344L
Compact Wheel Loader

344L Articulating

L-series compact wheel loaders feature industry exclusive Articulation Plus™ that adds rear wheel steer to increase full turn tipping load and overall maneuverability

• This steering system combines 30 degrees of articulation with an additional 10 degrees of rear-wheel steering.
• Articulation Plus enables a significantly higher full turn tipping load than machines without this feature because the machine does not need to articulate as much to turn as other loaders
• This feature results in a significantly tighter turning radius than comparatively sized loaders without Articulation Plus™

Hi-Vis Coupler

Joystick with 3rd function mini-joystick control

344L with forks

With all the attachments offered in the John Deere attachment portfolio you can make the most out of your compact wheel loader by equipping it with many popular attachments.

• A new cast Hi-Vis hydraulic coupler is equipped on the 344L when the three-spool hydraulic configuration is selected. The cast design is more robust than the previous series coupler. The open design of the coupler also allows for improved visibility to the work area and fork tines.
• The Attachment Assist Package makes it easier for operators to get the most out of attachments by combining throttle lock and creep control to maintain full power at a set ground speed. 
• Optional three function hydraulics includes joystick with integrated forward-neutral-reverse (FNR) switch and 3^rd function mini-joystick control for ease of operation.
• Standard auxiliary hydraulics are added and routed to the front of the machine when the coupler is ordered from the factory.  By simply pressing a switch in the cab, operators can easily connect and disconnect attachments and enable them to have full function flow without having to manually press buttons throughout the day.
• Optimized forks for compact wheel loaders offer improved visibility, increased capacity, and better durability.  Designed specifically for compact loaders, they enable operators to load the far side of a trailer with ease.

Hi-Back Seat and Adjustable Steering Column within Cab

Storage area

Right side console

Display

The operator focused designs found within John Deere compact wheel loaders ensure operators are comfortable and productive all day.

• L-series wheel loaders feature an overall larger cab that is both wider and longer compared to previous series
• To help keep operators more comfortable during a long shift, an improved air conditioning system with additional adjustable louvers has been included. The optimized duct work and additional operator louvers provide increased airflow and allow the operator to direct airflow where it is needed.
• Ergonomic, low effort controls all on the right side, allow operators to work comfortably and more efficient.
• Machine display is redesigned and mounted to the cab A-frame and is height adjustable
• Ample storage within the cab allows operators to keep personal items close and secure
• Adjustable steering column in enclosed cab units allows operators to easily move the steering wheel to a desired position to help increase productivity and allow easy ingress and egress.
• Optional premium high-back, air suspension heated seat provides top of the line comfort for operators in off road conditions and colder climates
• The left pedal acts as a brake and inching pedal.  If the operator pushes all the way down, the machine comes to a complete stop.  If the operator presses the pedal without going all the way down, the machine will proportionally move slower and continue at that speed

344L Moving Material Around a Jobsite

The 344L comes with features that result in higher productivity in applications like V-pattern truck loading, bale handling, and landscaping.

• The John Deere PowerTech™ 4045T engine features a high-pressure common rail fuel system with electronic injectors, four-valve cylinder head, a wastegate turbocharger, and is charge air cooled. The 344L meets Final Tier 4 emissions regulations through the use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. The SCR system utilizes diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
• Based off of customer and dealer feedback, the 344L now has an increased maximum travel speed of 40 km/h (25 mph)
• Automatic shift logic has been internally developed specifically for this machine to allow the operator to focus on their work instead of shifting gears. This allows the machine to seamlessly transition from loading to transport. The system senses the machine speed and load and will adjust the hydrostatic pumps, motors, and gearbox automatically without operator input to best match the conditions.
• Manual low-speed 100-percent differential lock delivers the ground gripping tractive effort necessary to dive deep into the pile and help heap the bucket.
• Optional ride control reduces material spillage from the bucket when traveling over rough and uneven terrain by cushioning the boom. This will help in getting the material being moved to where it is intended to go, and will reduce site cleanup that may result from spilled material.
• To help keep material in the bucket, and to make an operator more comfortable, there are two points of oscillation on the 344L when traveling over rough ground. The articulation joint has 10 degrees of oscillation and the rear axle also has 10 degrees of oscillation. Combined, both help to significantly improve machine stability over rough and uneven terrain.

Hood tilted up at rear of the machine

Right side cooling package access and fuel and DEF fill

Enhanced serviceability features and ease of access to daily and preventative maintenance points ensures that these tasks do not significantly cut into working hours

• Ground level service simplifies daily maintenance, keeping machine in good working condition without cutting into working hours.  This also enables operators to change fluids quickly and cleanly to keep equipment running smoothly
• A redesigned cooling package optimizes efficiency and cleanout. The unique diagonal flow through design is efficient because it minimizes contamination from debris build up. This significantly reduces material buildup on the coolers. The coolers are also spaced to allow ease of access for cleanout from ground level.
• To maximize time spent on the job instead of in the shop, compact wheel loaders feature extended service intervals for engine oil and filter, final drive oil, and hydraulic oil.
• Compact wheel loaders are supported by one of the largest dealer networks in the industry meaning more technicians in the shop and field and more parts on the shelf to keep machines up and running.
• The automatic spring-applied hydraulically released park brakes help maximize uptime and are a safer and more reliable feature than most competitor’s cable operated park brakes.

Rear Sloped Hood and Window

View from Operator’s Seat

Lighting Locations

Compact Wheel Loaders are built with operator visibility in mind.  From the tapered boom to the rear sloping hood and everything in between, operators will have best in class visibility to all sides of the machine.

• Single boom and bucket cylinder in line with each other helps ensure the operator is able to efficiently change out between attachments
• Tapered boom design has been optimized for improved parallel lifting capabilities especially when forks are being used in applications like landscaping.  The design also provides excellent viewing of attachments and material.
• Sloped rear hood and rear-view mirrors allow superior views to the rear of the machine when backing up
• Compact wheel loaders offer great visibility for the operator by positioning them higher up in the cab compared with other compact construction equipment.
• Optional light-emitting diode (LED) lighting package that offers two different styles of LED lights, results in increased productivity in low light conditions due to significantly better illumination of the machine surroundings.  It will also result in a more durable and reliable light source over time when compared to standard halogen bulbs.