The first SmartGrade dozer integrated Topcon grade control at World of Concrete 2016.
John Deere introduced the 700K SmartGrade dozer at World of Concrete 2016. It integrated Topcon's grade control into the machine instead of bolting it on.
No masts, no cables
The system removed the blade-mounted GPS masts and external cables. Topcon's 3D-MC Max used two inertial measurement units instead. OEM Off-Highway reported calibration took about 30 minutes because machine dimensions were preloaded.
Built for new operators
Deere's Liz Quinn told Equipment World that finding skilled labor was one of the biggest challenges customers described. Auto SmartGrade lifts the blade over heavy loads before the tracks slip, then returns it to grade.
Why it matters
Quinn said the 700K laid the building blocks for more automation. The October 2024 SmartGrade rollout picked that path back up.
Sources
Source: equipmentworld.com
Source: oemoffhighway.com
John Deere
Topcon