The John Deere 210L and 210L EP tractor loaders are now available with both a grade control-ready option and a grade indicate option—both of which are installed at the factory.
Combined with an updated box blade, the systems give the machines productivity increases in jobs such as site prep, road building and landscaping jobs, Deere says.
The new box blade attachment both cuts the grade and accurately spreads materials. Deere says the increased clearance of the ripper mechanism on the box blade allows rock and gravel to more readily pass through the frame. It also features fewer moving parts and the ripper hook has improved locking in the working position.
Designed to support 2D or 3D grade control systems, the configuration allows for automatic controls of the box blade’s lift and tilt cylinders. Because it is installed at the factory, this grade control-ready solution requires no hydraulic hose disconnections or bracket welding.
By adding grade control to a tractor loader, “operators can finish jobs faster with fewer passes and less rework,” says Brian Hennings, Deere’s product marketing manager for backhoes and tractor loaders. “This results in less fatigue and more productivity, ultimately boosting the business’s bottom line.”
To finish the install of grade control systems, customers can work with their dealer to select a technology provider (e.g., Topcon, Trimble or Leica) and have the finishing kit installed on the machine.
For those that aren’t interested in a full grade control solution, the new factory-installed grade indication option for these tractor loaders provides an on-board readout of the machine cross slope and main fall slope in real time within the existing machine’s display. It requires no additional hardware or software.
The 210L is powered a 93-horsepower Deere PowerTech Plus Diesel engine. The 69-horsepower 210L EP has a Yanmar engine that requires no emissions after treatment. Both models are equipped with a four-speed PowerShift transmission.
The on-the-fly mechanical front-wheel drive gives extra traction in poor jobsite conditions or to move heavy loads. An optional limited-slip front axle delivers 65 percent of available power to the tire.
Compared with Deere’s K-Series tractor loaders, loader lift cycle times increased 26 percent and loader lifting capacity rose 17 percent.
An optional ride control option gives the front loader hydraulic cylinders the ability to act as shock absorbers with or without full loads, and smooths box blading over rough terrain.