News - Westernport Tractors & Implements P/L

JOHN DEERE MARKS THE COMPANY'S 175TH ANNIVERSARY

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -1000

John Deere Marks the Company's 175th Anniversary

In 2012, Deere & Company marks the 175th anniversary of its existence, which began when company founder John Deere successfully manufactured and marketed the self-scouring plow in 1837.

"John Deere revolutionised agriculture and he made farming in the tough soil of the U.S. Midwest a productive and profitable venture," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer of Deere & Company. "Our recognition of this special anniversary reminds us of the many thousands of John Deere employees who came before us to make this company a world leader."

Deere had moved from his home in Vermont to start a small blacksmith shop in Grand Detour, Illinois. He later moved the business to Moline, Illinois, where the world headquarters is still located. The company was incorporated as Deere & Company in 1868. From the one-man shop at its inception, Deere currently has more than 60,000 employees worldwide.

John Deere is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment as well as a leader in construction and turf care equipment. Additionally, Deere manufactures engines and powertrains for its own equipment and that of other OEMs, provides credit and other financial services† to those who purchase equipment, and is a world leader in precision irrigation.

"John Deere instilled four core values in his company," Allen said. "Today John Deere employees still deliver on the important values of integrity, quality, commitment, and innovation and we believe these values have been the key to the longevity of our enterprise."

Recognition of the 175th anniversary began recently when the John Deere Foundation made a $175,000 grant to help fund Feeding America's BackPack Program that provides children nutritious and easy-to-prepare food they need over the course of a weekend. Since 2007, the John Deere Foundation has been an active supporter of BackPack programs in several communities where Deere has facilities.

That grant is one of many ways Deere's 175th anniversary will be recognised as the year progresses. Deere & Company's recently issued annual report announces the milestone with the number "175" printed in large type on a simple silver cover. The publication reports the story of Deere's record-setting business performance for 2011 on the company's website at www.JohnDeere.com.

Various Deere business units around the globe, including Australia and New Zealand, will recognise the special anniversary for employees as the year progresses and Deere will engage in a citizenship activity that will have a positive impact in many of the communities where John Deere employees live and work. Deere will periodically highlight the anniversary on the company's popular social and internet media channels.

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world’s dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com or in Australia/New Zealand at www.JohnDeere.com.au/www.JohnDeere.co.nz.

†Conditions apply. Finance available through John Deere Financial Limited (Australian Credit Licence 391484) to approved applicants only.

OFF-ROAD WITH X-FACTOR

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -1000

Off-road with X-Factor

The Gator™ XUV packed with features for safety and versatility

The Gator™ XUV Crossover Series Utility Vehicles from John Deere are the closest alternative to the ATV on the market. Or more to the point ‘hit the mark.’ Because whether you’re off-road for leisure or hauling gear on the farm, the XUV 825i, 855D and 625i models deserve a second look. And a third. In fact quite a few looks, because they’re packed with features for safety and versatility.

And that’s the key for a multipurpose utility vehicle. You need the assurance that your vehicle can handle any terrain and deal with the pitfalls and bumps.

For that reason, John Deere has placed a premium on safety, rigorously testing each model beyond normal customer use and in harsh conditions. It’s a beast that takes the demands of off-roading seriously.

The backbone is a hydroform steel frame designed with fewer bolted and welded joints, which gives it the strength to haul demanding loads. The heavy-duty truck-style frame provides unmatched resistance to twisting and vibration. And both operator and passenger can tackle any terrain with the confidence of a robust roll-over protection system.

Providing the Gator 825i, for example, with the much needed muscle to haul, tow and traverse is an 812cc, three-cylinder, dual overhead cams, liquid-cooled, four-cycle petrol engine, producing 47 lb-ft of torque (6.5 kgm) at 3200 rpm. Advanced electronic-controls and fuel-injection systems deliver superb starting, idling, and throttle response during operation. And better still, you can turn the key at minus 28 degrees Celsius and the engine will still fire.

Harnessing that power is a true on-demand 4WD with a precision engineered drive-train system to optimise acceleration in low and high gears. It’ll accelerate quickly when needed or creep deftly to manoeuvre through tight spots.

Coupled with an 11 inch ground clearance, the Gator will clear more obstacles on the trail without getting hung up. Fully independent front and rear suspension keeps the wheels on the ground for superior stability through difficult terrain.

Unlike its namesake, steering a Gator isn’t like trying to steer a… well… alligator. They’re equipped with rack and pinion steering and a dual A-arm front suspension. These automotive-type systems provide excellent handling characteristics, as well as low effort responsive steering.

At the tail is an improved cargo box designed to haul over 400 kilos. Integrated tie-down points offer greater versatility for carrying long loads or converting to a flat-bed. It’s easy to clean-out too.

For work or recreation, the Gator is a great ride with any size load. If you’re on the lookout for an alternative to the ATV, then the X in the XUV definitely marks the spot.

To find out more contact 1800 800 981 for Australia or visit JohnDeere.com.au/xuv and 0800 303 100 for New Zealand or visit JohnDeere.co.nz/xuv

JOHN DEERE LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF SUBCOMPACT TRACTORS

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -1000

John Deere Launches New Line of Sub Compact Tractors

The 1023E and 1026R offer high-end features in an economical package

John Deere introduces the new 1 Series Sub Compact Utility tractors for the residential market. The 1023E and 1026R will provide homeowners with the power and performance to easily attach and remove implements, work with greater comfort and safety, and mow large volumes of grass with a high quality of cut.

