Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/757428
December 2016 | EquipmentWorld.com 24 and in direct-drive mode for fi ne grading. Komatsu has also been using a closed-center hydraulic system, so there has been no need to modify hydraulics to keep pace with demand. Kurth says Deere graders use event-based shifting, which results in smoother shifts and less likeli- hood of breaking traction. If the grader encounters an immovable object, an anti-stall feature kicks the transmission to neutral before dam- age to the machine can occur. The design of ground-engaging tools (GETs) affects required horse- power. Rippers, scarifi ers and front blades can vary in their horsepower demands. Case rethought mold- board design to reduce power de- mand from the GET a grader uses most. While the typical moldboard has a single arc in its cross-section, Case uses an involute design with multiple radii. "The involute multi- radius moldboard moves more dirt with less horsepower and greater fuel effi ciency," says John Bauer, brand marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment. "This rolling action also mixes material better, improving the quality of the base spread." machine matters | continued The Deere 670GP and its 6-wheel drive version, the 672GP (shown), have John Deere PowerTech PSS 9-liter engines. The 670GP is rated at 235 net horsepower and the 672GP is rated at 255 net horsepower. The Cat 14M3 grader is powered by a C13 ACERT; its predecessor had a C11. The standard variable horsepower system matches power requirements in all gears, and the Consistent-Power-To-Ground feature automatically changes engine power levels to compensate for cooling-fan losses. This results in consistent power delivery in all ambient temperatures and working conditions.