John Deere Compact Wheel Loaders Summarized — 2019 Spec Guide
Offering Articulation Plus, an Exclusive Steering System
John Deere has been offering compact wheel loaders to handle a variety of jobsite conditions for more than 30 years. John Deere entered the compact wheel loader market in 1987 and still offers small, yet mighty machines that meet the many needs of compact equipment customer applications. John Deere offers five compact wheel loader models in its lineup. The newest of these being the 244L and 324L, along with the 344L to round out models with the John Deere exclusive Articulation Plus steering system.
John Deere’s 204L and 304L models are built for tasks that require peak productivity in small spaces and over rough terrain. These models offer a purpose-built, standard-equipped, two-post canopy to provide quick entrance and exit to a weatherproof interior. A low machine profile below 8 ft enables easy access to close quarters. These machines reach top speeds of 12 mph, offering great reach for loading and a height to hinge pin of 11 ft, 1 in. An oscillating pivot point reduces operator station tilt for a stable ride. Electrical systems are designed to minimize wires and connections to provide easier serviceability and increase durability and uptime.
The 244L and 324L went into the market at the end of 2018. Along with the 344L, the company says these units offer a smooth auto shift technology, keeping the operator focused on the job while enabling the 244L and 324L to travel up to 23 mph and the 344L up to 25 mph. The loader arms and couplers were designed to provide improved parallel lifting, especially for operators using forks. These three models all come with a redesigned cab that includes an optional air-ride, high-back seat to reduce operator fatigue.
The 244L, 324L and 344L offer Articulation Plus, the industry-exclusive steering system, allowing operators to lift more during turns than leading competitive machines, says John Deere. Its design features an articulated frame plus rear-wheel steer, providing additional lift capacity, a tighter turning radius and improved stability. In addition, manual low-speed differential lock delivers the traction needed to go deeper into the pile for bigger bucket loads. The 324L offers the highest lift in its size-class, reaching a hinge pin height of 149 in. with a high-lift package option, says John Deere. Increased clearance-to-lift features are ideal for speed hoppers and agricultural material handling.
Most models are compatible with almost 100 John Deere attachments. An optional push-button activated skid steer-style coupler allows operators to connect and release attachments quickly, without leaving the seat. For more information, visit your local John Deere dealer.
Advice to Buyers
“Compact loaders are specialists when it comes to bucket and fork work but can also be used with a wide variety of attachments when needed. They provide excellent visibility, great operator comfort and can quickly and efficiently carry material across a site,” says Drew Miller, John Deere product marketing manager. “In order to maximize your compact loader, make sure you’re confident that you can pick up and move what you need to where you need to.”
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