On this episode of The Dirt, host and equipment operator Bryan Furnace tests out John Deere’s new 350 P-Tier excavator.
Bryan gives his review of the excavator, pointing out several improvements made to increase machine life, make maintenance easier and make the operator more comfortable.
The undercarriage also gets heftier components for owners who want to go beyond the 15,000- to 20,000-hour mark. “It’s really nice to hear a manufacturer thinking about longevity on their machines,” he says.
He also found it had no trouble getting heaping bucketfuls of hard, blue clay.
“This is a great machine.”
The 40-ton 350 was one of the first excavators to come under Deere’s new performance tier naming strategy. The P-Tier is the next level above the base G-Tier machines and comes with upgraded technology, safety and comfort features.
The 350 runs on a 271-horsepower Deere engine, and the company offers a variety of 2D and 3D SmartGrade control options. Bryan tested SmartGrade with grade and slope control and offers his views.
