The New John Deere 644K Hybrid Loader Breaks Into Construction

Feb 13, 2013

John Deere has announced the release of the 644K Powerllel™ diesel-electric hybrid front loader which will reduce fuel consumption by up to 25% and cut down on job site noise. This Deere front loader is designed with powerful digging forces along with a parallel fork-lift design to ensure heavy loads work with, and not against, the boom.

According to Deere’s product description, the 644K loader features a PowerShift™ transmission, NeverGrease™ joints, and an IT4-certified PowerTech™ 6.8-liter diesel engine with 229 horsepower. The hybrid engine uses an electric drive system which is comprised of four components: an electric motor, generator, inverter, and brake resistor. Deere reported that the electric motor can also be converted to a generator to recycle energy back into the system to save fuel.

John Chesterman, John Deere’s product marketing manager of 4x4 loaders, said “…the constant engine speed helps extend engine life and reduce fuel consumption while the electric motor cuts down on noise on the job.” During the World of Concrete show, Chesterman stated that one of the most innovative features of the 644K is the simplified PowerShift™ countershaft-style transmission that has three speeds and a water-cooled brake resistor.

Click here to see more...

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.