904 X Wheel Loader

The John Deere designed and built Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) is an exclusive system across the globe providing performance capabilities that cannot be matched by other manufacturers. Benefit from a competitive and sustainable edge throughout the equipment's lifecycle, thanks to this system, delivering unmatched performance and advantages in ReLife, Maintenance, and Reliability that no other manufacturer can replicate. 

How Does the Electric Variable Transmission Work?

• The EVT transmission has a direct input path from the JD9 and JD14 diesel engine which serves as the main power source behind these loaders, a similar setup on all John Deere loaders
• Two electric motors/generator and an inverter are all housed on the EVT itself which allows the system to more efficiently manage torque, power to the ground, and ground speed based on operator demand
• A torque converter is removed from the loader meaning this system provides a near unobstructed path from power to ground from engine to drivetrain

What EVT features are included on X-Tier?

• Coast Control: This feature enables single pedal truck/hopper loading. There are four settings form torque converter to hydrostatic feel.
• Cruise Control: When this feature is set, it will attempt to hold a ground level speed.
• Warmup Logic: This machine will automatically raise engine speed and use clutches to warm up the transmission.

How can the EVT improve my operation?

• The EVT in the Production Class Loaders (excluding the 944 X-Tier) provides class leading fuel efficiency which means you can move more tons or yards of materials, while also burning less fuel. This also helps your operation to become more sustainable while not sacrificing profitability.
• Standard mode is the default setting on the Production Class Loaders (excluding the 944 X-Tier)  and is designed to deliver maximum fuel efficiency while maintaining high levels of productivity.
• Performance Mode increases the base RPM level to maximize responsiveness and improve productivity for the most demanding applications
• The new E-drive system setup helps you realize a 4 to7 percent total cost of ownership lifecycle advantage over conventional drive machines through ReLife, Maintenance, and Reliability advantages

Is this a reliable solution for the heavy demands of the applications I want to run in?

• Reliability of electric components, proven by the 644 X-Tier and 944 X-Tier loaders, translates into total cost of ownership benefits. This means that while the machine may cost more up front, you can save money over the life of the machine through less downtime and more productivity.
• Deere has a history of bringing differentiated E-drive solutions to the market including our 644 X-Tier and 944 X-Tier loaders that combined have more than three million field hours and counting. The EVT, the E-drive component featured in the Production Class Loaders (excluding the 944 X-Tier), has already been field tested in Deere 8 series tractors in addition to the thousands of hours it has been tested on real customer jobsites.

Overview

While there are some major component differences between the X-Tier and P-Tier loaders, there are several common benefits that customers will appreciate that are consistent between both tiers.

Benefits

• The redesigned cab in the P-Tier John Deere Production Class loader lineup features improvements that provide operators with a first-class work environment. The range of creature comfort options are intended to keep operators comfortable and productive no matter what task at hand and these same attributes will be found in X-Tier loaders as well.
• The X-Tier machines will continue to use the TMV axles that have undergone an array of updates over the years to key components like front input bearings, brake discs, spiral bevel pinion and gears and much more
• Electrohydraulic (EH) controls allow for increased functionality to customize machine operations. Operators can adjust settings based on preference to increase productivity across a range of jobsite applications.
• A updated JD9 engine (744 and 824 X-Tier) and aftertreatment system, ground level serviceability, remote programming and diagnostics and extended axle oil and filter interval are all being carried over into the X-Tier loaders

Overview

X-Tier not only means maximizing overall efficiency, but it also means standard features that increase operator comfort and situational awareness. From the premium seat to advanced vision system and everything in between, you’ll enjoy a best-in-class experience when opting for the X-Tier loaders

Benefits

• Standard on the X-Tier loaders is the advanced vision and advanced object detection systems which can help lower total cost of ownership and machine downtime through enhanced visibility and radar objection systems that improve operator situational awareness and confidence
• Advanced Vision System increases the range of view on both sides of the machine and enhances the field of view beyond conventional mirrors to make the operator more comfortable with their surroundings while operating the loader
• Advanced Object Detection System adds dynamic reversal projected path lines that assist the operator in visualizing the anticipated reversal path of the loader based on its articulation in order to provide better line of sight to objects or people that may be directly within that path
• Premium trim features like heavy duty seat, Bluetooth radio, deluxe LED lights and tire pressure monitoring system come in base on the X- Tier loaders
• If you are planning on utilizing the loader as an every and all-day machine, you will benefit from the creature comfort features like premium, heavy duty seat with heating and ventilation and AM/FM radio with Bluetooth
• For those hauling material over longer distances like in an Aggregates or Roadbuilding applications, the addition of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System can help them increase tire life and lower fuel consumptions by ensuring tires are properly inflated throughout the day

Building on the advanced object detection technology offerings, SmartDetect is available on John Deere Utility and Production Class Loaders, as a field kit or factory install. This technology provides visual and audible alerts to the operator, to increase situational awareness of people or objects around the machine. There is also a distinct audible alarm to alert the bystander.

• Builds upon our operator centered Advanced Vision System by incorporating smart obstacle intelligence on the job site
• Featured on the in-cab display are projected path lines when in reverse; the in-cab display will also show the operator potential hazards in close proximity
• Alerts operator and bystander through distinct audible alarms
  • Operator Alerts:
    • Alerts operator of all objects behind the loader
    • Provides unique audible and visual alerts when a bystander is detected
    • Alerts triggered on speed-based zones
  • Bystander Alerts:
    • Provides a unique external alarm to warn bystanders when they are detected in close proximity

Option code 6525 is required for SmartDetect. The rear counterweight and wide hitch with pin is required for SmartDetect. Option Code: 6525. See image below.

SmartDetect Digital

Customers can view footage of near miss events captured through SmartDetect by subscribing to SmartDetect Digital, available in John Deere Operations Center web and mobile.

The digital footage captured consists of:

• Push notification alerts for near miss events (Received within ~30 minutes)
• Event based near miss report and corresponding video
• Weekly report of technology usage and event summary
• Event heat map summary for jobsite operation optimization and trend analysis

The 844 X-Tier and 904 X-Tier support customers who run their machines hard, lots of hours over lots of days. The 844 X-Tier and 904 X-Tier will support customers and help them manage their long-term cost. Customers will be able to deliver as much or more to their bottom line all while decreasing their cost. Total cost of ownership savings are up to 4 percent through ReLife, maintenance, fuel, and reliability when compared to traditional equipment and machinery that use established operational methods, such as powershift transmissions with torque converters.

How is Total Cost of Ownership Lowered?

• Improved Fuel Economy: Customers can save fuel while moving more tons of material which translates into class leading fuel efficiency. 
• Reduced Tire Wear: Pile Slip Assist proactively enables differential lock ahead of pile engagement which reduces tire slip, improves bucket fill, and lowers cycle times. This feature reduces total cost of ownership through decreased tire wear, extending tire life.
• Reliable Electric Components: Reliability of electric components translates into total cost of ownership benefits for customers. These components allow for less downtime and more productivity up to 5 percent
• ReLife: Because of the unique design of the 844 and 904 X-Tier transmission, rebuild costs are up to 55 percent less than similar sized traditional torque converter style transmission.