2009 News Releases and Information

MOLINE, Illinois (May 29, 2009) - In a new video posted on John Deere's groundbreaking www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, real-life contractors test the rear-view visibility of four competitor skid steer brands against John Deere – with surprising results.

Episode Two, "Battle in Bowling Green," is now live with the Visibility Test, another high-octane event filmed in front of 1,000 fans during The Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown's Season Two "Prove It Tour." Deere is taking these head-to-head battles on the road to visit jobsites, tradeshow lots and dealerships throughout the country, testing the skills of on-the-job skid steer operators in various events inspired by the factors real operators face.

For the Visibility Test, contractors have to put their brand of skid steer in reverse, moving ever closer to a line drawn in the stadium's dirt. They must stop when they can no longer see the line while looking naturally over their shoulder. Stretching and leaning back out of the operator's seat is not allowed.

"Visibility is vitally important on the jobsite," said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere's Commercial Worksite Products. "This event shows that natural sight lines out the rear of skid steer loader brands vary. While we have a lot of fun competing in these battles, we feel like they point out key differences contractors need to know before they buy."

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.

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.