The new blade shake feature with EH controls helps make every operator more productive. The EH system on the 550K, 650K as well as the 700K is more responsive to operator inputs and the machine will significantly grade better when equipped with a grade control system. A larger hydraulic pump is now available as standard equipment with the 550K and 650K for both mechanical controls and the updated electro-hydraulic system. Machine hydraulics were updated for improved performance and response, and offer new features when optional electro-hydraulic controls are ordered. The motors were also upgraded from a two-speed design to a variable displacement design to optimize pushing power and drawbar pull. Updates were made to the electronic control system for improved response and controllability, increasing productivity and enhancing the operator experience. The new crawler models continue to utilize hydrostatic transmissions, a feature John Deere pioneered in crawler dozers in North America in 1976. Additionally, all models feature excellent total fluid economy (diesel fuel and DEF). Extensive testing allowed John Deere’s DPF to go up to 15,000 hours before ash removal. Operators don’t have to worry about diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning as it still occurs automatically with no impact to machine operation. Pushing and holding the button will allow the operator to find the desired speed range. Speed increase and decrease buttons will cause engine RPM to either go to wide open throttle or to low idle. A new push button throttle controls engine RPM, as opposed to a rotary dial. This new feature has the potential to save customers upwards of 20% in fuel with no loss in productivity in many applications. The 700K boasts a PowerTech 6.8L Tier 4 Final diesel engine with 130 hp, a 5 hp increase over its Tier 4 Interim predecessor.Īll three models incorporate John Deere’s new Eco Mode feature that optimizes fuel economy while maintaining ground speed by automatically adjusting engine speed and transmission settings based on load. The 550K and 650K incorporate a PowerTech 4.5L Tier 4 Final diesel engine with 92 and 104 hp respectively. “In addition to engine updates, John Deere added some new features customers will appreciate, including the electro-hydraulic system, Eco mode, blade shake, push button throttle and courtesy lighting.” "The 550K, 650K and 700K crawlers are built on the success of the K-Series lineup and boast many new updated features like their 850K and 1050K cousins," says Mark Oliver, Crawler Dozers Product Marketing Manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. The K-Series dozers provide contractors a Tier 4 Final product that affords higher productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating costs in earth moving and grading applications. The John Deere 550K, 650K and 700K Crawler Dozers not only meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards, but also incorporate value-enhancing features such as Eco mode and an updated electro-hydraulic (EH) control system.