increase font size
The JD 624K wheeled Loading Shovel.
Visitors to Mystery Creek couldn't fail to notice a new addition for 2016 on the largely green John Deere site, in the shape of the yellow JD 624K wheeled Loading Shovel.
Manufactured in the US at the home of JD in the Quad Cities area, and calling on a 30 year history the machine is well accepted in the construction and quarrying sector, and looks ready to make the move to the ag industry where loaders of this type are finding a ready home to shift the enormous outputs of todays' self-propelled forage harvesters.
Tipping the scales at a hefty 15,700kgs, get up and go is supplied by a tier3 compliant JD 6 cylinder engine of 6.8 litres and pushing out 147Kw (200hp) and 836 Nm torque at 1300 erpm.
Transmission is an in-house JD unit with a single stage/single phase torque converter set matched to 4 ranges with automated electronic shifting dependant on load and speed. An optional 5-speed unit with Lock UP Torque Converter is also offered and might be the sensible choice for agricultural operations. In tough conditions the 624 offers a hydraulic locking diff on the front axle, while a dual front and rear locking system is also available as an option. The drive line is completed by HD axles with inboard planetary drives, fixed front axle, rear oscillating axle with 24 degrees movement and a centre pivot system which allows 40 degrees of movement rather that the more common 37 degrees seen in competitive brands.
Lift capacity and hydraulic pump output will have an obvious effect on output in the shape of cycle times and the 624 shouldn't be lacking here, with a 223 litres per minute, load sensing axial-piston pump takes a full load of around 5 tonnes to the maximum lift height of 3.95 metres in around 6 seconds, and can return to ground level in around 2.7 seconds. A choice of headstock configurations sees parallel, Z-Bar for better digging characteristics, tool carrier and hi-lift means the machine can be configured for the task at hand.
Up in the cab the usual creature comforts of air suspension seat and air conditioning keep things comfortable and cool, while a couple of interesting features make this machine a stand out from the crowd. Rather than a conventional layout of multi-switches the 624 features a sealed switch module, which is push button and said to use 75 less wires and 300 fewer connections than a conventional set-up, and as such is much better suited to the dusty environs found in daily use. The system also means that there are no keys, with access to start up via a PIN code, and security including GEO Fencing, and production reports can be sent to base via the JD Link system. Also different is the choice off conventional steering via the wheel, or via the joystick, which is said to be favoured by those loading trucks or carrying out long periods of repetitive cycles.
Maintenance is taken care of by daily service items grouped to one side of the machine, single stacked radiators for better cooling characteristics, and a timed reversible fan unit to keep the main radiator clean at all times, whilst an Auto-Idle and Auto-Shutdown mode means that fuel is conserved at all times.
Visit www.johndeere.com
This year’s Fieldays will feature a Rural Advocacy Hub - bringing together various rural organisations who are advocating for farmers and championing their interests as one team, under one roof, for the first time.
John Deere says its S Series combines have been redesigned and optimised with innovative technologies to build on their proven performance in Australian and New Zealand conditions.
John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up – including three new high-horsepower four-track models.
John Deere's X-Series Combine Harvesters can now be complemented by the advanced weed control capability of Redekop’s Seed Control Unit (SCU) which destroys harvestable weed seeds in a single pass.
John Deere's X-Series Combine Harvesters can now be complemented by the advanced weed control capability of Redekop’s Seed Control Unit (SCU) which destroys harvestable weed seeds in a single pass.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
