John Deere's goals in the development of its new G-Series Final Tier 4 excavators went beyond making the machines emissions ready, but to also include design and functionality improvements that it hoped would increase performance and productivity, without compromising on sightlines and service access.

In terms of power, the 250G LC features a 188-hp (140-kW) certified Final Tier 4 John Deere PowerTech PVS 6.8-L engine. Both the 350G LC and 380G LC are powered by a certified Final Tier 4 PowerTech PSS 9.0-L engine offering 271 hp (202 kW). The fact that Deere's Final Tier 4 technology allows users to maintain or reduce total fluid consumption (diesel and DEF) is one contribution to the lowering of daily operating costs. DPF cleaning occurs automatically with no impact to machine operation, and Deere says it can go up to 15,000 hours before ash removal.

To increase uptime, Deere designed the new G-Series models with a larger hood for improved engine access. Also, the nine-pin diagnostic connector was moved into the cab to reduce diagnostic testing time for technicians. Other improvements include a single-side ground level fluid filter service, which moves the engine oil, fuel, and hydraulic pilot oil filters to ground level on the right side of the machine and adds a service door for easy access to change filters.

A grade-reference-ready option for the 350G LC is available from the factory, reducing installation time by half, says Deere. Sensor mounting brackets are welded to the boom, arm, dogbone, counterweight, and mainframe at the factory, enabling immediate install of Topcon, Trimble, Leica, or other grade-reference systems. A programmable thumb attachment mode is also available and enables operators to program oil flow for thumb attachments with the monitor.

New handrails help maintain contact when climbing the upper structure to service the engine, improving service accessibility and security. The optional light package now includes a hood light to provide greater visibility to the engine compartment to easily see daily service points. The hood light is useful for customers who work in dark or low light environments, or those who run multiple shifts and may need to conduct late night fuel and lube operations.