Deere524K-II–824K-II loaders: transmissions, linkage and Hybrid drive
These K-Series comparisons include conventional torque-converter loaders and the 644K Hybrid electric-drive machine. Engine output alone does not distinguish them. Match transmission, linkage, bucket and emissions edition before comparing their loading behavior or transport weights. The retained specification matrix covers524K-II through824K-II, with additional manufacturer conditions identified below.
Powerllel and High-Lift solve different loading needs
The North American524K-II/544K-II/624K-II brochure distinguishes the 544K-II and624K-II Powerllel linkage from the Z-Bar and High-Lift arrangements. Powerllel maintains parallel lift while retaining digging capability. High-Lift changes boom geometry.
Neither label is just a larger bucket. Select the linkage before choosing its dump-clearance and tipping-load column.
On544K-II and624K-II Powerllel machines, the control touchpad has two presets for attachment changes. Boom-height kick-out sets the upper stopping point; return-to-carry determines the lowered position. The brochure also describes torque-converter lockup in gears 2–5 on those two models.
A bare Powershift label in a reference table does not describe those operating functions.
Manufacturer: North American K-II brochure,PDF6–9.
644K Hybrid reverses electrically
In Deere's published 2013 technical interview, the 644K Hybrid's diesel drives a generator and hydraulic pump. An electric motor drives a simplified three-speed transmission, while the operator has four speed ranges in either direction. Reversing the motor changes direction; the transmission does not need conventional reverse gears.
During deceleration the motor can act as a generator, helping supply hydraulic work such as raising the boom during a loading cycle. The system has no energy-storage device. Excess electrical energy goes to a brake resistor.
Coast Control selects the degree of dynamic braking, while rim-pull control changes pushing force without using a conventional engine-speed reduction. Inspect the hybrid system as its own drivetrain.
Manufacturer technical interview: John Chesterman's644K Hybrid explanation,May 2013.
744K-II and824K-II have their own control package
The larger K-II brochure describes two load-sensing pumps, closed-center hydraulics and a five-speed transmission with lockup in gears 2–5. Its programmable clutch cutoff disconnects the transmission during braking while retaining engine speed for hydraulic work. That function differs from the Hybrid's electric direction changes.
The monitor also distinguishes boom-height kick-out, return-to-carry and operator-set Ride Control engagement. Optional rear radar warns of approaching objects; the camera provides a view. Neither makes the other redundant.
Check which equipment is fitted and enabled before comparing a used744K-II or824K-II with the brochure's option list.
Manufacturer: 744K-II/824K-II brochure,PDF6–9/16/20.
| Specification | 524K-II | 544K-II | 624K-II | 644K HYBRID | 724K | 744K-II | 824K-II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakout - Bucket | 9060 (19974) kgf (lbf) | 10115 (22300) kgf (lbf) | 12821 (28266) kgf (lbf) | 15378 (33903) kgf (lbf) | 15607 (34408) kgf (lbf) | 19367 (42697) kgf (lbf) | 18718 (41266) kgf (lbf) |
| Bucket Capacity - Smallest | 2.75 yd3 | 3.01 yd3 | 3.54 yd3 | 4.06 yd3 | 4.06 yd3 | 5.24 yd3 | 6.02 yd3 |
| Largest Bucket Capacity | 4.06 yd3 | 4.45 yd3 | 5.37 yd3 | 4.19 yd3 | 4.71 yd3 | 5.89 yd3 | 6.81 yd3 |
| Specification | 524K-II | 544K-II | 624K-II | 644K HYBRID | 724K | 744K-II | 824K-II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 15.75 in | 15.75 in | 15.12 in | 18.15 in | 18.15 in | 18.19 in | 18.19 in |
| Length With Bucket On Ground | 24.09 ft | 24.38 ft | 25.46 ft | 27.24 ft | 26.91 ft | 29.6 ft | 30.45 ft |
| Width Over Tires | 8.36 ft | 8.36 ft | 8.72 ft | 9.44 ft | 9.45 ft | 10.12 ft | 10.12 ft |
