John Deere recently updated the 135G and 245G LC reduced-tail-swing excavators, which are designed to maneuver in tight spots for projects such as urban renewal, street repair and underground utility construction. The machines are equipped with EPA Final Tier 4/EU Stage IV diesel engines, delivering 101 hp (75 kW) for the 135G and 159 hp (119 kW) on the 245G LC.

The engine requires no diesel particulate filter, which helps reduce packaging requirements, Mark Wall, excavator product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry, shared with Off-Highway Engineering.

“Engineers were able to add necessary SCR (selective catalytic reduction) components without increasing the tail swing radius,” he said. “The height of the sheet metal over the engine was raised slightly, but rearward visibility was maintained with the addition of a standard rearview camera.”

Tail swing radius for the 135G is 1.49 m (4 ft 11 in), same as the prior model, while the 245G’s tail swing radius also is unchanged at 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in).

“Aside from the emissions update, we've used this opportunity to add a few features based on customer feedback, including the rearview camera, standard factory-installed auxiliary hydraulics with programmable attachment modes, and upper structure handrails that provide multiple points of contact when accessing the engine compartment,” said Wall.

A three-pump hydraulic system balances engine performance with hydraulic flow for efficiency and predictable operation. Three productivity modes let operators choose the appropriate digging style for the job. “High productivity” delivers more power and faster hydraulic response to move more material, “power” delivers a balance of power, speed and fuel economy for normal operation, and “economy” reduces top speed and helps save fuel.

“The three-pump hydraulic system provides substantially more flow compared to the prior D-series excavator,” Wall said. “The three-pump system on the 245G LC provides a 50 gallons-per-minute increase, [or] 45%. This increase in flow enables faster cycles times for greater productivity.”

The 245G LC also has 8% more arm and bucket digging force compared to its D-series predecessor, which allows the machine to power through tough spots and be more efficient.

“We are always looking for ways to make the operator more productive. On these new models, one of the ways to increase productivity was to make auxiliary hydraulics with proportional control standard,” Wall explained. “Excavators are a huge source of hydraulic power and customers are finding increasing usages for these machines with a variety of attachments. Providing standard auxiliary hydraulics will enable customers to get maximum utilization from their investment.”

To help improve serviceability and maintainability, the 135G and 245G LC include grouped service points and at-a-glance gauges. A battery disconnect switch extends battery life, and extended service intervals help maximize uptime.

D-channel side frames house and protect the coolers and engine; a sealed and lubricated undercarriage features large idlers, rollers and strutted track links.

Inside the cab, comfort was a focus, according to Deere. A mechanical-suspension high-back seat awaits operators of the 135G, and the 245G LC is equipped with a standard air-suspension heated seat. A multi-language LCD monitor and rotary dial provide access to the necessary information and functions. The excavators also include an automatic, high-velocity bi-level climate-control system with “automotive-style” adjustable louvers to help keep the cab comfortable.

John Deere dealers can provide fleet managers with Ultimate Uptime featuring John Deere WorkSight. With Ultimate Uptime, owners receive pre-delivery and follow-up inspections; three years of JDLink telematics, machine health prognostics and remote diagnostics, and programming capability; and the ability to add dealer-provided uptime solutions to customize the package.