Brant cites the three operating modes of Deere’s new 410E-II and 460E-II artics as an example of ways the company is assisting operators with advanced technology: Normal mode enables the new E-II machines to perform similarly to their predecessors, the E Series trucks, but with improved fuel economy.

Eco mode “just smooths out the machine” in shifting, acceleration, braking and other operations. It’s what a highly skilled operator would do in seeking maximum fuel efficiency, but Eco mode does it automatically, all day, every day.

Traction mode takes the guesswork out of the auto-differential lock and matches engine speed and shift points to conditions. Deere also simplified greasing on the 410E-II and 460E-II. A bank of easily accessible zerks has lines running to the lube points. Auto-lube is a factory option; it retains the ability to manually service grease points.

Cab updates include optional automatic HVAC temperature control, simplified transmission retarder settings and multifunction switches. E-II models also feature wider, lower dump bodies for faster and easier loading.