New John Deere Compact Wheel Loaders are Short, but Big on Stability

Designed specifically for lower-clearance applications, John Deere introduces the 8-foot-tall, 204K and 304K compact wheel loaders. A foot lower than other compact John Deere wheel loaders, the 204K and 304K feature rigid front and rear axles to meet the 8-foot height while lowering the center of gravity and increasing stability and the tipping load limit. The two new models can reach and work in areas with restricted access such as door and trailer openings.

Both models come standard with an open operator station designed to withstand the elements, featuring weather-resistant gauges, extended rooftops, nonskid floor mats and optional vandal proofing. Cabs are comfortably equipped and offer unobstructed views of attachments and the surrounding work area. To enhance operation, the boom, bucket and forward-neutral-reverse switch are on the same ergonomic, low-effort lever for convenient one-hand control.

“The 204K and 304K are the next generation of John Deere compact wheel loaders designed on feedback from various landscape and agricultural customers,” says Doug Laufenberg, product marketing manager for compact wheel loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “To be successful on the jobsite, our customers wanted a shorter machine with simplified hydraulics, loader linkage and electrical systems along with a skid-steer-style coupler and a standard open canopy.”

Both models feature an interim Tier 4 diesel engine and a two-speed transmission with a top speed of 12 mph. If one wheel slips when navigating soft terrain, limited slip differential transfers that wheel’s power to the opposite wheel to restore traction.

Vital stats

Engine: 204K 59 hp; 304K 64 hp
Height: 8 feet
Top speed: 12 mph

Verified by Doug Laufenberg, product marketing manager for compact wheel loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry.