John Deere 325K Backhoe Loader: A Versatile Machine for Construction Workers

Four years ago, the American manufacturer John Deere introduced a new and improved model of backhoe loader to the Russian market of special equipment, namely the John Deere 325K. From the name of the equipment you can immediately understand that the predecessor of the 325J model was taken as the basis for this machine. The new version fully retained all the key features and advantages of the previous one, and even many new technological solutions appeared, which made it possible to achieve significantly improved technical and operational parameters. The brand developed the John Deere 325K backhoe loader taking into account Russian operating conditions, as a result of which the machine received a special boom mechanism that carries out horizontal movement of the working parts along guides. Thus, the technique has become more efficient as it allows various operations with excavator equipment to be performed in confined spaces.

Application area

Special equipment is in demand mainly at construction sites or warehouses for bulk materials. However, in the latter case, earthmoving equipment remains unused, which does not allow full use of the functionality of the excavator.

With the front loading bucket, John Deere can load bulk materials, level the territory, and lift large loads. In addition, additional equipment can be installed instead of the standard one.

• Together with mechanical brushes, the machine is used to remove debris.
• A rotary cutter allows you to mill asphalt when repairing roads.
• An auger snow blower is used in winter to clear the streets of precipitation.
• Earthmoving equipment is necessary for digging holes, ditches, and trenches.
• In place of a standard backhoe, you can install attachments to grab large loads, destroy concrete or steel structures, or compact soil before pouring the foundation.

Operating Parameters

The device is noticeable in its niche. The excavator has good traction characteristics and a reliable hydraulic system, thanks to which the machine has a very wide range of applications. An interesting design solution was the placement of earth-moving equipment on a movable carriage. The latter changes its position in the horizontal plane, which reduces the number of moves when digging holes.

Table No. 1. Technical characteristics

Power unit

The car is equipped with an engine of its own production. This is an inline four-cylinder diesel engine with liquid cooling. It is equipped with a turbine without an intermediate heat exchanger. The standard pull-in type fan has a direct drive. Optionally, the motor will be equipped with a unit with an air pressure sensor and variable speed of rotation of the blades.

To clean the air entering the cylinders, a dry two-stage filter with a protective element and a dust ejector is used.

Table No. 2. Engine characteristics

Transmission

Rotation from the engine to the drive axles is transmitted by a five-speed Powershift gearbox. It is equipped with helical gears and a hydraulic reversing mechanism. The gearbox provides 5 speeds for moving forward, 3 in the opposite direction. Optionally, the manufacturer will equip the box with an automatic switching function.

Chassis

The front axle is used when the traction of the rear wheels is not enough to ensure stable movement of the vehicle. It is equipped with a limited-slip limited-slip differential. The rear axle is equipped with a complete mechanical locking of the planetary gearbox, activated by the operator when pressing the pedal in the cab.

• Only the front wheels are steered. Their rotation is provided by a hydrostatic drive with an amplifier.
• The brakes on the loader are disc brakes operating in an oil bath. They are equipped with self-regulation and balancing capabilities.
• The parking brake is independent of the operating mechanism and has an electro-hydraulic drive, which is activated after the engine is stopped.

Hydraulic system

The hydraulic drive of the actuators is made according to an open circuit. It is fed by an axial piston oil pump with a capacity of 136 l/min.

The pressure in the system reaches 25 MPa, it is limited by a relief valve installed in the pressure line. Flows are controlled using convenient joysticks connected to electro-hydraulic switches.

Description and features

The telescopic handle has a retractable outer part, thanks to which this element is reliably protected from dust and other small particles when used in dusty conditions, which can significantly increase its service life.

This backhoe loader is characterized by high versatility, excellent maneuverability and increased productivity. The standard equipment of the machine is equipped with a backhoe type bucket, which has a lateral displacement of the carriage of 540 millimeters in both directions, a telescopic handle, a universal two-jaw front bucket and an all-wheel drive system. It should be noted that almost all modern backhoe loaders are standardly equipped with a backhoe, since such equipment is the most convenient option when working in a limited work space, including in dense urban areas and in industrial enterprises.

The hydraulic system used is distinguished by its fairly high power, thanks to which the backhoe loader can cope with very heavy loads, both front and rear equipment. Also, this hydraulics has increased bucket breakout force, pressure force and turning torque of standard equipment. The standard equipment of the equipment is equipped with a PowerShift transmission, thanks to which operating the machine has become much more convenient and simpler. It is worth noting that this gearbox allows the operator to change gears as smoothly as possible and without jerking when moving. This also ensures high travel speed and increased traction when lifting.

