John Deere launches K-Series crawler dozers with hydrostatic transmissions

John Deere is adding four models to the K-Series crawler dozer line, providing contractors an emissions-certified machine designed for increased productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating costs in earth moving and grading applications. The 550K, 650K, 700K and 750K crawler dozers build off the 850K that launched in 2011. A John Deere PowerTech 6.8-L (700K, 750K) or 4.5L (550K, 650K) IT4 diesel engine provides an increase in horsepower from the previous J-Series, along with increases in overall tractor weight. The horsepower ranges include: 85 hp (550K), 101 hp (650K), 125 hp (700K) and 155-165 hp (750K) at 1,800 RPM. The K-Series uses cooled EGR technology with exhaust filters. The engine's diesel particulate filters are cleaned automatically during routine operation, eliminating the need to idle down for maintenance and increasing overall machine productivity.