"Never before has there been this much versatility, comfort and mowing performance in the Sub Compact tractor market," says Dan Paschke, John Deere Product Marketing Manager. "The 1 Series offers a wide array of features usually seen on larger tractors like a deluxe lighting package, position control 3-point hitch, and great storage for tools."

The new 1023E (17.3 kW) and 1026R (18.5 kW) can accept dozens of attachments and implements, such as front loaders, mower decks, rotary tillers, and even a backhoe. Using exclusive AutoConnect™ technology, operators simply drive over the top of the mowing deck to attach it to the tractor. In addition, iMatch™ AutoHitch™ compatible 3-point hitch implements can be attached or removed from the tractor's 3-point hitch in minutes without ever leaving the seat or using a single tool.

Both tractors have a wide-stance for increased stability, and a standard folding ROPS system for roll-over protection. The 1026R also features a deluxe lighting system to enable work in low-light conditions, cruise control for mowing in open fields, tilt steering, a tool box, a 12-volt outlet, and a position control 3-point hitch which allows the operator to return to the hitch to the same height with precision and ease.

When mowing, operators can easily adjust mowing height from the seat of the tractor with the deck height adjustment knob, and process high volumes of grass with the durable 7-Iron™ deck, made from 7-guage steel.

"The 1 Series is the perfect tool for property owners who need to do more than just mow the grass," says Paschke, "With the ability to quickly, easily, and safely change implements with John Deere's exclusive technology, owners will be able to achieve more than they ever expected with a Sub Compact tractor.

John Deere 1 Series Sub Compact Tractors are available at your local John Deere dealer.

JOHN DEERE UNVEILS THE NEW 100 SERIES LAWN TRACTOR

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -1000

John Deere Unveils The New 100 Series Lawn Tractor

John Deere announces the new 100 Series Tractors with better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and sound levels, and enhanced operator comfort and visibility.

"The 100 Series tractors have always been great machines, but now owners will have greater fuel economy, feel more comfortable when operating the machine, and enjoy increased visibility from the seat," said Greg Weekes, John Deere group product marketing manager.

The new 100 Series is available in four models in Australia and New Zealand. All have engines exclusively designed for John Deere that operate with greater fuel economy and reduced sound levels, a new fuel tank to reduce emissions, and a redesigned hood and operator's area to improve visibility and operating comfort.

All models also come with The Edge™ Cutting System. This 3-in-1 mowing deck lets the operator choose between mulching, bagging and side-discharging, and a more precise mowing height can be controlled within a ¼-inch using the height of cut adjustment.

Attachments are easily installed on all 100 Series Tractors with the exclusive CargO Mount™ System, which enables owners to easily add or remove the appropriate attachment for mowing, ploughing, aerating and hauling.

"These machines have the reputation of being the easiest to own, operate and maintain in the industry," said Weekes, "and the new D100 Series will continue to build upon that reputation."

New 100 Series Tractors

D100 – 13 kW (17.5-hp) engine, 5-speed transmission and versatile CargO Mount™ System
D110 – 14.5 (19.5-hp) engine, automatic transmission, 2-pedal forward/reverse, increased travel speeds
D120 – 15.6 kW (21-hp), convenient cruise control, high back seat
D130 – V-twin engine, 16.4 kW (22-hp), double bar bumper, high back seat, fender flares
D140 – Wider, 48-inch mower deck with 3 blades, electric mower blade engagement (PTO)

New John Deere Z700 Mowers

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -1000

John Deere Introduces New Z700 Series Zero-Turn Mowers

Three New Models Deliver Performance and Ease of Use to the Entry-Level Professional Landscape Contractor

Looking to simplify the decision process for entry-level professionals, John Deere announces the launch of the Z700 ZTrak™ Series. Three models make up the new line highlighted by the Z710A (48 and 54-in decks) and the Z720A (60-in deck).

"We are excited to add the Z700 Series to John Deere's commercial mowing line-up," said Chase Tew, John Deere tactical brand manager, commercial mowing. "The new ZTrak™ 700s are ideal for entry-level landscape contractors looking for durability and reliability from a brand like John Deere."

The ZTrak™ 700 Series provides contractors a productive machine in a less-expensive, and lower-featured model than the ZTrak™ PRO Series. Utilising a similar steel channel frame and castings as those on the PRO Series, the Z700s feature the proven 7-Iron™ II mower deck with mowing speeds up to 16 km/h and a 181 kg towing capacity.

For comfort and convenience, the Z700s are equipped with pneumatic front tyres for a soft ride, comfortable high-back bucket seat with armrests, a fully folding rollover protective structure (ROPS), an easy-grip turning height-of-cut adjustment, and John Deere's exclusive Brake & Go System.

Z710A ZTrak™ Mower — The 17.1 kW (23-hp) model is available with a 48- or 54-inch deck and comes equipped with a gas-powered, air-cooled Kohler® Command PRO® commercial-grade engine.

Z720A ZTrak™ Mower — The 18.6 kW (25-hp) model is available with a 60-inch deck and comes equipped with a gas-powered, air-cooled Kohler® Command PRO commercial grade engine.