2007 Construction News Releases and Information

MOLINE, Illinois (Dec. 20, 2007) - Construction fleet managers now have available harder working, more efficient JDLink™ monitoring systems  from John Deere to control their fleet operations.

Three new option levels bring expanded capabilities to the popular JDLink Machine Monitoring System. Named Advanced, Ultimate and Direct, these new operating levels are available for field or factory installation on 46 models of John Deere construction equipment.

"With three new levels of options, we are providing our customers with many added features for lowering operating costs, more efficient fleet management, plus increased productivity and uptime," said Ken Poppe, John Deere Product Marketing Manager of Advanced Technology. "These new versions of JDLink will help fleet managers keep an eye on every relevant detail of their machine's operation at any given site at any particular moment."

The original JDLink Standard level automatically collects, transmits and manages machine data which can be viewed at a single password protected website regardless of model or make, or what dealer sold the system. The data allows customers to check machine operation times; track machine locations; and set restrictions on when machines are allowed to run.  For maximum efficiency, JDLink can be integrated into virtually any business office management system.

"And JDLink's reliability is unquestioned," Poppe added. "JDLink works the first time and every time. And it works on any machine with a 12- or 24-volt charging system."

New JDLink Advanced provides all Standard level features plus a percentage breakdown of machine idling hours vs. working hours. To immediately inform maintenance managers of impending machine problems, Advanced also provides fleet managers dashboard alerts such as low fuel level warnings via Internet, cell phone or pager.

With JDLink Ultimate, a maintenance manager can receive the kind of detailed information needed to extend the economic life of equipment, as well as improve productivity. Machine pressures, temperatures and speeds are captured and displayed in an understandable format that can even be downloaded onto a spreadsheet for further analysis.

"Ultimate is just that - the ultimate way to determine just how hard your machines are working," said Poppe. "JDLink Ultimate takes the raw data and provides actionable information to the managers."

JDLink Direct provides most of the same features as Ultimate and gives a customer the ability to download data directly from a piece of equipment, rather than accessing it through the Internet. The Direct option does not include the GPS locator that other levels provide.

As for confidentiality of data, Poppe reassures customers that only they determine who sees the information. "Though we encourage our customers to use their dealers as 'equipment consultants' and share their data with them, we want to make it perfectly clear that under no circumstances will John Deere use this data to administer warranties," Poppe said.  "First and foremost, JDLink is focused on improving our customers' businesses. This product will help us and our dealers grow our relationships with customers."

"Every Deere dealer in the US and Canada is now qualified to sell and support the full suite of JDLink products," Poppe said. "And if customers want it, financing is available."

For help in finding the right JDLink levels for their applications, Poppe suggested that interested buyers talk to their local John Deere dealer.

JDLink Machine Monitoring Systems have been developed through a strategic alliance with Qualcomm, the world's leader in telematics.

Models Supported:
JDLink Standard is an all makes and models solution and can be used to cover a contractor's entire fleet.  The Advanced, Ultimate and Direct levels can be used on select Deere machines, as listed below.

Loaders
444J Z-Bar, 444J Powerllel, 544J Z-Bar, 544J Powerllel, 544J WH, 624J Z-Bar, 624J Powerllel, 624J WH, 644J, 644J WH, 724J, 724J WH, 744J, 744J WH, 824J, 844J

Excavators
160D, 200D, 225D LC, 240D LC, 270D LC, 350D LC, 450D LC, 650D LC, 850D

Articulated Dump Trucks
250D, 300D, 350D, 400D

Backhoe Loaders
310J, 310SJ, 315SJ, 410J, 710J

Crawler Dozers
450J, 550J, 650J, 700J, 750J, 850J, 850J WH

Motor Graders
670D, 672D Six-Wheel Drive, 770D, 772D Six-Wheel Drive, 870D, 872D Six-Wheel Drive

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment, a major manufacturer of construction equipment, and a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care. John Deere also manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment and provides landscape and worldwide financial services. 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.

Deb Filipek
Fergus/Peters Group
847-298-9900
dfilipek@ferguspeters.com