July 2022 marked the introduction of the John Deere production class equipment in Africa, representing the second phase of the original equipment manufacturer’s rollout of its ‘yellow metal’ equipment range in the region. At the centre of the production class equipment rollout was the 460E-II – the first John Deere ADT to be launched in Africa.
Just over three years later, Griffiths Makgate, Director Sales and Marketing, Construction and Forestry for Africa Middle East, tells Quarrying Africa that the range has surpassed expectations, with a large installed base operational in countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Ivory Coast, and, more recently, Tanzania, amongst others.
An average 20% year-on-year growth has been recorded since the introduction. The growth, he says, does not only reflect financial performance, but also various important levers such as market penetration, brand awareness, and machine population, indicating that the John Deere ADT has successfully moved from the launch phase to sustainable, long-term growth.
“It has been quite an interesting journey thus far. When we first launched, we were fully aware of the competitive nature of the ADT market. We brought in the 460E-II first, which was a culmination of a thorough research and development (R&D) regime, informed by customer needs. It ticked all the right boxes, from increased productivity and uptime to efficiency, and lower total cost of ownership (TCO). Beyond the product, our support regime has been a key growth factor within such a short period, setting the tone for the success we see today,” says Makgate.
The first units
The first six units were deployed in two distinct applications and these provided ample lessons and feedback for further product improvement. Four units went into a taxing diamond mining application in Namibia, while the other two were deployed in a copper mining application in Phalaborwa, South Africa.
The Namibian operation, says Makgate, proved to be one of the toughest testing grounds for the John Deere ADT. Characterised by wet, muddy, and slippery conditions throughout the year, the application probably presented the toughest underfoot conditions in which the John Deere 460E-II had ever been deployed.
The John Deere product, says Makgate, proved equal to the task. One of the standout features was the Traction mode, which optimises the differential lock, ensuring maximum tractive effort and preventing the trucks from getting stuck in slippery conditions.
“In Traction Mode, the truck locks up four differential locks – one in each axle and one in transmission, thus allowing a fully loaded ADT to travel as smoothly and efficiently as possible, even in tough underfoot conditions. The new wheel-speed sensors also provide accurate reading, complementing the ground-speed radar in confirming that the traction-boosting auto-differential lock engages when needed,” explains Makgate.
The John Deere engines powering the machines are designed to maintain high performance at high altitudes, primarily through advanced turbocharging, which compensates for the lower air density and oxygen availability found at higher elevations. Unlike naturally aspirated engines that lose 3-4% of their horsepower for every 300 m of elevation gain, turbocharged John Deere engines use exhaust gases to drive a turbine, forcing extra air into the combustion chamber to maintain near-optimal oxygen levels.
While the often dry conditions found in Phalaborwa offer a more stable environment for hauling compared to wet conditions in Namibia, Makgate notes that the operating environment remains challenging due to the extreme temperatures synonymous with the area.
In such a sweltering environment, running hydraulic machines is generally challenging primarily because heat degrades the hydraulic fluid’s properties and damages the system’s seals and components, leading to performance issues and potential system failure. Nonetheless, John Deere machines have proven their mettle, with machines continuing to perform well with no major mechanical issues in such taxing conditions.
“Some of the sites have very tight turns, which cause side shaft and final drive failures. With the John Deere trucks, we have not received any feedback from any customers who have experienced these failures. The client has been happy with how the John Deere product gets the better of sharp turns through the specialised articulated steering, advanced hydraulic systems, and superior weight distribution, allowing the ADTs to navigate confined spaces and narrow haul roads with ease,” says Makgate.
Proven capabilities
Across both sites, the first machines have to date averaged about 20 000 hours on the clock, and counting. “However, the rollout was not without challenges. Technical issues are part of equipment operations, but what stood out was the proactive, empathetic, and fast response times from both the OEM and the dealer, to transform issues into trust-building, long-term partnerships with our clients. Launching a product in the market is one thing, and being able to back it up is quite another, and this was an area in which we proved to be strong,” says Makgate.
