John Deere G-series motor graders have standout features that set Deere apart from the competition, specifically with our technology and automation. The Grade Pro (GP) option provides standard features such as cross slope, return to straight, lever steering, and choice between fingertip or joystick controls. Additionally, the Grade Pro option includes position sensing cylinders which enable additional options such as automation and SmartGrade.
Want the latest technology on an existing machine? The industries latest automation and SmartGrade machine control technology can be ordered on new machines and be added to existing GP machines by your John Deere dealer. Automation features consist of the following:
Auto-Shift PLUS (industry exclusive): Auto-Shift PLUS reduces foot movements by up to 65 percent by allowing operators to work without the use of an inching pedal. Operators can takeoff and come to a complete stop, in any gear, using only the throttle and brake pedal. This feature gives operators full control of travel speed in any application for both tandem and 6wd machines.
Machine Damage Avoidance: Assists operators of all experience levels and prevents costly damage to the machine even while in the most complex machine orientations. This feature allows operators to work with confidence knowing the blade will not damage the machines tires and steps or contact the saddle.
Auto Articulation: Auto articulation combines front steering and rear articulation using only a single control on the joystick or fingertip controls. This feature automatically articulates the machine when steering to allow the rear tandems to follow the tracks of the front tires. Auto Articulation also allows operators to make fine steering adjustments without activating articulation. This provides operators precise grading control with auto articulation enabled.
Machine Pre-sets (industry exclusive): Machine Presets save operators time by activating multiple functions, features, and machine positions by pressing a single button. Operators can automatically raise and rotate the blade, turn on the machines hazard lights and beacon(s), enable auto-shift, return articulation to straight, turn on auto differential lock, and stow the ripper; allowing easy machine configuration for tasks such as transport.
Blade Flip (industry exclusive): Blade Flip automatically mirrors the blade angle to a preset position. This eliminates repetitive operator input when making grading passes. This feature enhances our already proven Cross Slope system, making it easy for operators to automatically mirror blade angle and cross slope settings.
Auto Pass (industry exclusive): Auto-Pass reduces operator input of repetitive functions at the beginning and end of grading passes with the press of a single button. Auto Pass automatically lowers the blade to a predetermined elevation and enables machine control/cross slope at the start of a pass. At the end of the pass the feature can be configured to automatically raise and flip the blade angle.
SmartGrade: SmartGrade is John Deere’s 3D mastless integrated grade control system that allows operators to grade without limitations. SmartGrade motor graders are fully integrated and calibrated at our factory, arriving to your jobsite ready to work! The system is incorporated through all the machine’s structures and software delivering precise grading performance while eliminating masts and cables. SmartGrade is also capable of running other Topcon grading technologies such as laser, sonic, mmGPS, and LPS. Also included with SmartGrade are the following automation features are also included: Machine Damage Avoidance, Auto Articulation, Machine Pre-sets, Blade Flip, and Auto Pass.