a dealer streamlines maintenance and repairs and can help prevent downtime when issues are identified early.

Maintenance Made Simple

Maintenance is a priority for the new P-Tier lineup. The one-piece cab tilts upward, providing ground-level access to the engine, drivetrain and undercarriage. This design simplifies servicing, enabling technicians to perform routine maintenance or repairs quickly. The onboard diagnostics system further streamlines troubleshooting. Operators can use the touchscreen display to access detailed information about machine settings and active diagnostic codes. By identifying issues early, this system reduces downtime and keeps machines working longer.

Find out more about some of the largest skid steers on the market.

Understanding John Deere’s Tier Strategy

John Deere’s Tier strategy helps customers choose the right equipment for their needs:

• G-Tier: Economy models offering durability and essential features at a lower price point.
• P-Tier: Performance-focused machines designed for a wide range of customers, offering advanced features and high efficiency.
• X-Tier: Premium models featuring cutting-edge technology, including electric and hybrid powertrains.

The P-Tier skid steers and CTLs strike a balance between affordability and performance, making them suitable for various applications and industries.

Attachments Drive Innovation

John Deere’s commitment to innovation extends to its attachments, which play a critical role in the functionality of its compact equipment. The MK76 and MH72D mulching heads and the CP40G cold planer are new additions to Deere’s lineup, designed to expand jobsite capabilities. The MK76 and MH72D mulching heads tackle land-clearing applications with ease, handling fibrous vegetation and producing fine chips to minimize cleanup. The CP40G cold planer, equipped with intuitive controls and Wirtgen Group cutting technology, delivers precise milling performance for road and surface repair tasks. As mentioned, John Deere’s updated Quick-Tatch system simplifies attachment changes, reducing downtime and increasing jobsite efficiency.

Attachments have redefined what skid steers and track loaders can accomplish. Power hungry tools like cold planers, mulchers, augers and breakers have turned compact loaders into versatile machines capable of replacing larger equipment like backhoes and wheel loaders on certain jobsites. In recent years, advancements in grade control technologies and hydraulics have made these machines even more capable, allowing contractors to use them for applications traditionally handled by small dozers or motor graders. As attachment options continue to grow, compact loaders like the 334 and 335 P-Tier models will remain indispensable tools for contractors — especially in earthworks operations.

John Deere P-Tier Loader Specifications

Skid Steers

330 P-Tier Skid Steer

• Gross Rated Power: 98 hp
• Net Peak Power: 95 hp
• Tipping Load: 5,900 lbs
• Maximum Speed: 12.5 mph
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 25.5 gal

334 P-Tier Skid Steer

• Gross Rated Power: 118 hp
• Net Peak Power: 114 hp
• Tipping Load: 8,000 lbs
• Maximum Speed: 12 mph
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 35.5 gal

Compact Track Loaders

331 P-Tier Compact Track Loader

• Gross Rated Power: 98 hp
• Net Peak Power: 95 hp
• Tipping Load: 8,857 lbs
• Maximum Speed: 7.8 mph
• Ground Bearing Pressure: 5.5 psi

333 P-Tier Compact Track Loader

• Gross Rated Power: 108.5 hp
• Net Peak Power: 105.8 hp
• Tipping Load: 11,000 lbs
• Maximum Speed: 8.5 mph
• Ground Bearing Pressure: 4.8 psi

335 P-Tier Compact Track Loader

• Gross Rated Power: 118 hp
• Tipping Load: 11,500 lbs
• Maximum Speed: 8.5 mph
• Ground Bearing Pressure: 4.8 psi

Go Check Out John Deere’s P-Tier Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders

John Deere’s P-Tier skid steers and compact track loaders represent a significant leap forward in compact equipment design. With advanced technology, operator-focused features and superior hydraulic systems, these machines meet the demands of modern contractors. The 334 and 335 models exemplify the power, versatility and innovation that have made compact loaders the most popular category of compact equipment in America. Whether for construction, landscaping or rental applications, John Deere’s P-Tier machines deliver the performance and efficiency needed to succeed. For more information on John Deere’s compact equipment lineup, visit JohnDeere.com.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.