DUBUQUE, IOWA—On March 1, the John Deere Construction & Forestry Division marked a production milestone with the completion of its 250,000th backhoe loader at the Dubuque Works factory. The model 310SK backhoe loader was purchased by Phoenix-based NPL Construction Co., which took delivery of the machine at a special ceremony at the Dubuque Works facility.

“Backhoes have been our bread and butter since the first model rolled off the line over 40 years ago,” says Byron Taylor, plant manager at the John Deere Dubuque Works. “Our employees, many of whom have had a hand in backhoe assembly since the beginning, are proud to meet this milestone.”

John Deere Worldwide Construction & Forestry President Michael J. Mack joined employees and NPL Construction Co. at the Dubuque Works factory to celebrate the 250,000th milestone.

“The piece of equipment we are recognizing today is only a single representation of the long line of backhoe models that have evolved right here in this factory,” says Mack. “It is a testament to the innovation and quality engineering we at John Deere pride ourselves in thanks to insight and input from stakeholders at every stage of the supply chain, from engineer, to line worker, to customer.”

The John Deere 310SK backhoe loader, part of the K-Series, is the latest of more than 50 different backhoe models that have been produced at the Dubuque Works factory since 1971.