Based on these capabilities, both these clients have since significantly grown their fleets of John Deere ADTs which, according to Makgate, is testament to customer satisfaction, not only with the product, but also the aftermarket support. Beyond these two clients, the John Deere ADT population has grown significantly across Africa, with the industry now well aware of the machine’s capability.
Product expansion
Following the success of the 460E-II, John Deere Africa expanded the range with the P-Tier range, introducing the 42-tonne (t) 460 P-Tier in April 2024 and the 38-t 410 P-Tier a month later.
The smaller 410, says Makgate, was a product specifically targeted at the coal market and it has gone on to establish itself as a formidable offering in that market segment, especially in the coalfields of Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Key design features
Garrett Adamson, product manager at John Deere, says mining and infrastructure projects across Africa are becoming more complex. Beyond raw performance, productivity now depends just as much on technology, safety and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), as it does on moving material.
“Sites are larger, operators are working longer shifts, and equipment often operates far from workshops. Customers want machines that are intuitive to operate, easy to service, and designed to reduce risk – both for operators and maintenance crews,” says Adamson.
On the John Deere P‑Tier ADTs, adds Adamson, the cab is really the command centre of the machine. Operators work in a quiet, pressurised cab designed to reduce fatigue over long shifts. An easy‑to‑read monitor brings key machine information together, including the rear‑camera display, so operators can stay aware of their surroundings without distraction.
“Comfort plays a big role in consistency and safety. The standard high‑back air‑suspension seat adjusts multiple ways for all‑day support, and customers can opt for a premium heated and ventilated seat with heavy‑duty suspension and an adjustable seat pan. For operations in hot, dusty regions or cooler high‑altitude sites, the optional automatic temperature control system allows operators to set a desired temperature and stay comfortable throughout the shift,” explains Adamson.
Visibility and awareness are also critical on busy job sites, says Lauren Meyer, product marketing manager at John Deere. “Visibility is one of the biggest contributors to safe and efficient operation. For improved operator experience and situational awareness, John Deere ADTs come with varying levels of vision systems to increase visibility and situational awareness from the operator’s seat. Optional rear‑camera systems give operators a clear view when backing up, helping avoid obstacles and congestion around crushers, stockpiles, or loading areas,” says Meyer.
For sites with heavy traffic and constant interaction between machines and personnel, customers can opt for the John Deere Advanced Vision System (AVS). AVS increases the operator’s field of view to potential jobsite hazards, enhancing awareness and navigation in busy work areas. The system uses digital cameras mounted in the front grille and on the mirror bows, displaying images on a trio of dedicated in‑cab monitors. Integrated with the ADT’s articulation, the mirror‑bow cameras automatically pan as the machine turns, helping operators stay aware of what is around them.
Serviceability, says Meyer, is another major concern in remote operations. This, she says, is an area where John Deere has seen strong appreciation from customers. All daily checks and periodic service points are accessible from ground level. And all this can be done by lowering the front suspension of the truck by the press of a button, to reach the serviceable components of the truck.
There is also an optional factory‑installed auto‑lube system, which is electrically powered and integrated with machine diagnostics. It helps ensure consistent lubrication while simplifying daily routines – a big advantage on sites where skilled maintenance resources may be limited.
Close collaboration
Beyond these product features, Makgate says the aftermarket regime has been the key success driver for the John Deere ADT range in Africa. He highlights the importance of alignment between the OEM and the dealer, which calls for the presentation of a united front, both focused on supporting customers first.
John Deere maintains an open relationship and collaboration with its dealer partners, which has cemented customers’ confidence. “Close collaboration and flexibility between us and our dealer partners have been critical drivers of brand growth. By working together, we have ensured consistent, high-quality service, which builds long-term brand loyalty and trust,” concludes Makgate.
