Deere Unveils 744 & 824 X-Tier Wheel Loaders With E-Drive, Pile Slip Assist

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The 28-ton John Deere 744 X-Tier’s E-Drive electric variable transmission provides instant torque and single-pedal operation. (Photo courtesy of Deere & Company.)

John Deere recently introduced its new X-Tier and 824 X-Tier production-class wheel loaders, which are diesel-powered hybrid models with an E-Drive electric variable transmission (EVT). The manufacturer says E-Drive is a simpler, more efficient drivetrain component that instantaneously provides power. The new X-Tier loaders bring greater productivity, visibility, and fuel efficiency to construction work, according to the company.

"These production-class loaders are not just about saving our customers downtime and costs associated with ownership," says John Deere product marketing manager Katie Voelliger, “but they also embody our commitment to offering premium features, hybrid solutions, and advanced technologies on machines of all sizes, including our large wheel loaders." 

X-Tier Specifications

The Deere 744 X-Tier wheel loader has 325 net horsepower (242 kilowatts), an operating weight from 56,500 to 59,300 pounds (25,600 to 26,900 kilograms), and a bucket capacity of 5 to 5.85 yards3 (3.8 to 4.5 meters3). 

The Deere 824 X-Tier loader can use larger buckets with a capacity range of 5.25 to 7 yds3 (4 to 5.35 m3). It weighs approximately 60,000 to 62,800 lbs (27,200 to 28,500 kg) and has a 354-HP (264-kW) engine. 

E-Drive

Both X-Tier wheel loaders have a 9-liter John Deere JD9 engine, which consumes up to 25% less fuel than the prior model in standard mode and up to 15% less fuel in performance mode. According to Deere, running the engine at a constant speed maintains hydraulic responsiveness and contributes to a quieter environment inside the cab.

The E-Drive EVT system replaces a traditional transmission and torque converter. It lets the operator drive the machine with only one pedal and responds instantly to pedal movement. The manufacturer says the E-Drive system can reduce the total cost of ownership by up to 7% over a conventional drive system. 

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The John Deere 824 X-Tier wheel loader’s Pile Slip Assist feature proactively engages the front wheels’ differential lock before any tire slippage can occur. (Photo courtesy of Deere & Company.)

New Pile Slip Assist System

The cabins of the 744 and 824 X-Tier loaders have premium seats and a radio with Bluetooth connectivity. Deere says deluxe LED lights and an Advanced Vision System with cameras mounted on the side mirrors help the operator see both sides of the loader and the surrounding area more comprehensively than with traditional mirrors alone. 

An Advanced Object Detection radar feature helps the operator avoid collisions with obstacles. When driving in reverse, dynamic reversal projected path lines give the operator a visualization of the wheel loader’s path with the current steering angle. 

The 744 and 824 X-Tier also use a new Pile Slip Assist feature that automatically engages the front wheels’ differential lock while driving into a pile of material for better traction, bucket fill, and productivity. Unlike the previous Auto Diff Lock solution, Pile Slip Assist does not wait for a tire to slip before it intervenes. A tire pressure monitoring system is available.

Source: Deere & Company