A Very Nice Deere

During ConExpo 2023 American construction machinery giant John Deere launched its 85 P-Tier midi excavator, this has now been joined in the line-up by the 75 P-Tier model.

These John Deere machines are essentially the same base model, the main difference being that the 85 P-Tier features an off-set/swing boom configuration, whereas the 75 P-Tier features a more traditional excavator style fixed boom.

From an operating perspective, I much prefer these fixed boom machines, which always seem to be a lot more well balanced and stable when working, in addition to giving better clearance when loading trucks and the like.

You may lose some elements of flexibility with the fixed boom, but adding a tiltrotator to the set up eliminates the loss of the off-set boom set up and actually makes the machine a more compact package in tight job sites.

Tipping the scales at 8554 kgs (18,858 lbs) the 75 P-Tier is powered by an ultra-low emissions 4-cylinder Yanmar diesel engine producing 67hp, a 17% increase in power compared to the outgoing 75 G-Tier model, and offers a digging depth of 4650mm (15ft 3in) and a dump height of 5480mm (18ft) with a tailswing radius of just 1390mm (4ft 7in).

I’m slightly confused by this machine, as my understanding was that the John Deere/Hitachi joint venture had come to an end, but this machine bears a striking resemblance in styling, to the new Hitachi Zaxis 95US I tried out recently, if anyone knows what’s going on in relation to that agreement, I’d love to hear from you.

In the meantime, check out this video from our Stateside friends at Equipment World featuring Justin Steger, John Deere Solutions marketing manager for construction and forestry.