Interview with John Deere at ConExpo 2026 | ConEquip.com

When we spoke to Lauren, we primarily talked about the new P-Tier graders, but that wasn’t the only thing that Deere had on display for ConExpo. The John Deere featured their next generation of excavators, the tiering system to their portfolio options, and new G, X, and P models. While the offerings for these machines differed, many of the system and comfort technologies spanned the newest deere offerings including the P-Teir Motor Graders; they are designed with comfort and efficiency in mind.

Built for comfort

One of the key improvements Deere has made strides in is its operator comfort. In this Motor Grader, comfort is a major priority. An 8” touch screen in the cab offers ease of use, easy-adjust armrests provide customizable operator comfort, and options for heating and ventilation offer operators another way to customize their experience within their cabs, making those long workdays on the jobsite a little more bearable. The control options are also a value add, given that there is customizable options for control schemas. Deere offers armrest-mounted dual-joystick controls, fingertip controls, or traditional levers at the time of purchase. Deere also offers Advanced Vision System and Advanced Vision System with Dual Front Alley Cam on these new models, giving additional visibility to operators and increasing safety on the jobsite.

In addition to the physical creature comforts, Deere has made it a mission of these new machines to lower the learning curve present for novice operators. Many of the systems mirror smaller, more common machine types like standard house lawnmowers, making it easier for new operators to find their footing working these larger machines.

Ease of Repair and Decreased Downtime

As part of Deere’s increased ease of repair initiatives, these new Motor Graders support trouble shooting through wireless data transfer and Remote Display Access directly to Deere technicians. With these tools, certified technicians are able to remote into your machine without standing next to you in the field. From there they can view the machine’s screen and make real time adjustments for optimal machine use or troubleshoot problems and get you back to work.

Power Grading Made for Efficiency

One of the key highlights that Lauren shared with us was the changes and improvements made to the grading on these machines from previous generations. These new graders are integrated with Deere’s SmartGrade Technology, which is a mastless 3d grade control system that does not require mast sensors or cables on the outside of the vehicle. The way this technology works is by using the combination of GPS and 3d models of the terrain. The machine is then able to automatically adjust the blade along a predetermined path, which decreases overdigging and reduces time. These systems integrate with other industry technology like laser and sonic systems, with other integration options such as integrations with Leica Geosystems, and in the future, Trimble Systems.

SmartSaddle is another technology on these new machines where the grader blade is automatically placed in the optimal blade position with the press of a button. This in combination with their Intelligent Blade Control makes it easy for operators optimize blade use while they work and, in conjunction with several Edge-wear Automations, reduce wear on the blade. These new technologies are geared towards reducing required maintenance and downtime.

Summing it Up (If You Can)

With ConExpo coming to a close, there are many exciting innovations not only for John Deere, but for many of the titans in the heavy equipment industry. We want to thank Lauren for taking the time to speak with us.

See you at the next ConExpo!