John Deere Unveiled Their 850 X-Tier E-Drive Dozer Concept

John Deere showcased their concept version of an 850 X-Tier E-Drive dozer at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023. The 850X-Tier has a variety of operating modes to customize performance and fuel efficiency to certain worksite needs. The E-Drive tractors from John Deere have an electrified drivetrain with a diesel engine serving as the main power source. Options for the 850 X-Tier E-Drive dozer will include waste-handler configuration, retrieval hitch, winch, three- or five-shank rippers, and brush protection.

Dual-Path Electric Motors

The 850 X-Tier is powered by a 9-liter diesel engine producing 225 horsepower. The dual-path electric motors, or the fact that there are two electric-drive motors, are something special about this size class machine for John Deere. The less complicated drivetrain separately drives each track to maximize efficiency without compromising agility and control. It allows John Deere to emulate the advantages of a hydrostatic transmission, such as on-the-go steering, limitless speed control, and power management.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

According to Kat Roberts, product manager for dozers and crawler loaders at John Deere Construction & Forestry Division, E-Drive vehicles offer superior fuel efficiency, increased component life, and stronger pushing force compared to conventional models. The electric components also provide an additional advantage in terms of overall ownership costs. Customers of John Deere like the 850-size dozers for their utility and size, as they can do anything from bulk-pushing the material to fine grading.

As per Roberts, the machine features electrohydraulic controls as well as EZGrade, which is a simple grade management tool from John Deere. Slope control and an upgrade to the fully integrated 3D SmartGrade are options. EZGrade will be factory-installed on any John Deere equipment that is a part of the P- or X-Tier systems and includes electrohydraulic controls.

Cabin Design and Controls

The 850 X-Tier’s cabin is almost identical to the capacious 850L’s, which had a 15% improvement over the 850K. The updated display strategy and surround-view camera system are the most daring changes made inside the cab. The primary display may access important machine data and settings via an 8-inch touchscreen. Rearview and surround-view cameras are integrated into an 8-inch advanced-vision display. The controls are simple to use, and the cab and operation arrangement is intended to be pleasant for long days.

Take Away

The 850 X-Tier E-Drive dozer is a concept machine, but John Deere intends to let people know when it will be available for purchase in the next six to twelve months. According to Roberts, the dozer offers customers a choice when it comes to sustainability and using less gasoline. John Deere hinted that an 850 P-Tier dozer would be coming, though no details were provided. Moving ahead, EZGrade will be factory-installed on any John Deere equipment that is a part of the P- or X-Tier systems and includes electro hydraulic controls.