The standard John Deere 325K backhoe loader is equipped with a lighting system consisting of ten powerful headlights. The manufacturer chose a rather good location for them, since when they are fully illuminated, the operator has an excellent overview of the work site, which ensures productive work in the dark or in poor visibility conditions.

The outstanding parameters of this model are high reliability under any operating conditions and a significantly increased service life. This is explained by the fact that when developing the machine, the manufacturer used new technologies to improve certain components of the backhoe loader and fully comply with world-class quality standards.

The frame installed on the excavator has a large margin of strength and rigidity. It is a one-piece welded structure that has been significantly improved compared to previous models. The front handle has a box-shaped section, which makes it possible to achieve high resistance to torsion. The use of high quality steel provided reliable protection against corrosion processes, which guarantees a long service life. Additional reinforcements were used in the boom mechanism and the excavator handle, due to which these elements are reliable and resistant to wear.

The working parts of the model are equipped with high-strength pins and bushings, the replacement of which will not cause any particular difficulties. The attachment points for working equipment have increased rigidity, which ensures maximum efficiency when performing earthmoving work. The front axle differential has been reliably sealed, which protects its mechanism from various influences. The car has large kingpins. It is worth noting that in this model the drive axle is the front one.

The engine compartment hood is made using composite materials with increased elasticity. This made it possible to make the hood more resistant to mechanical and dynamic influences.

The transmission system used has five gears. They can be switched without pressing the clutch pedal and there will be no jerks in movement. The gearbox allows the backhoe loader to reach a maximum speed of 35 kilometers per hour, which is quite a good indicator. As additional options, the manufacturer offers a special function that provides automatic gear shifting, which is quite convenient when performing transportation work. In addition, at the request of the consumer, a function can be installed that allows the smoothness of the ride to be adjusted. Thanks to it, you can stabilize the machine as much as possible when moving on uneven ground, and also prevent cargo from spilling out of the front bucket.

The hydraulic system is equipped with open centralized valves, which ensure smooth movement of the working elements and their rapid response even under the highest loads. Basic hydraulic functions have several settings that allow the operator to achieve improved performance on certain jobs. The controls of the working equipment are equipped with amplifiers, which has a positive effect on the comfort of work, since the operator does not need to exert much effort for various manipulations. Increased pressure in the hydraulic system circuits is provided by an improved hydraulic pump with a capacity of 136 liters per minute.

Thanks to the comfortable and ergonomic cab, the operator can perform various tasks with maximum efficiency. Panoramic glazing provided not only excellent visibility during work, but also safety. The cabin has tinted windows, which guarantees increased comfort in sunny weather. The standard microclimate system includes a high-performance air conditioner with several operating modes and a heating system. In addition to their main task, these systems also prevent machine windows from fogging up, which has a positive effect on visibility when working in cold weather conditions. The main air flow is directed towards the operator, which guarantees the rapid creation of comfortable working conditions. Inside there are several spacious compartments in which the operator can store both service tools and his personal belongings. Moreover, each compartment is locked. They are located in two places: the first on the side of the dashboard, and the second under the cabin ceiling. The power unit is started using a special button located near the dashboard. It should be noted that many functions of the John Deere 325K backhoe loader have similar controls. In order to increase the reliability of the equipment, the dashboard was sealed, which protects against various influences.

The cabin is also equipped with a comfortable seat with several adjustment modes. Unlike its predecessor, a mechanical suspension is used here, but even this one is quite effective. The chair is equipped with adjustable armrests. The steering column also contains adjustments, although here only its raising and lowering is available, which is more than enough to create a comfortable workplace. On the sides of the cabin there are several connectors that allow you to use various electrical appliances, such as, for example, a kettle during a break from work. In order to provide easy access to the cabin, the manufacturer has equipped its design with self-cleaning steps, handrails and wide doors.

The machine's braking system also provides an increased level of safety. Multi-disc brakes located in an oil bath were used as service brakes. The parking brake has a spring, which ensures the closure of the pads, and a separate drive of the hydraulic system is used to open them. All this has impressive reliability and efficiency.

Layout

From the shape of the “John Deere 325K” you can immediately determine that it belongs to the class of special equipment that combines a loader with an excavator.

• The loading bucket is located at the front of the machine.
• Behind it is a sloping hood that hides the power plant and hydraulic drive.
• The cabin was placed above the gearbox.
• At the rear there is a movable carriage with earth-moving equipment.

