John Deere 744L, 824L, and 844L production class wheel loaders have new electrohydraulic (EH) controls and an upgraded operator’s station. Each model is more powerful than its K Series predecessor: The 744L with 315 horsepower, 824L at 343, the 844L at 417, and the new 844L Aggregate Handler with 429 horsepower. The 824L and 744L have a 9-liter engine, with the 824L providing a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 12 percent. The 844L has a 13.5-liter engine, reducing fuel consumption by up to 7 percent.
EH controls include a soft stop feature that allows the boom or bucket to gradually stop when either the kickout position is reached or the wheel loader operator releases the control. Cylinder snubbing gradually slows cylinders nearing the end of stroke, and programmable return-to-dig function can be activated with the bucket dumped out or rolled back.
Standard joystick steering provides more room in the cab, and a steering wheel can be added as a field kit. A new dedicated steering pump improves hydraulic cycle times. The bucket lever has two programmable multifunction buttons.
Wheel loader cab updates
Cab improvements include 3 inches more legroom and added storage space. The seat is heated and ventilated, and has seat pan and tilt adjustments. The cab door is 79 percent wider at the floor, and the platform has been cut out around the top step to improve visibility.
Other L Series updates include hose routing and plumbing, and more durable axles with standard brake cooling and filtration. A factory-installed auto-lube system, updated HVAC system, redesigned routing of electrical harnesses and hydraulic hoses round out the updates.
