Reviewing John Deere’s Advanced Vision System for Articulated Dump Trucks

In March, I had the opportunity to visit John Deere’s Training Center/Proving Grounds in Sacaton, Arizona. The center provides wide-open spaces with berms for loading and dumping, as well as other equipment to navigate around. I got to see — and test — the company’s brand-new line of construction equipment, including the upgraded 310 P-Tier articulated dump truck (ADT).

This next-generation ADT is equipped with an Advanced Vision System, which enables operators a full scope of vision around the machine. Two new cameras have been placed under the mirror bows, and one in the front grill. Inside the cab, the machine includes two new monitors that serve as virtual mirrors.

Kasey Kelly, product manager of articulated dump trucks and scrapers, explained that visibility over the hood can be limited, so it’s critical for operators to have absolute visibility in the cab. “The virtual mirrors also keep operators’ heads up. By placing the virtual mirrors in a very similar location to the actual mirrors, we’re training our operators to continue to look up and have eyes on the jobsite,” said Kelly.

The new vision system includes dynamic panning, meaning the cameras move as the operator articulates. Dynamic panning can also adjust for angles and allow operators to put the truck exactly where they want. Kelly pointed out that the dynamic panning is especially effective when operators need to pull up to a berm or to get fuel or diesel exhaust fluid.

Seeing the ADT in Action

Kelly drove the ADT around the demo site, so I got a front-seat view of the monitors. As we approached a crawler excavator, I saw that we were unable to see the tracks in the side mirrors, but the in-cab monitors allowed us to see exactly how close we were to the tracks. The expanded visibility helps operators avoid hitting obstacles — or worse, people. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) reports that 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment.

Kelly noted that while the Advanced Vision System is designed to protect people, it can also help business owners protect the investment of the truck. New equipment is a hefty expense for owners, so prolonging the life of the machine — as well as mitigating repair costs — is a financial priority.

As I toured the site in the ADT, I observed that the monitors have clear, sharp images. Operators can see their surroundings in a high resolution. This tech had been tested on a stormy Midwestern jobsite, and the machine’s windows were covered with rain. Kelly noticed that the ADT’s operator used the monitor to navigate because the image was still clear. “These cameras are placed in a way where they’re not really getting dirty,” Kelly added.

Why Safety Is Key in Construction 

Because construction is such a dangerous industry, it’s crucial for leaders to prioritize and maintain jobsite safety. Equipment armed with systems that enhance safety are becoming increasingly important tools for contractors, and original equipment operators continue to focus on machine safety tech. Safety was a thread throughout the John Deere demo I sawin Arizona, and operator safety and comfort was often the first benefit mentioned for each machine.