2008 News Releases and Information

LENEXA, Kansas (August 07, 2008) – John Deere offers more seeding solutions than any other planter line in the industry. And now, benchmarking off the precision and productivity of 1700 and DB Series Planters, RowCommand, a planter row unit on/off system will be available for the spring planting season, 2009.

"The new RowCommand system will help growers reduce seed input costs and eliminate the yield drag associated with double planting," says Rob Rippchen, division manager, marketing, John Deere Seeding. "This is a simple and efficient solution to automatically controlling individual row units while planting on-the-go. By controlling seed output at the individual rows, an operator is able to reduce overplanting in point rows and maximize seed placement when entering or exiting headlands."

The RowCommand system controls seed delivery by engaging and disengaging individual clutches inside the Pro-Shaft™ drive gear box, where they are protected from the elements and harsh field conditions. When power is supplied, either manually or through Swath Control Pro™, clutches disengage the seed meters and seed flow stops.

"RowCommand uses low voltage CAN messaging to send power to the desired clutches to stop planting, or eliminates power to resume planting," says Rippchen. "We believe this is the most efficient system on the market for row unit control."

Swath Control Pro can also be used with RowCommand. With this integrated system, the clutches will automatically engage or disengage based on GPS coverage maps and field boundaries. The operator can focus on managing tractor and planter functions while the planter row units turn on and off automatically according to the GPS data.

"We're excited about this new technology because growers will be able to reduce seed input costs by more accurately and precisely delivering seeds in the row, on point rows, across waterways, and around headlands," concludes Rippchen.

RowCommand will be available as a factory-installed option or as an attachment for field conversion on 1700 Series Planters (12 Row and larger with Pro Shaft Drive) and all DB Series Planters for 2009 spring planting," concludes Rippchen. For more information, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit our Web site at www.JohnDeere.com/Ag.

John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is the world's leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for 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.