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The John Deere 27D and Its Compact Excavator Legacy
The John Deere 27D is a compact excavator introduced in the late 2000s as part of Deere’s D-series lineup. Designed for tight urban spaces, landscaping, and utility work, it features a zero-tail-swing design, a 2.7-ton operating weight, and a 20 hp Yanmar diesel engine. Deere, founded in 1837, has sold tens of thousands of compact excavators globally, and the 27D remains a popular choice for contractors seeking maneuverability and reliability.
One of the key accessories for the 27D is the bolt-on counterweight, which enhances stability during lifting and digging operations. This accessory is especially useful when using longer arms, heavier buckets, or working on uneven terrain.
Terminology Notes
The standard 27D is optimized for compactness, but this comes at the cost of reduced rear ballast. When lifting heavy loads or using extended reach attachments, the machine may become unstable. A bolt-on counterweight:
Finding a bolt-on counterweight for the 27D can be challenging due to limited aftermarket availability. Recommended approaches include:
One landscaper in British Columbia shared that his 27D became unstable when lifting stone slabs over the side. After installing a bolt-on counterweight sourced from a retired rental unit, he noticed smoother operation and reduced track wear. Another operator in Texas fabricated a counterweight from a steel box filled with concrete, bolted to the rear frame. Though unconventional, it improved stability during trenching.
A technician in Ohio emphasized checking the hydraulic lift chart after adding weight. Overloading the boom can still cause stress even with improved balance.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
Adding a bolt-on counterweight to a John Deere 27D enhances stability and lifting performance, especially in demanding conditions. While sourcing may require creativity—through dealers, salvage yards, or fabrication—the benefits in safety and productivity are substantial. With proper installation and awareness of load limits, the 27D becomes a more versatile and confident tool on the jobsite.
The John Deere 27D is a compact excavator introduced in the late 2000s as part of Deere’s D-series lineup. Designed for tight urban spaces, landscaping, and utility work, it features a zero-tail-swing design, a 2.7-ton operating weight, and a 20 hp Yanmar diesel engine. Deere, founded in 1837, has sold tens of thousands of compact excavators globally, and the 27D remains a popular choice for contractors seeking maneuverability and reliability.
One of the key accessories for the 27D is the bolt-on counterweight, which enhances stability during lifting and digging operations. This accessory is especially useful when using longer arms, heavier buckets, or working on uneven terrain.
Terminology Notes
- Counterweight: A mass added to the rear of the machine to balance the load and prevent tipping.
- Bolt-On Counterweight: A removable weight secured with bolts, allowing optional installation based on job requirements.
- Tail-Swing Radius: The distance the rear of the excavator swings during rotation; zero-tail-swing models minimize overhang.
- Lift Capacity: The maximum weight the excavator can safely raise, influenced by counterweight and boom geometry.
The standard 27D is optimized for compactness, but this comes at the cost of reduced rear ballast. When lifting heavy loads or using extended reach attachments, the machine may become unstable. A bolt-on counterweight:
- Increases rear mass by approximately 200–300 lbs
- Improves lift capacity by up to 15%
- Reduces risk of tipping when working over the side
- Enhances operator confidence in challenging conditions
Finding a bolt-on counterweight for the 27D can be challenging due to limited aftermarket availability. Recommended approaches include:
- Contacting Deere Dealers: Provide the full serial number to match the correct part. Some dealers stock counterweights for D-series machines or can order from regional warehouses.
- Checking Salvage Yards: Older units may have removable counterweights. Inspect for cracks, rust, and bolt hole integrity.
- Fabricating Locally: Some operators have custom weights built from steel plate, matching the bolt pattern and clearance. Ensure proper weight distribution and secure mounting.
- Using Online Equipment Exchanges: Platforms specializing in compact equipment may list used counterweights or offer alerts for new listings.
- Clean the rear frame surface and inspect bolt holes
- Use Grade 8 bolts with locking washers
- Torque bolts to manufacturer spec (typically 120–150 ft-lbs)
- Test machine balance with a full bucket before field use
One landscaper in British Columbia shared that his 27D became unstable when lifting stone slabs over the side. After installing a bolt-on counterweight sourced from a retired rental unit, he noticed smoother operation and reduced track wear. Another operator in Texas fabricated a counterweight from a steel box filled with concrete, bolted to the rear frame. Though unconventional, it improved stability during trenching.
A technician in Ohio emphasized checking the hydraulic lift chart after adding weight. Overloading the boom can still cause stress even with improved balance.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
- Inspect Mounting Bolts Monthly: Vibration can loosen fasteners.
- Avoid Overloading: Counterweight improves balance but not boom strength.
- Label Machine Configuration: Note added weight for transport and lifting calculations.
- Use OEM Specs When Possible: Custom weights may affect warranty or resale.
Adding a bolt-on counterweight to a John Deere 27D enhances stability and lifting performance, especially in demanding conditions. While sourcing may require creativity—through dealers, salvage yards, or fabrication—the benefits in safety and productivity are substantial. With proper installation and awareness of load limits, the 27D becomes a more versatile and confident tool on the jobsite.
