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The John Deere 328 Skid Steer, released in 2009, is a compact, high-performance machine designed for heavy-duty construction, landscaping, and material handling tasks. Known for its versatility, reliability, and ease of operation, the 328 model has found a strong following in industries that require powerful yet maneuverable equipment for tasks such as lifting, digging, and grading. This article will take an in-depth look at the John Deere 328 Skid Steer, its features, common issues, maintenance practices, and why it continues to be a popular choice among operators.
Overview of the John Deere 328 Skid Steer
The John Deere 328 Skid Steer is part of Deere’s 300 series of skid steers and is known for its excellent lifting capacity, robust engine, and excellent hydraulic performance. Skid steers, by design, are compact and agile, making them perfect for confined spaces and tasks that require precision. The 328 Skid Steer is no exception, boasting a powerful engine and hydraulics system that can tackle a variety of construction jobs, including grading, excavation, and material transportation.
Key Specifications:
While the John Deere 328 Skid Steer is known for its reliability, it is not immune to certain issues that can arise during operation. Being aware of common issues can help operators address them before they lead to more serious problems.
Maintaining the John Deere 328 Skid Steer is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and extend the machine’s useful life.
A mid-sized construction company purchased a 2009 John Deere 328 Skid Steer for its grading and material-handling tasks. The machine’s lifting capacity and hydraulic power made it a great choice for moving heavy materials and operating attachments like a grading blade and auger. Over the course of a year, the company experienced minimal downtime, thanks to regular maintenance and upkeep.
However, the company did face some challenges with hydraulic leaks, which were quickly resolved by replacing worn hoses and seals. This minor issue was addressed before it caused any significant operational disruption, allowing the company to keep its projects on schedule.
Conclusion
The 2009 John Deere 328 Skid Steer is a robust and reliable machine that delivers outstanding performance across a wide range of tasks. With its powerful engine, high-flow hydraulics, and excellent maneuverability, the 328 is a favorite choice for construction, landscaping, and material handling. By adhering to regular maintenance schedules and addressing common issues promptly, operators can ensure that their John Deere 328 Skid Steer continues to perform efficiently for years to come. Whether you are lifting heavy loads, digging, or grading, the John Deere 328 remains a versatile and dependable machine for a variety of heavy-duty applications.
Overview of the John Deere 328 Skid Steer
The John Deere 328 Skid Steer is part of Deere’s 300 series of skid steers and is known for its excellent lifting capacity, robust engine, and excellent hydraulic performance. Skid steers, by design, are compact and agile, making them perfect for confined spaces and tasks that require precision. The 328 Skid Steer is no exception, boasting a powerful engine and hydraulics system that can tackle a variety of construction jobs, including grading, excavation, and material transportation.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: The 328 features a 74-horsepower, 4-cylinder diesel engine that provides ample power for its size. The engine is designed to be fuel-efficient while providing the necessary torque to handle heavy workloads.
- Hydraulics: With a high-flow hydraulic system, the John Deere 328 can handle a variety of attachments, such as augers, snowblowers, and hydraulic hammers.
- Lifting Capacity: The 328 can lift up to 3,200 pounds, making it capable of handling heavy loads with ease. This makes it ideal for moving materials such as dirt, gravel, and construction debris.
- Dimensions: The compact size of the 328 makes it highly maneuverable in tight spaces. With a length of just 125 inches and a width of 69 inches, it can navigate narrow paths with ease.
- Excellent Maneuverability:
- One of the standout features of the John Deere 328 Skid Steer is its excellent maneuverability. Its compact size, combined with its skid-steer design, allows it to navigate tight spaces and perform tasks that larger machines cannot. Whether you’re working in a congested construction site or a landscaping project, the 328 provides unparalleled flexibility.
- One of the standout features of the John Deere 328 Skid Steer is its excellent maneuverability. Its compact size, combined with its skid-steer design, allows it to navigate tight spaces and perform tasks that larger machines cannot. Whether you’re working in a congested construction site or a landscaping project, the 328 provides unparalleled flexibility.
