John Deere has launched the 444 G-Tier wheel loader in response to customer demand for more economical options in its lineup of wheel loaders.
The versatility and ruggedness of the 444 G-Tier are similar to the previously introduced 544 and 644 G-Tier machines but at a lower operating weight and smaller size. The machine can be equipped with a range of attachment options, from snow blades to grapples, ensuring adaptability across different tasks and applications. Lastly, the in-cab adjustable boom settings help streamline operations, especially when performing repetitive tasks.
Under John Deere’s Performance Tiering Strategy, the G-Tier models provide customers with reliable loaders without the extras that they would find in a P-Tier or X-Tier machine.
“Our customers are always seeking the perfect solutions to meet their needs,” said Drew Miller, global product manager, wheel loaders, John Deere. “This model not only comes in at an attractive price point but it was also designed to perform and deliver the same durability and power customers expect from a John Deere machine.”
According to John Deere, at a reduced price point, the 444 G-Tier still offers similar productivity as its more technologically advanced cousin, the 444 P-Tier wheel loader.
Practical performer
Among its standout features, the 444 G-Tier can be equipped with an optional high-lift for extra reach when loading trucks. Adding High-Lift linkage provides an extra 17 inches of hinge-pin height over standard linkage.
There also is an optional debris package with a centrifugal air precleaner and an auto-reversing fan to remove jobsite debris. It also boasts protective transmission and bottom guards to fend off debris.
The stacked cooling package, with the hinged door for clean-out, can be set to automatically reverse at regular intervals, making for simplified maintenance.
Access to all daily service points is at ground level. Fluid, fuel and DEF refilling are on the left side.
Sight gauges for transmission and hydraulic fluid levels are easier to read, the company says. There is right-side hinged door access to the engine, after-treatment systems, and cooling system components.
The loader is powered by the same John Deere 4.5L engine found in the 444 P-Tier wheel loader.
John Deere has updated the transmission, limited slip differentials and redesigned the hydraulic and electrical systems. Auto-idle and auto-shutdown reduce engine speed or turn it off after a period of inactivity to save fuel and warranty hours.
Familiar Comforts
Cabs on the G-Tier wheel loaders have been designed to provide different levels of comfort to operators depending on the application. Controls are ergonomically placed to provide easy access to settings and features while maintaining comfort. An optional air-ride suspension seat and ride control features are available.
John Deere says the controls are designed for operators of all skill sets. Automatic shifting of the transmission occurs on the fly. In-cab adjustable boom height kick-out, return-to-carry, and return-to-dig can be activated from the SSM.
Customers can choose among pin-on bucket options or Hi-Vis/ISO or JRB style couplers, which are compatible with Deere K -Series, L-series, and performance tiering buckets and attachments. Optional third- and fourth-function hydraulics allow the use of a broad range of attachments.
All the wheel loaders and the full line of John Deere construction equipment come standard with Deere’s telematics system, JDLink. It delivers real-time machine data and alerts, helps operators and owners increase productivity and uptime, and lowers daily operating costs, Deere says.
Quick Specs
- Power: 124 horsepower @ 2,100 rpm
- Engine: Deere PowerTech E 4045H
- Operating weight: 24,887-26,325 lbs.
- Heaped capacity: 2.5-2.75 cubic yards
- Bucket breakout force: 17,637 lb.-ft.
- Pivot pin height: 11 feet 9 inches.
- Reach: 4 feet 9 inches
Read the full article here