| Wheelbase | 9.62 ft | 9.62 ft | 10.14 ft | 10.7 ft | 10.7 ft | 11.36 ft | 11.36 ft |
| Hinge Pin - Max Height | 12.37 ft | 12.54 ft | 12.54 ft | 13.52 ft | 13.52 ft | 14.05 ft | 14.7 ft |
| Reach At Max Lift And Dump | 4.73 ft | 4.79 ft | 5.16 ft | 5.29 ft | 5.29 ft | 6.21 ft | 6.73 ft |
| Turning Circle | 39.8 ft | 40.16 ft | 42.66 ft | 43.57 ft | 43.48 ft | 46.72 ft | 47.05 ft |
| Height Over Cab | 10.67 ft | 10.63 ft | 12.96 ft | 11.26 ft | 11.26 ft | 11.49 ft | 11.65 ft |
| Specification | 524K-II | 544K-II | 624K-II | 644K HYBRID | 724K | 744K-II | 824K-II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pump | Piston | Piston | Piston | Piston | Piston | Piston | Piston |
| Engine Output-Net | 139.5 hp | 162.3 hp | 186.5 hp | 229.4 hp | 264.2 hp | 303.1 hp | 332.6 hp |
| Transmission Type | Powershift | Powershift | Powershift | Powershift w/Hybrid-Electric Drive | Powershift | Powershift | Powershift |
| Engine Make | John Deere | John Deere | John Deere | John Deere | John Deere | John Deere | John Deere |
| Engine Model | PowerTech PVS 6068 | PowerTech PVS 6068 | PowerTech PVX 6068 | PowerTech PSX 6068 | Powertech PSX 6090 | PowerTech PSS 6090 | PowerTech PSS 6135 |
| Torque | 472.1 lb-ft | 503.8 lb-ft | 609.3 lb-ft | 731 lb-ft | 856.4 lb-ft | 1,073 lb-ft | 1,206 lb-ft |
| Rated Speed | 1,900 rpm | 1,800 rpm | 1,800 rpm | 1,700 rpm | 1,800 rpm | 1,500 rpm | 1,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 415 cu in | 415 cu in | 415 cu in | 415 cu in | 549.3 cu in | 549.3 cu in | 823.9 cu in |
| Torque Rise | 66 % | 45 % | 64 % | 19 % | 61 % | 50 % | 57 % |
| System Voltage | 24 V | 24 V | 24 V | 24 V | 24 V | 24 V | 24 V |
| Emission Level | Tier 4 | Tier 4 | Tier 4 | Tier 4 | Tier 4 | Tier 4 | Tier 4 |
| Alternator | 100 amps | 100 amps | 130 amps | 100 amps | 130 amps | 130 amps | 130 amps |
| Specification | 524K-II | 544K-II | 624K-II | 644K HYBRID | 724K | 744K-II | 824K-II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ride Control System | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Service Brake Type | Wet Disc | Wet Disc | Wet Disc | Wet Disc | Wet Disc | Wet Disc | Wet Disc |
| Parking Brake Type | Wet Multi Disc - Driveline | Wet Multi Disc - Driveline | Wet Multi Disc - Driveline | Wet Multi Disc - Transmission | Wet Multi Disc - Transmission | Wet Multi Disc | Wet Multi Disc |
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| Service Brake Actuation | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Tire Size - Standard | 20.5 R25 | 20.5 R25 | 20.5 R25 | 23.5 R25 | 23.5 R25 | 26.5 R25 | 26.5 R25 |
| Service Brake - Location | Axle Inboard | Axle Inboard | Axle Inboard | Axle Inboard | Axle Inboard | All Wheels | All Wheels |
| Specification | 524K-II | 544K-II | 624K-II | 644K HYBRID | 724K | 744K-II | 824K-II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Tank | 31.4 gal | 31.4 gal | 27.8 gal | 28.1 gal | 27.8 gal | 43.7 gal | 43.6 gal |
| Heaped Capacity | 2.8 yd3 | 3.1 yd3 | 3.6 yd3 | 4.2 yd3 | 4.2 yd3 | 5.3 yd3 | 6.1 yd3 |
| Transmission | 5.7 gal | 5.7 gal | 7.2 gal | 10.1 gal | 6.4 gal | 7.4 gal | 7.4 gal |
| Specification | 524K-II | 544K-II | 624K-II | 644K HYBRID | 724K | 744K-II | 824K-II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight | 27,928 lb | 29,139 lb | 34,716 lb | 40,435 lb | 42,812 lb | 55,808 lb | 59,084 lb |
| Fuel Capacity | 58.2 gal | 78.8 gal | 79 gal | 104.9 gal | 104.9 gal | 126.1 gal | 126.1 gal |
| Front Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity | 4.8 gal | 4.8 gal | 5.9 gal | 5.9 gal | 5.9 gal | 14.7 gal | 14.7 gal |
| Rear Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity | 4.8 gal | 4.8 gal | 4.5 gal | 5.9 gal | 5.9 gal | 14.7 gal | 14.7 gal |
| Specification | 524K-II | 544K-II | 624K-II | 644K HYBRID | 724K | 744K-II | 824K-II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pump Flow | 43.6 gpm | 50 gpm | 59 gpm | 78.5 gpm | 78.5 gpm | 129.8 gpm | 129.8 gpm |
