Designed for simplicity and durability, the Final 4 G-Series 317G compact track loader and skid-steer models (312Gr, 314G, 316Gr, 318G) from John Deere are available with vertical lifts for greater loading heights and radial lifts for greater breakout force. The G-Series also provides 11 percent additional fuel capacity over previous models for daylong productivity and uptime — all at a lower price point.
“We made a conscious effort to keep electronics off some of the models, for example,” says Gregg Zupancic, John Deere product marketing manager for skid-steers and compact track loaders. “We took one frame size in terms of width and length and created five new models at the bottom of the lineup and differentiated them by offering two different lift systems.”
Powered by a Yanmar Final 4 engine, the vertical-lift design on models 314G (51 hp), 318G (65 hp) and 317G (65 hp) provides all-around visibility with clear sight lines both above and below the boom for easier grading in tight spaces. The low-profile rear hood also expands rear views.
The radial-lift option on models 312Gr (51 hp) and 316Gr (61 hp) has a one-person boom lockout safety system that can be activated from the cab. The lift system is designed for lower maintenance and optimal digging performance, especially when more reach is needed at midrange lift heights — such as dumping over a foundation wall, backfilling or loading a flatbed trailer — as well as tight locations and indoor operation.
“When digging below grade and digging underground, you want good visibility and you don’t want a lot of linkage to interfere with the sides of the wall,” Zupancic says. “A radial lift is more compact and provides better visibility in tight spaces. That’s not to say a vertical lift can’t also do the job, it’s just specifically matching the machine for the things you do most often.”
The swing-out cab door provides a wide-open entryway, while flat floors allow easier entry and exit, along with greater legroom. Cabs and floors are sealed and pressurized to keep dust and excess noise out for safer and healthier operation.
“A comfortable operator will be more productive if he’s not fatigued or has to contort his body to look under boom links, and obviously less prone to injury,” Zupancic says.
Flexible control options on the higher-performance 316G and 318G enable contractors to choose between standard foot and hand controls, optional hands-only or enhanced electrohydraulic joystick controls, switchable between ISO and H patterns. Other features include two-speed air conditioning, enhanced lighting package and shock-absorbing boom cylinders that cushion bumps. All G-Series models are compatible with over 100 Worksite Pro attachments. www.johndeere.com
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