John Deere adds European distribution for 622GP and 672GP Motor Graders
John Deere is introducing two popular G-Series Motor Graders to the European market via the Wirtgen Group distribution network in Germany and France. The 622GP and 672GP will be available in these two countries beginning in early 2019.
“We are excited to leverage our relationship with the Wirtgen Group to introduce John Deere construction equipment to a new market, further expanding our global footprint,” said David Thorne, senior vice president, sales & marketing, Worldwide Construction & Forestry. “Wirtgen’s stellar reputation for supporting customers, and large distribution network, allows us to serve these new markets well offering them powerful motor grader solutions in two priority countries.”
The introduction is a result of increased interest in John Deere earthmoving equipment following the Wirtgen Group acquisition in 2017. Understanding motor graders are heavily used in road building applications, the synergies between the Deere models and the Wirtgen portfolio, as well as the thriving French and German markets were determining factors in bringing the machines to the continent.
The European rollout focuses on the six-wheel drive 622GP and 672GP models that feature fuel efficient Final Tier 4 John Deere diesel engines (6.8L and 9.0L), boasting 227 (169kW) and 255 (190kW) horsepower respectively. Six-wheel drive with automatic differential lock, allows the machines to power through the toughest cuts and gives operators increased traction in poor ground conditions or when working on ditches or side hills.
The 622GP with 12-foot (3.66-meter) moldboard operates at a weight of 42,060 lbs. (19,078 kg), while the 672GP with 14-foot (4.27-meter) moldboard weighs in at 44,040 lbs. (19,976 kg).
Other key features of the Grade Pro (GP) models include comfortable dual joystick controls with lever steer and standard steering wheel; automatic return-to-straight, high-resolution reverse camera; rear mounted ripper/scarifier; front dozer blade; 18 light LED package; and Automation Suite – that helps operators improve daily production by reducing the number of controls needed to perform common tasks, including auto-articulation, blade flip and operator-selectable machine presets.
John Deere motor graders include an “open-architecture” design, letting customers employ any of their favourite brand of grade-control systems. GP models come factory equipped with bulkhead connectors, sensor mounts, electrical wiring harnesses, integrated controls, and moldboard mast mounts. All GP models also come standard equipped with automated cross-slope. Cross-slope simplifies holding a consistent slope by allowing operators to run a single control while the machine automatically adjusts the opposite side of the blade.
Customers will appreciate the ground-level fuelling, and ease of service with daily service points grouped on the left side of the machine. Maintenance personnel will appreciate the easy-access filter bank and cooling package, which eliminates stacked coolers and swing out fan door. A standard reversing hydraulic fan runs only as fast as necessary to keep things cool, conserving power and fuel, while reducing noise.
“Today is an exciting day for the Construction & Forestry Division and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring two motor grader offerings to the European market,” said Luke Kurth, product marketing manager, motor graders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Contractors will value a superior machine that is designed to handle tough jobs. With the highest power in the class, advanced features, and virtually unobstructed, all-around visibility from the cab, the 622GP and 672GP models offer increased productivity, uptime and lower daily operating costs.”
The two models will be on display at bauma 2019, April 8-14 in Munich.
