John Deere celebrates 50 years of skidder manufacturing

By Swati Sanyal Tarafdar,

Added 08 May 2015

Built on 178 years of groundbreaking innovation, backed by over a half-century in the woods and designed with proven components to withstand the toughest environments, these machines represent the best that is in John Deere as a manufacturer

John Deere celebrates 50th anniversary manufacturing and designing skidders

Latest models of John Deere's utility-class wheel loaders to undergo updates

John Deere Skidder Milestones

1965 - John Deere enters the skidder business with the 440 Cable Skidder, boasting 59 HP and more operator comfort for better safety and productivity.
1973 - At 145 HP, the 740 becomes John Deere's largest skidder to date. New blade and winch options, along with a best-in-class grapple, increase productivity.
1983 - D-Series Introduction: New dual-function grapple with 120-inch opening makes the 640 well suited for work with extra-large bunches. Larger clutch and thicker radiator improve reliability and longevity. New oscillation damper keeps the grapple under control during transport.
1991 - E-Series Launch: While others are content to level the playing field, John Deere continues to change the game. Sealed, isolation-mounted operators' station reduces engine noise and heat. Electronic monitor provides info on vital machine functions. Wider wheel base increases machine stability. Load- and speed-sensing power steering delivers quick response, while 90 degrees of articulation improves maneuverability.
1995 - G-Series Introduction: Wider stances and longer wheelbases ensure unmatched stability. New differential lock switch can be engaged on the go. New grapple with individual tong cylinders provides up to 50 per cent more clamping force. All G-series grapples provide continuous 360 degree rotation. Closed center hydraulics provide quick response and secure clamping force.
2008 - H-Series Introduction: 6.8L Tier 3 engines reduce emissions and increase productivity. Automatic load detection adjusts and maintains the grapple's clamping force if a load is jarred.
2015 - L-Series Introduction: John Deere once again changes the game. Heavy-duty axles extend life up to 15,000 hours. Easy-to-use Continuous Variable Transmission delivers more power to the ground and longer engine life. Cycle times of the boom, arch, and grapple are up to 40 per cent faster. Largest grapple is 25 per cent larger.

Deere and Company is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure.

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