“We’ve listened to what customers told us they wanted in skid steer and compact track loaders, and we’ve responded with nine new models that incorporate their suggestions,” said Gregg Zupancic, Deere’s product marketing manager for skid steers and compact track loaders.
The 318D, 320D, 326D, 328D and 332D are the new skid steer models, joining the existing small-frame, radial lift 313 and 315. For the compact track loader line, the new 319D, 323D, 329D and a 90-hp 333D join the recently introduced small-frame, radial lift CT315.
A “Big Man” Operator Station
One of the most dramatic differences in the D-Series is the cab. “Customers have been asking us for more comfortable cabs similar to those found on larger pieces of Deere equipment, so we’ve introduced an all-new operating environment,” Zupancic said.
Overall, D-Series cabs feature 24 percent more room than their predecessors and six more inches of headroom. They are also quieter, positively pressurized and easier to get in and out of, due to a larger door opening. “Even with all the changes, visibility to the work is better than the industry-leading visibility on the previous generation 300 Series machines,” Zupancic said.
The 50-percent noise reduction in and around the D-Series cab comes from several sources beyond mere sound absorption, including a hydraulic fan drive, an auto idle feature (which also saves fuel) and the new electronically controlled engines.