| Hydraulic pressure by document;644K Hybrid earlier unit unresolved |
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| 24,821 kPa — printed metric entry; paired 3,675psi entry does not convert consistently | 251.7 psi (earlier unit unverified;not an operating setting) |
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| What changes | 524K-II | 544K-II | 624K-II | 644K HYBRID | 724K | 744K-II | 824K-II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakout - Bucket | 9060 (19974) kgf (lbf) | 10115 (22300) kgf (lbf) | 12821 (28266) kgf (lbf) | 15378 (33903) kgf (lbf) | 15607 (34408) kgf (lbf) | 19367 (42697) kgf (lbf) | 18718 (41266) kgf (lbf) |
| Bucket Capacity - Smallest | 2.75 yd3 | 3.01 yd3 | 3.54 yd3 | 4.06 yd3 | 4.06 yd3 | 5.24 yd3 | 6.02 yd3 |
| Largest Bucket Capacity | 4.06 yd3 | 4.45 yd3 | 5.37 yd3 | 4.19 yd3 | 4.71 yd3 | 5.89 yd3 | 6.81 yd3 |
| Ground Clearance | 15.75 in | 15.75 in | 15.12 in | 18.15 in | 18.15 in | 18.19 in | 18.19 in |
| Length With Bucket On Ground | 24.09 ft | 24.38 ft | 25.46 ft | 27.24 ft | 26.91 ft | 29.6 ft | 30.45 ft |
| Width Over Tires | 8.36 ft | 8.36 ft | 8.72 ft | 9.44 ft | 9.45 ft | 10.12 ft | 10.12 ft |
| Wheelbase | 9.62 ft | 9.62 ft | 10.14 ft | 10.7 ft | 10.7 ft | 11.36 ft | 11.36 ft |
| Hinge Pin - Max Height | 12.37 ft | 12.54 ft | 12.54 ft | 13.52 ft | 13.52 ft | 14.05 ft | 14.7 ft |
| Reach At Max Lift And Dump | 4.73 ft | 4.79 ft | 5.16 ft | 5.29 ft | 5.29 ft | 6.21 ft | 6.73 ft |
| Turning Circle | 39.8 ft | 40.16 ft | 42.66 ft | 43.57 ft | 43.48 ft | 46.72 ft | 47.05 ft |
| Height Over Cab | 10.67 ft | 10.63 ft | 12.96 ft | 11.26 ft | 11.26 ft | 11.49 ft | 11.65 ft |
| Engine Output-Net | 139.5 hp | 162.3 hp | 186.5 hp | 229.4 hp | 264.2 hp | 303.1 hp | 332.6 hp |
| Transmission Type | Powershift | Powershift | Powershift | Powershift w/Hybrid-Electric Drive | Powershift | Powershift | Powershift |
| Engine Model | PowerTech PVS 6068 | PowerTech PVS 6068 | PowerTech PVX 6068 | PowerTech PSX 6068 | Powertech PSX 6090 | PowerTech PSS 6090 | PowerTech PSS 6135 |
| Torque | 472.1 lb-ft | 503.8 lb-ft | 609.3 lb-ft | 731 lb-ft | 856.4 lb-ft | 1,073 lb-ft | 1,206 lb-ft |
| Rated Speed | 1,900 rpm | 1,800 rpm | 1,800 rpm | 1,700 rpm | 1,800 rpm | 1,500 rpm | 1,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 415 cu in | 415 cu in | 415 cu in | 415 cu in | 549.3 cu in | 549.3 cu in | 823.9 cu in |
| Torque Rise | 66 % | 45 % | 64 % | 19 % | 61 % | 50 % | 57 % |
| Alternator | 100 amps | 100 amps | 130 amps | 100 amps | 130 amps | 130 amps | 130 amps |
| Ride Control System | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Parking Brake Type | Wet Multi Disc - Driveline | Wet Multi Disc - Driveline | Wet Multi Disc - Driveline | Wet Multi Disc - Transmission | Wet Multi Disc - Transmission | Wet Multi Disc | Wet Multi Disc |
| Tire Size - Standard | 20.5 R25 | 20.5 R25 | 20.5 R25 | 23.5 R25 | 23.5 R25 | 26.5 R25 | 26.5 R25 |
| Service Brake - Location | Axle Inboard | Axle Inboard | Axle Inboard | Axle Inboard | Axle Inboard | All Wheels | All Wheels |
| Hydraulic Tank | 31.4 gal | 31.4 gal | 27.8 gal | 28.1 gal | 27.8 gal | 43.7 gal | 43.6 gal |
| Heaped Capacity | 2.8 yd3 | 3.1 yd3 | 3.6 yd3 | 4.2 yd3 | 4.2 yd3 | 5.3 yd3 | 6.1 yd3 |
| Transmission | 5.7 gal | 5.7 gal | 7.2 gal | 10.1 gal | 6.4 gal | 7.4 gal | 7.4 gal |
| Operating Weight | 27,928 lb | 29,139 lb | 34,716 lb | 40,435 lb | 42,812 lb | 55,808 lb | 59,084 lb |
| Fuel Capacity | 58.2 gal | 78.8 gal | 79 gal | 104.9 gal | 104.9 gal | 126.1 gal | 126.1 gal |
| Front Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity | 4.8 gal | 4.8 gal | 5.9 gal | 5.9 gal | 5.9 gal | 14.7 gal | 14.7 gal |
| Rear Axle/Diff Fluid Capacity | 4.8 gal | 4.8 gal | 4.5 gal | 5.9 gal | 5.9 gal | 14.7 gal | 14.7 gal |
| Pump Flow | 43.6 gpm | 50 gpm | 59 gpm | 78.5 gpm | 78.5 gpm | 129.8 gpm | 129.8 gpm |
