MOLINE, Ill. (March 5, 2007)—John Deere carry-all and fixed-blade ejector scrapers combined with John Deere scraper-ready four-wheel-drive tractors move more material more efficiently than ever before—up to 42 cubic yards of material per cycle. What’s more, they also deliver better fuel economy. The result is a tractor-scraper duo that in one test moved more than 37 percent more material per cycle on 32 percent less fuel than a self-propelled scraper, resulting in 61 percent lower operating cost. In dollars and cents, that's anywhere from 30 to 50 cents savings per cubic yard.

“Our scrapers provide heavy-duty construction components for rock-solid dependability and maximum productivity, and the tractors deliver incredible pulling power and torque. Unlike self-propelled models, you don’t need a push dozer for loading,” said Kent Stickler, product consultant, scraper tractors and scrapers, John Deere Construction & Forestry Company. “Working in tandem, these tractors and scrapers tackle the biggest earthmoving jobs and they use less fuel while doing it.”

John Deere’s 9020 Series scraper-ready tractors (9320, 9420 and 9520) travel up to 25 mph and provide from 375 to 450 horsepower. The 9520 has a 7 percent power bulge and at 1900 rpm, the engine will develop 482 horsepower. The spacious, climate-controlled cab provides a commanding view of the work area. The 18-speed PowerShift transmission provides clutch-free shuttle shifts, moving smoothly through 18 forward and six reverse gears. A heavy-duty reinforced front frame, center articulation section and heavy duty drawbar support are built to withstand the everyday challenges of earthmoving. The new, exclusive AutoLoad™ system lets operators load at the touch of a button, even if they've never operated tractors and scrapers before. Several tire options and ballast packages are available to fine-tune weight and match scraper operations. A two-year, 2,000-hour warranty is standard on the tractor.

The scrapers include 10 models (fixed-blade ejector models 1512E, 1810E, 1814E and 2112E as well as carry-all models 1510C, 1512C, 1810C, 1812C, 1814C and 2112C) that can be pulled as a single unit, or in tandem. 10-foot, 10.5-foot, 12-foot, 14-foot and 14.5-foot cut widths are available, with a ground clearance of 20 inches. Heaped capacities range from 15 to 21.5 cubic yards, with a total of approximately 42 cubic yards for the largest scraper in the line if used in tandem. Large 20.5-inch by 25-inch tires are available to provide additional flotation and the lowest ground pressures on the market. John Deere scrapers can be direct loaded or top loaded if needed. The new 2007 ejector models can be push loaded as well. Large 3.5-inch bucket and six-inch frame cylinders are attached directly to the frame rails with a high mounting position that delivers improved lifting and better cylinder protection. The tractor can even do double duty by pulling other tools like water wagons, sheepsfoot rollers and construction disks on a job site—something a self-propelled scraper can’t do.

John Deere fixed-blade ejector scrapers (1512E, 1810E, 1814E and 2112E) feature a large throat opening, high lift gate and high cross-tube front frame that provide maximum visibility and easier loading and unloading, allowing the operator to handle a diverse range of material. One model (1512E) features a best-in-class 55-inch gate-throat opening. The scraper tongue features a tapered box design for tight turning. These scrapers also feature the lowest tongue-weight ratio in the industry, which reduces drawbar weight and lessens the load on the tractor’s rear axle, resulting in less wear and tear on the equipment.

The carry-all models (1510C, 1512C, 1810C, 1812C, 1814C and 2112C) provide a number of features to improve productivity. A diagonal rear-frame brace provides maximum strength for the rear-wheel assembly and helps deflect material away from the outside wheels during loading and transport. A pivoting bucket and front gate give the bowl a clean and open approach. A large, 21-inch overflow guard features a steep angle to prevent material from falling behind the bucket, and a front overflow guard and removable side-shields protect the gate cylinder, hydraulic lines and hoses from falling material. An all-new cast hitch is stronger and wider than in previous models, and works well with the new quick-attach tractor drawbar, reducing the time and effort required to hitch the scraper to the tractor.

Base equipment includes high-carbon steel blade sections that are one-inch thick, with multiple cutting positions, depending on the materials being moved. Standard position gives a smooth, constant edge across the entire cutting width. Lowering various blade sections allows drop-center, tooth or combination configurations in harder materials on both ejector and carry-all scrapers.

Scraper brakes are now available for the 18 cu.-yd. and 21 cu.-yd. scrapers and are activated by the tractor’s brake pedal, which results in seamless operation. The brakes are effective in both single and tandem scraper jobs, and are approved for applications in which ISO, ASAE and MSHA standards are required.

ldquo;These scraper-tractor combinations can be used to make precise cuts, fill on a grade, or bulk haul,” Stickler said. “We have shown customers that a system like this will be one-third the investment, half the labor, and up to 50 cents less expensive per yard to move. What’s more, the scraper tractor offers additional flexibility, since it can be used to pull items other than a scraper.”

John Deere (Deere & Company-NYSE: DE) is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment, a major manufacturer of construction equipment, and a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care. John Deere also manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment and provides landscape and worldwide financial services. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.

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