One year after introducing the 200 series skid steers, new options and improved features continue to propel the 240, 250, 260 and 270 John Deere skid steers to the head of their respective classes. “We’ve increased the breakout force, provided improved control and mobility and enhanced some key safety features,” said Kevin Lund, manager of Market Research, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. “We told owners and operators to ’Expect a Difference’ with John Deere skid steers. That also means expect continuous improvement.” Speed and Power Model 260 and 270 skid steers are now available with a factory installed two-speed option. The two-speed skid steers from John Deere Commercial Worksite Products come standard with a high-capacity cooling package and utilize a spring-applied, environmentally-sealed, wet-disk brake that never requires adjustment. The two-speed radial-piston hydraulic motor, that allows operators to accelerate to 19.3 kilometers per hour (12 mph) at high range, offers less axle torque in high range, but greater travel speeds than the original 260 and 270 single-speed models. The 260 and 270 also feature a 10-percent increase in bucket breakout force to enhance production and provide more powerful digging ability. The rod diameter of the bucket cylinders has been changed to increase the breakout force on the 260 and 270 from 2,767 kilograms (6,100 lbs.) to 3,039 kilograms (6,700 lbs.). Precision, Control and Safety Factory-installed hydraulic self-leveling on 260 and 270 skid steers and steering enhancements on the entire 200 series line mean better maneuverability and control for skid steer operators. Hydraulic self-leveling on all 200 series skid steers uses a proportioning valve to remove hydraulic oil from the return lines of the lift cylinders as the boom is raised and send oil to the piston-end of the tilt cylinders for adjusting the bucket and keeping it in the same relative position to the ground during the lift cycle. In response to customer requests, Commercial Worksite Products has installed a unique steering system on 200 series skid steers to improve steering and controllability. All models now feature dual-centering plates that function independently on their own springs. This means that the steering function requires lighter force. These combined changes eliminate feedback from the pump through the handles, reduce steering effort and offer minimal variation in effort from machine to machine with an additional bonus — adjustments to the steering system are easier. The new steering improvements also allowed Commercial Worksite Products to enhance the backup alarm, a key safety feature on skid steers. The new configuration places the alarm on the plate immediately behind the rear window of the operator’s station allowing the alarm to emit a higher noise level behind the skid steer while minimizing the increase in noise levels at the operator’s ear. The 200 Series Lineup Along with the new options and improvements, the 200 series skid steers retain the features that made them revolutionary and innovative the day they hit the ground digging. Engineered and assembled at its plant near Knoxville, TN, the line of 34.3- to 57.4-kilowatt (46 to 77 hp) models features a lift system with a greater reach than conventional skid steers, allowing quicker and more precise loading and dumping. The steep 45-degree dump angle and high 35-degree bucket rollback mean more efficient load carrying, quicker cycle times, easier servicing and improved stability. The signature design of the four-model lineup offers greatly enhanced visibility. A sloped rear deck allows for 360-degree visibility so operators can function more safely and more productively, especially in confined areas. A quick-lift cab, removable side panels and an easy-access rear door mean faster servicing and reduced downtime. All models also feature the new and improved Deere “Quik-Tatch” system which means quick hookups. And with a complete line of Worksite Pro attachments, versatility of the 200 series continues to improve. The 240 features an easy-starting, fuel efficient, 34.3-kilowatt (46 hp) John Deere 3029D engine with cast-aluminum pistons. With nearly 18,682 N (4,200 ft./lbs.) of torque, the 240 has a rated operating load of 6,804 kilograms (1,500 lbs.), a dump height of more than 2.1 meters (7 ft.) and a 74-centimeter (29 in.) reach. Similar to the 240, the 250 is equipped with a turbo-charged 46-kilowatt (61 hp) John Deere 3029T engine. With a 794-kilogram (1,750 lb.), load capacity, the 250 has a dump height of more than 229-centimeters (90 in.). Also equipped with the John Deere 3029T engine, the model 260 boosts top horsepower to 57.4 kilowatts (69 hp) and rated operating load to more than a ton, at 998 kilograms (2,200 lbs.). With the same dump angle and rollback, the 260 has a dump height of 259 centimeters (102 in.) and a 81-centimeter (32 in.) reach. A 57-kilowatt (77 hp) 4045D John Deere engine powers the 270, providing a 1,179-kilograms (2,600-lb.) rated operating load with a maximum torque of more than 27,578 N (6,200 ft./lbs.) With its 259-centimeter (102 in.) dump height and 81-centimeter (32 in.) reach, the 270 has the power and performance to take on the toughest skid steer jobs and the largest attachments. In addition to the increased visibility inherent in the John Deere design, other safety features include convenient operator controls, an operator presence system and a built-in boom safety lock. Hydraulic pressure on all models is 3,000 psi and maximum axle torque ranges from 18,668 to 27,871 N (4,197 to 6,266 ft./lbs.). Ground clearance for the 240 is 21 centimeters (8.2 in.), rising to 28 centimeters (11 in.) on the 270. This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.
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