John Deere’s Cory Brandt discusses the 850 X-Tier dozer during Constructon Field Days held in the deserts of Arizona in March. (Image: Mitchell Keller)

The brand new dozer, the 850 X, uses dual path electric drive technology for added simplicity over traditional drivetrains, which Deere said optimises torque delivery and reduces machine complexity.

The dozer was on display for construction professionals and media members during John Deere’s annual Construction Field Days customer event in Sacaton, Arizona, US, the week of March 10.

Cory Brandt, product consultant for John Deere, told Construction Briefing from the Arizona desert worksite, “While the shell looks the same [as the 850 P-Tier dozer], if you were to peel the skin away, you’re going to see that the hydrostat system� is gone.

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“We’ve basically replaced that hydrostat and motor system with a dual path electric drive system.�

Brandt noted the move to electric motors on the tracks was meant to maintain controllability and enhance tight-space operations.

Brandt added the prior hydrostat stat system meant a pump and a motor dedicated to each track. “So, we have total control over each track of the machine at all times.

“And when we did the electric drive system, we wanted to continue to build on that controllability.

“What we’ve done is, basically, removed the high-stab pumping motors or the pumps and we replaced them with a generator. That generator creates the voltage to drive a motor at each final drive. So, where the high-stab motors would’ve been, we’ve replaced them with electric motors.

“We still have that same dual path controllability, which means we always have total control over each track.�

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Brandt said the electric motor system also delivers more immediate torque, which lends itself to increased efficiency and moving power. He noted the unit does this all while running on single turbo.

The redesigned insides meant engineers could reduce the hood height by about one inch, which Brandt recognised sounds small, but can be huge for aiding operators� visibility.

Additional specs on the Deere 850 X dozer

The brand new John Deere 850 X-Tier dozer. (Image: John Deere)

Deere added, “To enhance customer confidence, John Deere now offers the 850 X-Tier Dozer Electric Drive Component Assurance, providing 84 months/15,000 hours of coverage on key E-Drive components for qualified machines purchased between 1 March of this year and 31 December in 2026.�

The 850 X features 14% more glass area for more visibility from the cabin, ergonomic controls and Deere’s Advanced Vision System software.

“Designed for minimal downtime, the dozer also features a tilting cab, allowing quick access to E-Drive components for easy diagnostics and maintenance,� Deere added.

Another high-tech inclusion to the X-Tier dozer is 3D and 2D grading.

While having two dimensional offerings for grading may seem like overkill, Brandt told Construction Briefing keeping the baselevel 2D tech was in part in response to customer feedback.

“Everybody kind of jumped on the 3D wagon early and skipped over onboard 2D systems. And, what we’re seeing is, there’s some applications where it doesn’t matter what your elevation is, you just have to have the right slopes,� Brandt explained, using the example of a construction crew creating a temporary haul road for site access. “I can easily lock in my 2D slope control at a negative 2% and hand grade my main fall, and now I have a perfect 2% crown road.�

Upgrades to Deere’s P series dozers

A lineup of John Deere dozers in Sacaton, Arizona, US, during the company’s Ride and Drive portion of Construction Field Days. (Image: Mitchell Keller)

In addition to the new X-Tier dozer launch, John Deere enhanced the 700, 750, and 850 P-Tier dozers with next-generation technology, including capabilities like EZGrade, SmartGrade-ready with 2D grade control, and 3D SmartGrade, which provides operators with precise grading control and enhanced situational awareness.

Operator-focused features included in the new P-Tier and X-Tier models include heated and ventilated seat options, expanded storage and enhanced climate control. 

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