2009 News Releases and Information

MOLINE, Illinois (September 30, 2009) — In the latest video posted on John Deere's smash-hit www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, real-world contractors show exactly what it takes to perform daily service on various skid steer brands vs. John Deere – all while facing a time clock.

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.

"Serviceability is a key to increased uptime and keeping daily operating costs low," said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. "And a machine that's up and running more because it's easier to maintain is also a machine that gives you more production over the long haul.

"The bottom line is a machine that's easy and quick to work on makes it more likely that daily servicing will get done," Norwood said. "Sure, we're having some fun by timing the contractors, but we're also pointing out differences they should know before they buy."

For the Serviceability Test, contractors had to grease the attachment pins, inspect and clean the hydraulic oil and radiator coolers, and raise the ROPS, tasks that represent important elements of daily servicing. The first to finish the assignments wins the battle.

In addition to seeing the serviceability video, the site offers 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.

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. 

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.