The most significant customer-driven improvements to John Deere's seven-yard-class 844K Series II wheel loader are found in the ZF axles. Deere's extensive relationship with ZF has always shown in its choice of loader axles, but those on the 844K II are higher-capacity, and the company now offers a choice of front differential lock, or front and rear locking differentials. Automatic differential locking is another option on the 75,000-lb. loader.

Stouter axles support use of solid or foam-filled tires. And with ROPS certified to handle 88,000 pounds, the 844K II is suited for the waste handling market.

New, optional low-profile tires are four in. wider, delivering increased traction and reduced ground pressure. Heavier axles increase stability and raise full-turn tip load six percent over that of the 844K. Select the new low–profile tires, and the tipping-load increase is nine percent. The 876/65R29 tires fit larger, 29-in. rims (standard rims are 25 ins.), adding tire-surface contact for handling the nearly 400-hp loader's torque without bead slippage.

Standard-feature highlights:

• Joystick steering with integral forward/neutral/reverse switch
• Ride control
• Deluxe heated seat