John Deere Skid Steers — 2016 Spec Guide
Eight Units from the Popular Construction, Landscape and Ag Brand
Since their inception in a small town in Minnesota at the dawn of the 1960s, skid steers have grown in stature as compact, efficient and valuable machines for worksites of all shapes and sizes. From construction to landscape to agriculture, industries have seen an increased need for smaller, more affordable, yet equally efficient machines to get the job done. Over the years, John Deere has improved each generation of skid steer from the original 24 Model to the current state-of-the-art lineup, which, despite their compact size, can handle tasks that were once reserved for larger equipment.
John Deere understands that to be competitive, you need machines that maximize productivity and uptime at low daily operating costs. Whether updating an existing machine or designing a new model, Deere gets extensive input through the Customer Advocate Group process. The new Final Tier 4 small frame G-Series Skid Steers (312GR, 314G, 316GR, 318G) are great examples of how well this works. Customers asked for more productivity, better visibility and simplified service. John Deere answered by improving these areas and by adding many other features that make these new models even easier to run and maintain.
Having choices was a key theme John Deere heard from customers. John Deere listened and responded with two vertical-lift and two radial-lift options. The smaller entry-level 312GR (radial lift) and 314G (vertical lift) offer great value with simple designs and manual controls, keeping them easy to run and maintain. Need a little power and finesse? John Deere has you covered with the 316GR (radial lift) and 318G (vertical lift). These larger performance models offer even more choices in the form of more options – including electrohydraulic joystick controls, a two-speed option (316GR); and an enhanced deluxe LED lighting system, air conditioning and ride control.
The 324E skid steer is the newest addition to the mid-frame E-Series line of skid steer loaders. It joins the 320E and is a shining example of customer input in action. The new 324E skid steer packs all of the performance features of its larger-framed siblings into an agile, ultra-efficient compact design. The result is an affordable machine that completely outperforms its size and the competition. John Deere offers all major control patterns on the E-Series models, so the operator can decide how the work gets done. This includes ISO, H-pattern, or foot/joystick electrohydraulic (EH) joystick controls. The E-Series also features an industry-exclusive option that allows the operator to switch between all three control patterns, at any time, with the push of a button.
The 330G and 332G are the latest addition to the G-Series line-up and feature increased horsepower, improved boom performance and optimal visibility on the jobsite.
Advice to Buyers
“Work with your dealer to understand your options – such as the difference between radial lift and vertical lift boom configurations,” says Gregg Zupancic, John Deere product marketing manager for skid steers and compact track loaders. “Radial lift offers more reach at mid-range lift heights, and is good for digging grading and backfilling. Vertical lift provides more lift height and reach at the top of the lift path, for more stability. Both options are great, but you have to be sure it matches your application and priorities – and your dealer can be a great resource to help you choose a machine designed with your needs in mind.”
