The best just got better. John Deere’s popular and versatile ’54 Series Swing Machines are beefing it up this year. Introducing the new 2454D, and the replacement for the 2554, the 2954D, taking over the legacy of previous models with a new edge on the competition: more powerful, more productive, more efficient – a better package all around.

More power to the strong
The popular 2054, 2554, and 3554 Swing Machines have proven to be a great asset for many logging contractors. Like their predecessors, the new 2454D and 2954D can be configured for road building, shovel logging, wood processing, or log loading. Whatever application you need, the ‘54s are sure to put you in the fast lane.

The new ’54 Series machines have a robust design and Tier III-compliant engines that increase power while promoting fuel efficiency. Both new models are equipped with the John Deere 6068H PowerTech Plus six-cylinder turbocharged engine, getting better horsepower than on previous models. The 182 horsepower 2454D and the 188 horsepower 2954D boosts performance while improving fuel efficiency, and an updated hydraulic system further improves attachment performance, machine smoothness, and facilitates faster cycle times.

The new models also boast greater reach and lifting capacities, giving you better control at the worksite. With a live heel application, maximum reach on the 2454D is 38 ft. 3 in. (11.67 m), and the 2954D can even beat that at 41 ft. 4 in. (12.60 m). The improved boom and heel designs have gone through extensive testing to maximize machine availability. The increased reach of the booms aid fuel economy by reducing the need to drive the machine around constantly at the worksite. Increased swing torque and tractive effort also mean the big jobs are easy to manage and the work gets done quickly.

Many of the structures on the new D-Series Swing Machines have been redesigned for improved durability. In the development of these machines, a lot of time was spent choosing the right-sized components – for example, next size up swing systems and undercarriage. Improvements have been made on the guarding to protect the machines’ valuable components, and the main frame designs have been improved as well. The result is a much stronger, more durable purpose-built machine designed to handle the unique tests of strength that come from working in the forest.

Keep it cool, keep it clean
The new John Deere D-series machine feature “Smart Cool” and an external debris protection system. The “Smart Cool” system consists of a hydraulically driven, variable speed, on-demand fan that only runs when needed and as fast as is needed. The benefits of this system include reduced noise and reduce fuel consumption. The debris management system is a standard feature on these machines, keeping debris from entering the cooling compartment. When combined with the reversing fan option it keeps excess dirt, dust and debris from building up on your cooling system, impairing cooling efficiency. Anything that has been sucked in gets blown right back out, keeping the machine systems running clean and cool.

Response to the new models has been very positive so far. Operators are loving the comfortable, easy-access cabs that make long shifts easier to handle. Serviceability is also quite manageable with remote-mounted filters, and dynamic test ports make oil sampling a breeze. The standard 277-gallon (1050 L) fuel tank extends run-time between fill-ups, another pro for better uptime. The advantages of the ’54 Series and plentiful and they just got better.

Back to Stories from the Woods