John Deere is calling its new P-Tier machines the most technologically advanced excavators the company has ever brought to market. Starting with the 210, 230, and 260 P-Tier, all of which sit within the 20-metric-ton class, John Deere has incorporated new technology features and designed an operator experience that it says will make operators' lives easier and improve skilled operator retention for contractors.
Ahead of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, John Deere previewed these machines at its proving grounds near Phoenix, Arizona.
Throughout product development, customers representing mass earthworks, residential construction, underground utility, agricultural, recreational habitat restoration, pipeline construction applications, and more put the P-Tier excavators through their paces. These customers worked with John Deere to optimize the undercarriage, hydraulics, cab, and more, ensuring that these machines are ready for a hard day's work and can withstand the most rugged conditions. The test customers noted that the power and speed is a big upgrade fromprevious models, as is the roomy new cab — now with over 27 inches of leg room.
Lifting capability, especially in sub-optimal conditions, such as at reach over the side of the machine, has beenrefined to ensure that craning heavy loads, such as jersey barriers, can be done safely and with confidence. EZControl technology reduces inputs needed to control the boom, arm, and bucket making lifting operations safer and smoother, particularly when craning materials below ground where the operator may lose line of sight.
Travel over long distances also just got easier with these new machines. Joystick tracking allows the operator to move the machine in a straight line, in forward and reverse, without using the levers and pedals.The new in-cab monitor is a substantial 12.8 inches and makes navigating machine functions and settings easy. The operator can quickly adjust camera views, whether in full or split-screen. The number of advanced technology features available on the P-Tier machines is impressive, and the monitor serves as the central hub for harnessing their power.
In the West Hall, John Deere Power Systems will show a variety of power options, including E-Power solutions.
John Deere and the Wirtgen Group will be a presenting sponsor of Shop Talks and Walks, which will help customers review how to perform a quality daily walkaround via an interactive simulation.
On Tuesday, March 3 at 11 AM, Jahmy Hindman, senior vice president and chief technology officer at John Deere, will deliver the opening keynote of the show, "Never Idle: Tech Made Easy and Grounded in Purpose." He will be joined ont he Ground Breakers Stage by John Deere leaders Maryanne Graves and Jonny Spendlove to discuss the transformative role technology plays in addressing persistent challenges within the construction industry.
This article originally appeared in the February 2026 issue of Heavy Equipment Guide.
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deere.com