2009 News Releases and Information

MOLINE, Illinois (November 16, 2009) — The Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown takes a "D-Tour" with the launch of John Deere's new D-Series skid steers and compact track loaders (CTLs), including stops at trade shows and real job sites so operators can check out the company's hottest pieces of compact iron.

Video from the tour's first stop, the ICUEE Demo Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, is now up on www.skidsteersmackdown.com. In it, contractors give their impressions of the new units right after tackling a Smackdown-type course.

"There's no substitute for getting in the cab and experiencing what a machine's all about," said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. "That's why we're taking Smackdown on the road with these new units. Plus, contractors literally told us what they wanted in these new models, so follow the D-Tour and find out how we responded."

John Deere's smash-hit www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, entering its third season, has featured real contractors using Deere machines to complete various tasks and competitions inspired by real job site conditions, as well as battles pitting Deere units vs. competitors.

The site also offers a chance to blog about the videos, a "Prove It!" section that details machine 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. The videos from Smackdown’s legendary Season One are now available in Spanish.

Be sure to look for new videos on www.skidsteersmackdown.com as the D-Tour continues across the country.

New John Deere D-Series skid steer models are the 318D, 320D, 326D, 328D and 332D, joining the existing small-frame, radial lift 313 and 315. For the CTL line, the new 319D, 323D, 329D and a 90-hp 333D join the small-frame, radial lift CT315.

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.