Drive Green

If you’re into landscaping or have your own landscaping business then you should check out John Deere Landscapes.

John Deere Landscapes approaches the Industry from a whole new vantage point. Like you, we face the future with a healthy respect for the past. Our heritage is one of true value-added customer service, and our combined companies offer over 30 years of success in the industry, based on that same outstanding level of customer service. This story continues as we grow, expanding our branch network. At John Deere Landscapes, we want to be where you need us. So come on in… find out what we do, and how we strive every day to support the Industry’s top professionals.

When I was on location at our Houston stop I met Ronnie Borel who is an outside sales representative for John Deere Landscapes. He gave me an overview of the products offered by this division of the company. He says they offer about 95% of what the landscape contractor needs.

You can listen to my interview with Ronnie here: drive-green-houston-landscape.mp3

In Raleigh I met the Nobles who have their own landscaping business. Although they own a John Deere tractor, they’re in the market for one with a little more horsepower. The Drive Green Utility Tractor Show is certainly the place to do that.

You can listen to my interview with the Nobles here: drive-green-raleigh-landscaping.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Just because you don’t own a John Deere utility tractor doesn’t mean you can’t get to use one. Luckily for Wayne Kleven his relatives are owners who let him borrow when he needs to. Wayne does have several John Deere mowers though.

When he needs a tractor to cut deer trails through the woods or to do some more serious mowing he is fortunate to have some equipment available nearby but he was still out at the show checking out the new line of utility tractors.

You can listen to my interview with Wayne here: drive-green-raleigh-his-own.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

If you’ve got horses then a new John Deere 3E Series Tractor may be just the thing for you. It was what Jeff Clark was looking at when he visited the show in Raleigh.

He wants a small tractor to clean out stalls. Since his daughter will be using it more than he would he also wanted a tractor that’s easy to use.

I think the 3E Series fits the bill.

You can listen to my interview with Jeff here: drive-green-raleigh-looking-3series.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Here’s a good example of why you should come out to your local John Deere dealer or one of our Drive Green Utility Tractor Show stops. Let’s say you need a new tractor, mower or all around handy utility vehicle. You can see pictures and specs online but before making a decision you just want to get your hands on one and try it on for size.

That’s what Mike Poole did in Raleigh at the Dixie Deer Classic. He really wants a tractor with a cab and guess what. We had one for him to get into and representatives standing by to answer his questions. He already owns a small tractor but he wants to replace it with one with a cab for mowing and farming small grains. Sounds like a 5E Limited Series tractor would be a great choice for Mike

You can listen to my interview with Mike here: drive-green-raleigh-looking-for-cab.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

There are a lot of people working to make the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show happen. I’m trying to include interviews with them when I can so you can get to know them. From our truck drivers, planning staff and dealers to our presenters and suppliers it wouldn’t be possible without all of their efforts.

In Raleigh, NC our John Deere Territory Manager is Brad Yarbrough. He worked with the dealerships involved, Quality Equipment and Barnhill Equipment Company as well as the Dixie Deer Classic to help put on the show there. He says they love to get the tractors out in front of customers so they can get in the seat and see what John Deere’s got for them. And what John Deere has includes a whole new line of utility tractors and Gators.

You can listen to my interview with Brad here: drive-green-raleigh-territory-manager.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

One of the pieces of equipment that was getting a lot of attention at the indoors display at the Dixie Deer Classic was the Frontier FP1204 by Plotmaster. For hunters who want to create a food plot with ease here’s what they say about it.

The Plotmaster™, by Plotmaster Systems, Ltd. with its patented design is the complete package for your plot planting needs. The Frontier FP1204 (4-ft model) will reach places you’ve only dreamed of planting plots. It’s easy and simple with the Plotmaster™.

I spoke with Keith Lane, Quality Equipment, about the unit they had on display which was hooked up to a camo Gator. He says it’s ideal for a garden or a food plot to attract deer.

You can listen to my interview with Keith here: drive-green-raleigh-plotmaster.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

At the Dixie Deer Classic we interacted with a lot of hunting enthusiasts. One of the exhibitors was Donny Lassiter, Lassiter Farms. He was promoting their CyprusKnee Chufa product.

Donny says that he owns a variety of John Deere equipment for use on their farm. He says that what he likes about John Deere is the dealer organization that’s always available to help out. He says hunters will find the new equipment useful for putting in food plots. The smaller machines allow you to get in and out of tight places. Gators especially allow you to get around on your property and see what’s going on. They even allow you to pull small sprayers.

I liked the idea of using the Gators for hauling a successful hunting harvest instead of the manual labor alternative.

You can listen to my interview with Donny here: drive-green-raleigh-for-hunters.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

The weather for the Dixie Deer Classic couldn’t have been more picture perfect. Bright sunny and warm.

On Saturday we held two presentations on these new utility tractors and had a lot of people like Glenn Millican interested and even using our short ride and drive course. Glenn was interested in a small tractor that could negotiate sharp turns and the 3 Series tractor seemed to catch his eye. He put it through the paces as you can see in the video interview I did with him this afternoon.

You can listen to my interview with Glenn here: drive-green-raleigh-ride-drive.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

I’m out on location again this morning at the Dixie Deer Classic.

We just had our first presentation of the day to a larger crowd than last night. There’s been a line to get registered for our drawing and after each show we’re also drawing for caps and t-shirts.

I’m posting this from the cab of the Drive Green truck. It’s got a really convenient desk and working space and the Dixie Deer Classic is providing full wireless internet access which I thank them for.

I’ll be adding more photos to the online album and have already conducted several interviews to present to you in coming days.

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

The General Manager of the Dixie Deer Classic is Bruce Blackwell. I met him this afternoon. He says it’s just a great big fun time.

He says that John Deere may be known for farming but that hunters and outdoorsman work in conjunction with farmers. He says if it wasn’t for farms and woodlands the game wouldn’t be there. He says John Deere is integral to that and they’re proud to have them out here.

John Deere has been involved with the show for a number of years. He says that they’ve even given away a few Gators over the years thanks to John Deere.

You can listen to what Bruce has to say here: dixie-deer-classic-blackwell.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

We had a great first day at the Dixie Deer Classic. The John Deere 6D Series, 5D Series, 5E Series, 5E Limited Series, 5M Series and 3E Series tractors were all on display for people to see.

At the indoor exhibit I caught participating dealer, Quality Equipment, giving away green Gator boomerangs. So what do you do when you get one? You throw it right away like this young guy did.

We’re expecting a big crowd this weekend and the weather is expected to be warm and sunny.

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

The crowd is already picking up at the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show exhibits at the Dixie Deer Classic.

Come on out and see a new kind of Deere.

Besides our display of tractors and Gators, you can get on a tractor for a quick drive and then we’ve got presentations scheduled this evening at 6pm and tomorrow at 10:30am and 2:30pm.

I’ll be on location today and tomorrow and hope to find out what some of these folks have to say and bring it to you right here.

I’ve already started a photo album which you can find here: Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album