Only leave the cab once to disconnect the loader

It takes four steps to disconnect the loader: lower the loader, open the parking stand, remove the hydraulics, and unlock the mast pin. To disconnect the loader, the bucket must be flat on a stable ground (1). The operator must leave the cab and lower the self-adjustable parking stands on both sides of the loader (2). The self-adjustable parking stands allow the operator to park the loader on irregular terrain and maintain a good position relative to the mounting frame to attach the loader correctly later on. The parking stands can be set without tools. After lowering the parking stands, the hydraulic couplers on the right-hand side of the loader must be removed (3) and the loader must be unlocked from the tractor mounting frames (4). After these four steps, the operator is ready to move the tractor (5 and 6).

Fast connection of the loader to the tractor

Connecting the loader is fast and convenient thanks to the ramp design on the mounting frames and the automatic mast latch equipped with a floating device. Only drive the tractor to bring the mounting frames inside the mast until the latching indicators are in lock position. Then, the operator can lift the parking stands (1) and connect the couplers (2) for hydraulic and electric loader power to the tractor. With a fast, intuitive, and maintenance-free design, the loader connection and disconnection makes the tractor ready for any tasks.

Use the automatic implement latch to connect the loader implement faster

Changing the implements is a daily task for many front loader operators. Thanks to the patented automatic implement latch (AIL) the connection of various buckets, forks, or other implements can be done in less than 3 seconds. The dedicated treatment and material choice ensure the rod supports the heaviest applications, which provides a durable and lifetime solution. The AIL is a base feature of the Euro carrier, which is compatible with all Euro implements. It is also available with the Combi Euro MX carrier.

Disconnect the implement

To unlock the implement, the operator must open the handle manually (1). Optionally, this is possible to do from the cab with the hydraulic implement unlatching (HIU). It requires minimal effort to unlock the implement, without the need of tools. The convenient position of the handle allows easy access for the operator. The operator needs to pull the handle and turn it clockwise. The handle stays in the required position. The next step is to remove the implement from the carrier (2): tilt the implement and lower the loader until the bucket touches the ground. The carrier rod is released from the implement hooks. The carrier handle moves to a standby position allowing fast latching later on.

Connect the implement

The AIL locks the implement as soon as the implement lug touches the trigger plate on the carrier (2). To achieve this, the top bar of the carrier must be connected to the implement’s top hooks and after start rolling back the carrier. There is no need to completely roll back the attachment. The implement is latched on both sides of the carrier (1, 2). The fast and easy locking performs regardless of loader height. AIL in detail: Position of the carrier handle during the latching process

1. Position 1: Latch open – latch tube against carrier green plate
2. Position 2: Latch tube against AIL plate
3. Trigger waiting for implement lug
4. Position 3: Latch closed

Higher visibility with the R-Series

The design of the R-Series Loaders increases the visibility of the implement at no matter what lift height the loader is placed. With its curved shape, the loader boom is aligned with the tractor hood and provides a better view when working with the loader. The position of the mechanical leveling link supports the higher visible level of the mechanical self-leveling (MSL). Due to the compact design of the boom and the cylinders, the raised distance of the cylinders to fenders guarantees sufficient clearance. This allows an appropriate steering angle to maneuver the loader in tight spaces. The low position of the torque tube also allows good visibility and clearance for the tractor’s front lights, which provides an ideal lighting solution for night time use.

Loader lights

Operating at dusk or night is a part of a producer’s working life. The increased visibility allows the operator to drive in a more comfortable and confident way. The loader lights are mounted on the loader boom and follow the loader movements. With 850 luminous flux per light , the light provides powerful illumination to support working in dark conditions. The loader lights show a low power consumption of 15 W per light.

Comfort on the R-Series

Suspension

The loader suspension option further improves comfort when using the R-Series Loaders on uneven terrain. The gas accumulator is integrated and protected in the torque tube. The suspension is activated from the driver seat due to a button on the mechanical joystick (1) or a switch on the console with the electronic joystick. The loader suspension results in a smoother ride and less potential material loss. See loader suspension for more information.

Electronic self-leveling (ESL) packages

To make repetitive loader tasks easier and more accurate, John Deere offers the return-to-position (RTP) option which automatically returns the front loader to a preset position. The RTP is part of the ESL packages: the ESL standard package includes the non self-leveling (NSL) boom with RTP, whereas the ESL premium package provides the mechanical self-leveling (MSL) boom equipped with RTP. With RTP, the operator can save up to four implement positions: four implement heights and four implement angles. Due to RTP, productivity can be significantly increased and provides an easy environment for the operator. This function removes the need to keep full concentration on the attachment  position; the tractor can manage the loader thanks to a few clicks by the operator. For example, the operator can save four positions in a loading process. The operator loads manure: he takes up the manure (A), transports it to the trailer (B), lifts it above the trailer (C), dumps it into the trailer (D). He can return to all these positions by clicking the joystick in the appropriate direction. Due to the saved positions, the risk of damages is minimized. With the RTP option, there is no need to check the loader height and the implement angle when handling pallets, silage bales, wood, and gravel — the tractor takes the control. This means a complete loading cycle can be performed in 8 movements of the joystick. The electronic joystick and the intuitive CommandCenter™ controls further increase ease of usability. See the electronic self-leveling (ESL) packages for more information.

