Drive Green

The latest winners in the Drive Green and Win promotion are from the Southeast region of the country.

From Georgia, Kenneth Dixon of Macon wins John Deere AC2-CG35H-P Compresseratorwith electric start valued at more than $2,500 (USD). Dixon registered for the prize at a Drive Green Utility Tractor Show event that took place in Tifton, GA earlier this year.

In Tennessee, Freddie Cagle of Athens is the lucky winner of a 1-year, 100-hour lease on a new John Deere 5055E Utility Tractor with a 553 Loader – a prize valued at nearly than $12,000. Cagle registered for the prize at a Drive Green Utility Tractor Show event that took place in at Ritchie Tractor Co., in Athens, TN.

Congrats to both!

I know we’re all about utility tractors here but I just found out about an interesting website called Tractor Chasers. It’s about the new 8RT which hasn’t been officially announced yet.

Thanks to some alert readers who told us about the 8RT on Route 45, the Tractor Chasers headed out and got a first-hand look at the new track machine. We sat for a while waiting for it to come by. And when it did, well, you’ll see what happened while watching our video. All we can say, and all we want to admit, is that the front of the machine looks mighty powerful. By the way, we’ve heard a number of you asking what the “R” and “T” stand for. Is it “row-crop tracks” or “rubber tracks”? We’re working to get you the answer. More later!

Check out the first of two videos so far here – check out the website or YouTube for others:

Official Drive Green Utility Tractor Show events aren’t the only place you’ll find John Deere promoting them. Last week it was the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY. Cindy Zimmerman was on hand with this report for us:

The John Deere 5 Series utility tractors take up a significant portion of the booth space at the National Farm Machinery show and served yet another purpose – as seating for many at the show taking a break from walking around the 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space!

John Deere has introduced a large volume of new tractors this year, ranging from 45 to 105 hp, to fit just about any need.

I talked with Keith Hendrix with Deere who told me all about the new tractors that are part of the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show that Chuck has been busy following around the country.

“That ranges from our new 5D series, moving up to the 5E series, and the premium line of the new 5M,” Keith explains. “We have a tractor for every application for any specific need if you’re looking for 105 down to a 45 engine horsepower tractor.”

Listen to her interview with Keith here: nfms09-jd-keith.mp3

Hello Drive Green fans. This week we’ve got a fun stop at the Fort Worth Stock Show. The action will kick off tomorrow and continue with a ring show on Wednesday evening.

Since this show is all about cattle and rodeo I thought I’d share an interview I conducted just a few days ago at the Cattle Industry Convention in Phoenix, AZ. Yes, I do get around.

I visited the John Deere booth at this show which attracts over 5,000 cattle industry members from around the country and spoke with John Deere representative, Steve Detrick. He’s the guy on the right in this picture. They’re posing in front of a 6D Series utility tractor that’s connected to a baler.

Steve says these new tractors really complement their balers and provide livestock producers with some great new options. He says these work for a wide range of producers from small, part time producers to even large scale operations. He says the new Gator XUV’s also offer great benefits since they’re rated to carry large loads and that can include feed as one example.

You can listen to my interview with Steve here: cic-09-steve.mp3

Here’s the last in a series of initial presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 6D Series and presenting is Dick Gohlke.

“The top three models are powered by a 4.5L PowerTech™ E diesel engine with a high-pressure common rail (HPCR) injection system,” says Alejandro Galindo, product manager, John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works. “These efficient engines are designed to provide power when needed to handle even the toughest jobs.”

The 6100D features a field-proven, fuel-efficient 100-hp PowerTech™ engine with rotary fuel injection pump. It’s designed to deliver excellent power and lugging ability in a variety of work situations.

“We’ve improved the transmission on the 6D Series,” says Galindo. “The all-new 9F/9R electro-hydraulic PowrReverser™ is standard equipment. Once the operator sets the range and gear, a handy left-hand reverser lever is used to move the tractor forward or reverse without clutching! Loader work is easier and more efficient with this new transmission.”

A new wet-clutch design ensures reliable, long life with improved control. The new design also helps overall tractor performance for the many jobs required of a utility tractor.

You can listen to Dick’s presentation here: drive-green-6d-series-tractors.mp3

Or watch him here:

Here’s the next installment in the presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 5M Series and presenting is Allen Edwards.

The 5M Series Tractors range in horsepower from 65 – 105 engine hp. These higher-end machines feature new transmissions, increased lift capacities, more stability for larger implements, and a new operator environment for increased comfort and productivity.