To illuminate the working area, 10 halogen lights were installed on the excavator: 4 each in front and rear, 1 each on the sides. The luminous intensity of each device is 32,500 cd.

Dimensions

The parameters of the loader in terms of size cannot be called redundant. But rational weight distribution, optimal track width and wheelbase give the machine stability on uneven surfaces or sticky soils.

Table No. 3. Dimensions

Cabin

The operator's workplace is not inferior in comfort to models from other manufacturers. The developers have tried to minimize the impact of vibration and noise on the operator.

• The cabin is fixed on special spacers, and the seat is equipped with a damping cushion.
• The floor and walls are covered with soundproofing materials.
• The cab frame meets ROPS/FOPS standards, providing protection against machine rollover and falling objects.

Earthmoving, attachments

The excavator is equipped with a backhoe for excavating soil. The manufacturer offers buckets with a width of 305-762 mm. The maximum digging depth with the handle extended is 5.31 m. In this position, the bucket acts on the ground with a force of 71 kN. In addition to the backhoe, you can install the following on the handle:

• hydraulic hammer;
• scissors;
• capture;
• vibration compactor.

Specifications

Bucket characteristics:

• The type of bucket being installed is a frontal two-jaw bucket.
• The capacity of the installed front bucket is 1.0 cubic meter.
• The maximum digging depth of the front bucket is 160 millimeters.
• The maximum unloading height of the front bucket is 2600 millimeters.
• The width of the lower cutting edge of the front bucket is 2400 millimeters.
• The type of bucket being installed is a backhoe.
• The capacity of the installed rear bucket is 0.25 cubic meters.
• The maximum digging depth of the rear bucket is 5490 millimeters.
• The maximum unloading height of the rear bucket is 4340 millimeters.

Engine characteristics:

• The type of engine installed is in-line, diesel.
• The index of the installed engine is TM4045TT096.
• Engine manufacturer – PowerTech.
• Number of cylinders – 4.
• The total working volume is 4500 cubic meters.
• Rated output power is 69 kilowatts/93 horsepower (at 2000 rpm).
• The nominal crankshaft rotation speed is 2000 rpm.
• Maximum torque – 384 newtons per meter (at 1700 rpm).
• Type of cooling system – liquid.
• Starting system type: electric starter.
• Type of injection system – direct fuel injection.
• Type of turbocharging – gas turbine with subsequent cooling of the charged air.
• The lowest fuel consumption per working hour is 11.5 liters.
• The highest fuel consumption per working hour is 15.5 liters.
• The highest speed of independent movement is 35 kilometers per hour.

Dimensions:

• The structural length of the backhoe loader is 5260 millimeters.
• The total width of the front bucket is 2400 millimeters.
• The total height of the cabin roof is 2790 millimeters.
• The lowest ground clearance is 360 millimeters.

Pros, cons

John Deere loaders have become widespread in the transport fleets of construction enterprises due to their high reliability and performance. Positive aspects pointed out by excavator owners:

• simplicity, ease of maintenance, because The company’s mechanics can handle the repair of special equipment on their own;
• due to the fact that the box-shaped design of the mechanism allows it to better resist bending loads, the boom has an increased load capacity;
• the device has small dimensions and maneuverability, which allows it to be used in limited conditions of compact urban development;
• In addition to economical fuel consumption, the diesel fine filtration system makes it possible to use lower quality fuel, which is important for developing countries.

Users specifically praise the performance of the heating and air conditioning systems included as standard with the machine.

One of the disadvantages is the high price of a new and used model. In addition, owners complain about long downtime when ordering “rare” parts, the delivery of which has to wait several weeks.

Price, analogues

The cost of a new car in the basic configuration is 70 thousand dollars. However, the “K” series is not offered on the official portal of the enterprise. An updated version of “SL” is presented there. The price of this model is slightly higher.

On the secondary market, a John Deere 325K costs 2.5-3 million rubles, the price varies depending on the year of manufacture and hours worked.

Similar models with similar technical parameters are: JCB 4CX, KOMATSU 93-S5 and MST M544.

Purpose

The John Deere 325K backhoe loader is a popular choice in construction and utility applications for its excellent maneuverability, yet high performance and versatility. In addition to these areas, the equipment is often used in road repair services and agriculture. Thanks to a huge range of additional attachments, the model is able to cope with all tasks. The backhoe loader performs all types of earthmoving work, some dismantling, transportation, and loading and unloading work. Using its frontal bucket, the equipment is an indispensable assistant when clearing any areas (including road areas) from a large mass of snow.