| Hydraulic pressure by document;644K Hybrid earlier unit unresolved |
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| 24,821 kPa — printed metric entry; paired 3,675psi entry does not convert consistently | 251.7 psi (earlier unit unverified;not an operating setting) |
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| Topic in the title | Threads | Share of matching threads |
|---|---|---|
| hydraulics | 3 | 19% |
| starting and cranking | 2 | 13% |
| emissions | 2 | 13% |
| Model | Listed | Model years | Lowest asking | Highest asking | Median asking | Median hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 644K HYBRID | 3 | 2013 to 2020 | $63,900 | $189,000 | $125,000 | 3,174 |
| 724K | 11 | 2012 to 2019 | $79,900 | $180,000 | $132,500 | 6,650 |
| Compared model configurations | 7 |
|---|---|
| Recorded differing-figure count | 32 |
Reports from older loader generations
K-II Powerllel loaders and the644K Hybrid use different linkage and drive arrangements. These older544A,544C,544K,624K,644J,744E and744H accounts concern the named machines; none establishes a recurring K-II or Hybrid defect.
- John Deere: Steering, drive and cooling on older loaders.
- John Deere: Fuel rail pressure, starters and lost security code.
- John Deere: Parking brake, filter light and stalling.
- John Deere: Engine faults and lift power after repairs.
| These named544A/544C,624K and644J reports concern their own machines. They do not establish a common fault across the loader configurations in this comparison. |
| Public equipment forums, including Heavy Equipment Forums, have 16 wheel loader threads whose titles name John Deere and the 524K, 644K, 744K line that the 524K-II, 544K-II, 624K-II, 644K HYBRID belongs to (no title names the exact model). Sorting the title words into topics, the most common are hydraulics (3), starting and cranking (2), emissions (2). Titles count under every topic they mention, so this shows what owners ask about, not how often the machine fails |
| The most recent matching threads: |
| Deere 744k No Start Screen Black (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2026-03-25) |
| John Deere 644k (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2025-12-20) |
| 524k John Deere Loader Electronic Solenoid Acc Valve 4 Th And 5 Th Function Valve Install (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2025-11-27) |
| JD 644k Exhaust Filter Restricted (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2025-03-31) |
| Linked threads are other people's discussions; a title naming the model does not show its fault is common |
| Used market for the 524K-II to 824K-II |
| On 2026-09-24, MachineryTrader listed 14 John Deere wheel loader listings under these names on this page; the figures are from the first page of results |
| Reference record | 2026-09-24 |
|---|---|
| Published-history source record | 2026-09-25 |
| Historical CPSC observation | As of 2026-09-24, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall database has no recall that names John Deere together with the wheel loader 524K-II, 544K-II, 624K-II, 644K HYBRID. |
| Model | Earlier entry, superseded | Manufacturer circuit entry |
|---|---|---|
| 524K-II | 250 psi | 24,994 kPa (3,625 psi) Source |
| 544K-II | 251.7 psi | 25,166 kPa (3,650 psi) Source |
| 624K-II | 248.3 psi | 24,821 kPa — printed metric entry; paired 3,675psi entry does not convert consistently Source |
| 724K | 251.7 psi | 25,166 kPa (3,650 psi) Source |
| 744K-II | 222.7 psi | 22,670 kPa (3,288 psi) Source |
| 824K-II | 251.7 psi | 25,166 kPa (3,650 psi) Source |
Sources for this page
- Reference site RitchieSpecs: John Deere 524K-II
- Reference site RitchieSpecs: John Deere 544K-II
- Reference site RitchieSpecs: John Deere 624K-II
- Reference site RitchieSpecs: John Deere 644K HYBRID
- Reference site RitchieSpecs: John Deere 724K
- Reference site RitchieSpecs: John Deere 744K-II
- Reference site RitchieSpecs: John Deere 824K-II