“For customers who demand premium performance and comfort, the 5M Series, which ranges in engine horsepower from 65–105, is designed to be the benchmark for quality and durability in the utility tractor marketplace. These tractors offer a vast array of options and horsepower levels, with exceptional hydraulic capacities to handle any utility-tractor implement. These tractors will definitely bring more productivity to the farm or jobsite, which makes them ideal for customers who spend many hours in a tractor and depend on their tractor to help make their living.” says Rex Edmunds, division marketing manager, John Deere Augusta. “With more weight, a wet clutch design, and enhanced serviceability, these tractors provide dependable service for the tough jobs they’re built to handle.”

More features and options including cab, 2WD and MFWD, more hydraulic flow and capacity, and a durable frame specifically designed for loaders, ensure that this tractor will perform for many years on the job or in the field.

You can listen to Allen’s presentation here: drive-green-5m-series-tractors.mp3

Or watch him here:

Here’s the next installment in the presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 5E Limited Series and presenting is Jim Stoffregen. These tractors have a little more horsepower than others in the 5 Series that we’ve already seen.

The more powerful 5E Limited Series Tractors range in horsepower from 83–101 engine hp. These units have more deluxe features including a cab, PowerReverser™ transmission, wet traction clutch, and MFWD axle – all in base equipment. John Deere has packaged the 5E Limited Series to offer select performance and comfort-enhancing features at a very low price.

You can listen to Jim’s presentation here: drive-green-5e-limited-series-tractors.mp3

Or watch him here:

Here’s the next installment in the presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 5E Series and presenting is Allen Edwards.

The 5D and 5E Series range in horsepower from 45–75 and offer John Deere reliability and durability at very economical prices. The 5D Series is only offered with a two-wheel-drive (2WD) axle compared to the 5E which offers 2WD or mechanical-front-wheel-drive (MFWD)configurations. These open station tractors feature synchronized transmissions designed for smooth shifting and easy-to-reach, color-coded controls for simple operation. Low on the frills and price, but high on durability and performance, these tractors provide a simple, economical solution that’s just right for many customers.

You can listen to Allen’s presentation here: drive-green-5e-series-tractors.mp3

Here’s the next installment in the presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 5D Series and presenting is Jerry Stanton.

The 5D and 5E Series range in horsepower from 45–75 and offer John Deere reliability and durability at very economical prices. The 5D Series is only offered with a two-wheel-drive (2WD) axle compared to the 5E which offers 2WD or mechanical-front-wheel-drive (MFWD)configurations. These open station tractors feature synchronized transmissions designed for smooth shifting and easy-to-reach, color-coded controls for simple operation. Low on the frills and price, but high on durability and performance, these tractors provide a simple, economical solution that’s just right for many customers.

I’ll have more on the 5E in a future video.

You can listen to Jerry’s presentation here: drive-green-5dseries-presentation.mp3

There are teams of John Deere product representatives attending each stop along the way. They will be making presentations on each of the tractor products in the new utility line. I’ve met several of them from the first stops in Florida and I’ve recorded their presentations for you.

The first one I thought I’d share is on the new 3000 Series Compact Tractors. In Gainesville, FL we heard a presentation by Dick Gohlke. He starts out explaining the new numbering system on the tractors. These come in 27 to 44 hp. Deere recommends them for homeowners, estate owners, horse enthusiasts, ranchers and hobby farmers. They’re ideal for loading, mowing, tilling & snow removal.

You can listen to Dick’s presentation here: drive-green-3series-presentation.mp3

Or you can watch his presentation:

How about a preview of the new John Deere 5 Series tractors which will be a key feature of our Drive Green Utility Tractor Show? What better way to learn more than to hear about them from the man who is responsible for marketing them, Rex Edmunds?

These new tractors are designed to perform any application, with any implement, within any budget to meet the needs of any customer in the utility tractor market.

I spoke with Rex at the recent National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention and he says, “This is the most complete line of utility tractors we’ve ever offered. We’ve designed these tractors to meet the requirements of many different customers with many different applications, and we’re providing a wide array of options to bring the optimal configuration and horsepower to their operation.”

You can listen to my interview with Rex here: nafb-trade-talk-edmunds.mp3

If you’re looking for a utility tractor to meet your needs then you won’t need to look further than the new tractors that John Deere is showcasing during the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show.

This is a 3000 series compact utility tractor for example. You can find a series of pictures like this in an online photo album that I’ve already started for you. It’ll give you a good idea of the types of equipment you’ll find along our show route.

So plan to come on out and not only look but drive these new tractors. That’s how you’ll know which one fits your needs. Besides, we’ll have experts on hand to answer all your questions.