Rollback bundle

With the rollback bundle, the operator can increase the rollback angle by 12 degrees and guarantees reduced material losses. Consequently, more material can  be moved in one load which can help to reduce the number of loads and save time during loader operations. The implement parts must be installed on the lower end of the bucket, where the implement is connected to the carrier frame. See rollback bundle for more information.

MemoSystem

The MemoSystem ensures the loader implement returns automatically into a memorized angle. When loading a trailer or a mixing wagon, the process does follow a repetitive loading cycle (1, 2, 3, 4). Automatically returning to the same implement angle greatly increases the uptime during operation. The memorized angle of the implement can be recalled easily via the MemoSystem button on the joystick when lowering the loader. Please go to the MemoSystem for more information.

Gear shift switch (GSS)

The GSS (1) on the joystick allows the operator to change gears without moving their hand away from the joystick. During the loading process, different speed levels are required to operate quickly and efficiently. The GSS option is installed on the joystick. It is available for all loader models. See GSS for more information.

Hydraulic implement unlatching (HIU)

In base, all R-Series Loaders are equipped with a Euro carrier, which allows connection to all Euro implements to the loader, no matter which manufacturer provides the implement. The Euro carrier is delivered in base with an automatic implement latch (AIL). The Euro and Combi Euro/SMS carrier can be equipped with the hydraulic implement unlatching option, which greatly enhances the operator’s comfort because it allows unlatching the implement by simply pressing a button from the operator’s station. There is no need for the operator to get out of the cab to remove the handle on the implement. A gas accumulator is filled with oil when crowding the implement. To activate the device, the two switches installed in the right-hand side of the operator’s station are pressed simultaneously by the operator. This action releases the oil, and the implement is unlocked. Compared to competitors, it is still possible to unlock the implement manually. See hydraulic implement unlatching for more information.

Power

Due to the design and the loader kinematic, the R-Series Loaders feature outstanding power regarding lift capacity and lift height. The power of the John Deere tractor is transferred to the loader via the hydraulic system. The underslung leveling link of the mechanical self-levelign (MSL) loader is connected to the false rod cylinders which results in fast cycle times (dumping and rolling back). The geometry allows a more rollback capacity which the operator can experience with stronger breakout forces. The compact boom has a lower height of pivoting points to easy access for greasing. The detailed specification of the loaders provides an overview of the lift height and lift capacity of each loader (543R, 603R, 623R, 643R, 663R, and 683R).

Durability

The R-Series Loaders show a great level of durability due to the high-quality material. The modular cast-iron components on the loader are the foundation of a durable machine. The cast-iron mounting frames ensure a strong base for heavy-duty applications and guarantee a good connection to the tractor frame. This results in tested, reliable longevity. The position and shape of the torque tube supports the heaviest loader applications and guarantees a stable behavior of the tractor and loader combination. Additionally, the compact boom design and the loader kinematics result in a strong and reliable solution the customer can experience in the field. To ensure a high quality with outstanding durability, the R-Series Loaders have been tested on a dedicated front loader test bench, where the loader is subjected   to heavy duty farming operations. All pivot points are designed with a wider contact surface and are made from cast-steel material. The pivot pins have a   dedicated diameter and undergo a specific treatment to ensure an outstanding durability. The welded, directional bushings have a specific shape to provide ideal stress distribution and support the heavy-duty applications. Major pivot points are equipped with replaceable bushings for low frequency of greasing, because the grease continuously is delivered during the loader work. New bushings can be installed thanks to the specific bushing design.

Hydraulic integration

With the John Deere loaders, the oil lines have been routed through the boom arm to protect them from any damage and to increase the operator’s visibility. To provide good access to the hydraulics hoses, they are located on the top of the torque tube. The torque tube cover protecting the hydraulic components can be dismounted easily. The loader suspension is located in the torque tube to protect the gas accumulator against external influences.

Safety feature

A hydraulic shut-off valve is included in base with the R-Series Ag Loaders to ensure the loader does not lower suddenly. This allows the boom to be locked if someone is required to be located under the loader boom (for example, during service work on the tractor).

False rod cylinder

Fast bucket cycle times are important to dump the load from the bucket to be as productive as possible, while completing loading operations. The bucket cylinder design can have a major impact on the cycle time, especially for the MSL loaders. All MSL R-Series Loaders utilize false rod bucket cylinders. A false rod cylinder has a smaller displacement of oil requirement on the head end of the cylinder, which allows the cylinder to retract much faster than a normal cylinder.

R-Series Loaders are even easier to attach and detach due to the automatic mast latch system. This feature provides efficiency to operations that require frequent loader parking. The automatic mast latch system is a mechanical lever that allows operators to remove or attach the loader with one trip out of the cab. The ease and convenience provided by the automatic mast latch system provides improvement to operation uptime. R-Series Loader attach and detach instruction video