- High Lifting and Tipping Capacity:
- With a tipping load of approximately 6,400 pounds and a rated operating capacity of 2,300 pounds, the 328 offers impressive lifting power for a skid steer in its class. This means that operators can efficiently move heavy materials with ease, boosting productivity on the job site.
- With a tipping load of approximately 6,400 pounds and a rated operating capacity of 2,300 pounds, the 328 offers impressive lifting power for a skid steer in its class. This means that operators can efficiently move heavy materials with ease, boosting productivity on the job site.
- Comfort and Visibility:
- The John Deere 328 Skid Steer comes equipped with a spacious and comfortable operator’s cab. Features such as adjustable seating, ample legroom, and ergonomic controls make it easy for operators to stay comfortable during long hours of operation. The large windows provide excellent visibility, which is crucial for precision work and safety.
- The John Deere 328 Skid Steer comes equipped with a spacious and comfortable operator’s cab. Features such as adjustable seating, ample legroom, and ergonomic controls make it easy for operators to stay comfortable during long hours of operation. The large windows provide excellent visibility, which is crucial for precision work and safety.
- Advanced Hydraulics:
- The 328 Skid Steer features a high-flow hydraulic system that delivers up to 24.2 gallons per minute at a pressure of 3,300 psi. This hydraulic capacity is perfect for operating heavy-duty attachments like augers, snowplows, and trenchers.
- The 328 Skid Steer features a high-flow hydraulic system that delivers up to 24.2 gallons per minute at a pressure of 3,300 psi. This hydraulic capacity is perfect for operating heavy-duty attachments like augers, snowplows, and trenchers.
- Durability and Reliability:
- John Deere is known for producing machines that are built to last, and the 328 Skid Steer is no exception. Constructed with heavy-duty components, the 328 is designed to withstand the tough conditions typically found on construction sites. Its robust design means less downtime and fewer repairs, translating to a better return on investment.
- John Deere is known for producing machines that are built to last, and the 328 Skid Steer is no exception. Constructed with heavy-duty components, the 328 is designed to withstand the tough conditions typically found on construction sites. Its robust design means less downtime and fewer repairs, translating to a better return on investment.
While the John Deere 328 Skid Steer is known for its reliability, it is not immune to certain issues that can arise during operation. Being aware of common issues can help operators address them before they lead to more serious problems.
- Hydraulic System Leaks:
- Issue: Hydraulic fluid leaks are a common problem in skid steers, including the John Deere 328. These leaks can cause a loss of hydraulic power and reduce the effectiveness of attachments.
- Solution: Inspect hydraulic hoses, fittings, and seals regularly for signs of wear or damage. If leaks are detected, replace the affected components immediately to prevent further damage.
- Issue: Hydraulic fluid leaks are a common problem in skid steers, including the John Deere 328. These leaks can cause a loss of hydraulic power and reduce the effectiveness of attachments.
- Engine Starting Problems:
- Issue: Difficulty starting the engine can be caused by a number of factors, including a weak battery, clogged fuel filters, or issues with the glow plugs.
- Solution: Check the battery voltage and replace it if it’s below the required level. Replace fuel filters and clean or replace the glow plugs if necessary. If the issue persists, further investigation into the fuel system may be required.
- Issue: Difficulty starting the engine can be caused by a number of factors, including a weak battery, clogged fuel filters, or issues with the glow plugs.
- Electrical System Failures:
- Issue: Electrical problems such as malfunctioning lights or non-responsive controls can occur, often due to faulty wiring, blown fuses, or a dead battery.
- Solution: Inspect the wiring harness for signs of wear or loose connections. Replace any blown fuses and ensure the battery is properly charged. It may also be helpful to check the alternator to ensure it’s charging the battery correctly.
- Issue: Electrical problems such as malfunctioning lights or non-responsive controls can occur, often due to faulty wiring, blown fuses, or a dead battery.
