2009 News Releases and Information

MOLINE, Illinois (June 8, 2009) - Brute strength takes center stage in the latest video posted to John Deere's www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, as real-life contractors use competitor units to challenge a Deere compact track loader (CTL) in an exciting "Power Lift" competition.

The Power Lift, part of Episode Two's "Battle in Bowling Green," was filmed live in front of 1,000 fans during The Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown's Season Two "Prove It Tour."

Deere is taking these unique head-to-head battles on the road to visit job sites, tradeshow lots and dealerships throughout the country, testing the skills of on-the-job skid steer operators in various events inspired by the tasks and conditions real operators face.

For the Power Lift event, contractors had to use brands of CTLs from the same size class to lift a heavy concrete block above a bar positioned four feet in the air – without the tracks coming off the ground.

"Compact track loaders have got to be able to lift more than flats of flowers," said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. "True construction-duty machines need strength and balance under load, and that's what we're trying to show in this Smackdown event. You'll note that not every CTL can do the heavy lifting."

New episodes involving Deere skid steers and compact track loaders, and their competitors, will be posted on the site as the "Prove It Tour" rolls on. View all the action at www.skidsteersmackdown.com.

There's also a chance to blog about the results, a "Prove It!" section that details the specs and conditions behind each battle, and a dealer locator to help viewers find their nearest John Deere dealer. Visitors can also share the videos with friends and request a quote on Deere skid steer and compact track loader models.

This test of strength was for demonstration purposes only, conducted in a controlled environment. Always operate according to your operator's manual and within rated operating capacities.

John Deere (Deere & Company — NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products through a network of more than 1,300 dealer locations worldwide.