October 4, 1999

Deere breaks new ground with ZTS-series compact excavators

Journal staff

John Deere's newest excavator line, the ZTS-Series compact excavators, marks its entry into the light construction market. The ZTS-Series consists of three models, the 27ZTS, 35ZTS and 50ZTS. (The first two numbers designate the machines metric class).

With the addition of the ZTS-Series compact excavators, Deere plans to serves a wider range of customer needs. The three models are designed for rental, utility and commercial construction, as well as residential and landscape applications. Highway, street and government contractors can also benefit from the ZTS line's versatility.

All models transport on a single-axle trailer.

Deere hopes to take compact excavator versatility to another level with its ÒZero Tail Swing" design, giving the ZTS line a competitive edge over standard-configuration models.

Zero Tail Swing allows the rear of the machine to rotate within the width of the tracks. This feature results in less tail swing radius than that found in machines with standard configuration.

Caterpillar introduced the 936C Track-Type Loader, replacing the 963B with new innovative designs developed in response to customer input. While it still retains many of the characteristics of the 963B, the updated version incorporates improvements such as; electronic hydrostatic control, variable hydraulic track motors, speed mode switch, computerized monitoring system, C-series track loader cab/canopy, larger fuel tank and serviceability. N C Machinery is the local Caterpillar distributor.

The ZTS-Series work well in tight spaces, such as next to walls, foundations and other obstacles. According to Deere, Zero Tail Swing will benefit rental centers and contractors alike, adding to safety and reducing the potential for damage to the rear of the excavator.

Combined with a swing-boom and a 360-degree circle rotation, the ZTS excavators are versatile machines capable of offset digging in close quarters, and excavating square holes.

The ZTS-Series compact excavators arrive from the factory attachment-ready. Standard auxiliary hydraulic lines on the boom make it easy to add hydraulic-driven attachments. An auxiliary hydraulic return flow selector valve accommodates both two-way and one-way flow attachments, making attachment switchover fast and easy. The result is increased versatility with attachments such as quick couplers, hammers, augers, thumbs, compactors, etc.

The 27ZTS has an operating weight of 6,360 lbs.; 15 feet, 5 inches of reach; 8 feet, 8 inches of digging depth; and 5,071 lbs. of bucket breakout force. Power is provided by a 22 horsepower, liquid-cooled, diesel engine. With an operating weight of 7,782 lbs., the 35ZTS has a 29 horsepower, liquid-cooled, diesel engine; 17 feet, 1 inch of reach; 10 feet, 4 inches of digging depth; and 6,173 lbs. of bucket breakout force.

Equipped with a 38 horsepower, liquid-cooled, diesel engine, the 50ZTS has an operating weight of 10,565 lbs.; 19 feet of reach; 11 feet, 9.7 inches of digging depth; and 8,378 lbs. of bucket breakout force.

Hydraulic controls can be switched for excavator to backhoe operating pattern by turning the control valve to the desired position. This feature makes the ZTS- Series ideal where quick versatility is key, such as the rental market.

The standard backfill blade adds flexibility as well as stability. An operator can use it to backfill, or in conjunction with the bucket, as a clamp for carrying cumbersome objects such as pipe. Options include canopy or cab and a rubber or steel track.

The ZTS-Series are compact but maintain large operator stations. All three models have been designed to accommodate the space requirements of the North American operator.

The variable displacement open-center hydraulic system lets an operator blend functions for the same smooth control as Deere's larger excavators. Propel is controlled with levers or pedals, letting an operator change speeds through the two-speed propel system.

To prevent damage to the machine system monitor, a steel vandal-proof panel can be locked using the ignition key. A 12-volt accessory outlet provides power for the operator's cell phone and other electronic devices. The battery, fuel filter and water separator are all easily accessible through hinged access doors on the left side of the machine.

Access to the engine, hydraulic and cooling systems is through two service panels on the right side, with ample space for service and maintenance. All ZTS models are covered by Deere's service capabilities and dealer support network. Deere's dealer support programs include the Dealer Technical Assistance Center, Dealer Marketing Assistance Center and Custom Engineering and Attachments Group.

As with other products under 100 horsepower, the standard warranty will cover the full machine for 12 months. SECURE-Extended warranties up to seven years or 10,000 hours are also available.

The 27ZTS, 35ZTS and 50ZTS compact excavators are all backed by the CounterParts program.

Based on the idea that critical parts should be at dealerships when customers need them, anyone who buys or rents a ZTS-Series excavator from a certified CounterParts dealer can count on machine-down parts that can be replaced in under two hours being at the dealership Ð or they are free. For more information about the ZTS-Series, contact a John Deere construction equipment dealer or visit the website.