- Tire Wear and Damage:
- Issue: Like any skid steer, the John Deere 328’s tires are subject to wear and tear. Uneven tire wear can affect the performance and stability of the machine.
- Solution: Regularly inspect the tires for signs of wear, punctures, or damage. Rotate the tires periodically to ensure even wear. If tire damage is significant, replace the tires to maintain optimal traction.
- Issue: Like any skid steer, the John Deere 328’s tires are subject to wear and tear. Uneven tire wear can affect the performance and stability of the machine.
- Hydraulic Performance Issues:
- Issue: Reduced hydraulic performance, such as slow or unresponsive attachments, can be caused by low fluid levels, dirty filters, or worn hydraulic components.
- Solution: Check the hydraulic fluid levels and ensure they are within the recommended range. Replace filters if they are clogged, and inspect hydraulic hoses for signs of damage. If performance issues persist, it may be necessary to inspect the pump or cylinders.
- Issue: Reduced hydraulic performance, such as slow or unresponsive attachments, can be caused by low fluid levels, dirty filters, or worn hydraulic components.
Maintaining the John Deere 328 Skid Steer is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and extend the machine’s useful life.
- Change Hydraulic Fluid Regularly:
- Regularly changing the hydraulic fluid is essential to ensure that the system operates smoothly. John Deere recommends changing the hydraulic oil every 500 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first.
- Regularly changing the hydraulic fluid is essential to ensure that the system operates smoothly. John Deere recommends changing the hydraulic oil every 500 hours of operation or annually, whichever comes first.
- Monitor Engine Oil and Air Filters:
- Check engine oil levels regularly and change the oil every 250 hours to ensure the engine is running at peak performance. Clean or replace the air filter as needed to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine.
- Check engine oil levels regularly and change the oil every 250 hours to ensure the engine is running at peak performance. Clean or replace the air filter as needed to prevent dust and debris from entering the engine.
- Inspect Tires and Tracks:
- Check tires and tracks frequently for signs of wear or damage. Proper tire inflation is also important to ensure maximum efficiency and avoid uneven tire wear.
- Check tires and tracks frequently for signs of wear or damage. Proper tire inflation is also important to ensure maximum efficiency and avoid uneven tire wear.
- Clean Radiator and Cooling System:
- Keeping the radiator and cooling system clean is vital for preventing the engine from overheating. Regularly inspect and clean the cooling system, particularly in dusty environments where debris can accumulate.
- Keeping the radiator and cooling system clean is vital for preventing the engine from overheating. Regularly inspect and clean the cooling system, particularly in dusty environments where debris can accumulate.
- Lubricate All Moving Parts:
- Apply grease to all moving parts to prevent friction and reduce wear. John Deere recommends regular lubrication of the loader arm, linkage, and other pivot points to ensure smooth operation.
- Apply grease to all moving parts to prevent friction and reduce wear. John Deere recommends regular lubrication of the loader arm, linkage, and other pivot points to ensure smooth operation.
A mid-sized construction company purchased a 2009 John Deere 328 Skid Steer for its grading and material-handling tasks. The machine’s lifting capacity and hydraulic power made it a great choice for moving heavy materials and operating attachments like a grading blade and auger. Over the course of a year, the company experienced minimal downtime, thanks to regular maintenance and upkeep.
However, the company did face some challenges with hydraulic leaks, which were quickly resolved by replacing worn hoses and seals. This minor issue was addressed before it caused any significant operational disruption, allowing the company to keep its projects on schedule.
Conclusion
The 2009 John Deere 328 Skid Steer is a robust and reliable machine that delivers outstanding performance across a wide range of tasks. With its powerful engine, high-flow hydraulics, and excellent maneuverability, the 328 is a favorite choice for construction, landscaping, and material handling. By adhering to regular maintenance schedules and addressing common issues promptly, operators can ensure that their John Deere 328 Skid Steer continues to perform efficiently for years to come. Whether you are lifting heavy loads, digging, or grading, the John Deere 328 remains a versatile and dependable machine for a variety of heavy-duty applications.
