Friday Fun: The King is Back…Sort Of

Howdy folks.  Hope everyone had a great week, but now it is time for Friday Fun and for you to kick back, relax a bit and enjoy the weekend. Last week’s edition brought you a look into all the different styles of John Deere inspired boots. This week we are switching it up a bit and bringing you a great story about refurbishing a 1963 John Deere 4010 Series 213 tractor…with a twist.  The tractor actually belonged to the King himself, Elvis Presley.

The Before…

credit

Now for a little history lesson about the tractor itself. Elvis acquired his John Deere 4010 tractor with the purchase of a Mississippi ranch in 1966. Having grown up around farming in Tupelo, Elvis knew he needed the best equipment possible to care for the land he had just purchased. After Elvis sold the ranch, the tractor moved to Graceland and was used to maintain the landscaping on the property for decades.

credit

The project was taken on by a group of students from Northwest Mississippi Community College. Four students and their instructor put in nearly 400 hours of work on the project in just 30 days.  It wasn’t until they were finished when they found out who the tractor had belonged to. They were informed when John Deere representatives and officials from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. came to praise the students for their work and take the tractor to Graceland to be displayed at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum.

The After…

credit

credit

credit

The Students

credit

Wow! Those students sure did a wonderful job restoring the King’s tractor.  Not only did they do an impressive job, but it is also such a neat story. The students knew that they were a part of something special, however, I don’t think they knew the magnitude of the project.  The tractor is currently on display at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum located at Graceland.  John Deere, the college students, and the King himself have come together to bring a piece of history back and have a lot to be proud of.

Be sure to let us know what you thought about the project and bringing a piece of the King back to life in the comments section below!

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Chat: Voices From Booth #16317

This excerpt was originally posted on the John Deere, Straightforward Blog March 24, 2011. You can view the original post here.

Interim Tier 4 had been a major topic of discussion at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011. From the current challenges facing OEMs to the wide range of solutions on the horizon. But another Tier 4 Interim trend is also emerging: The opportunities created by compliance. OEM Off-Highway Editor Michelle EauClaire stopped by the John Deere Power Systems booth to tell us all about it on Day #2 of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011.

 

Top Trends in Tier 4 Interim from CONEXPO-CON/AGG from John Deere Construction on Vimeo.

 

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader

John Deere Inspired Wheels

John Deere is known for its robust agricultural and construction vehicles that have consistently introduced more time efficient ways to get the job done.  However, the company has been around since 1837, when John Deere himself polished his first steel plow.  Throughout its many years of existence, the company has developed into something more.  John Deere would not be what it is today without its loyal fanatics, who do whatever it takes to represent John Deere to the fullest extent!  Take a look at the following interesting and wacky John Deere Vehicles.

John Deere Lawn Mower – How would you like to mow your grass with this baby!

credit

John Deere Semi Truck – Why don’t I ever get lucky enough to roll by one of these during my long and boring car rides?

credit

John Deere Gator 825ci 1911 Pro UTV – Now this would make for a wild ride!

credit

Speaking of a Gator…

credit

John Deere Old School Bike – Who knew they were making John Deere bikes this early?

credit

 

Toyota FJ40: John Deere Edition – There should definitely be more vehicles like this one!

credit

Limited Edition John Deere Bicycle – A classic ride without an engine.

credit

Sports Trike – Looks like fun to me!

credit

John Deere Harley – This is what you need if you are planning a cross country cycle ride!

credit

John Deere Golf Cart – Hit the Links in style!

credit

John Deere Chopper – You can never be too hard-core for John Deere!

credit

credit

 

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader

1976 JD 4430 Sold for $24,000 on Ohio Sale

This 1976 JD 4430 was sold at auction for $24,000 April 16th, 2011 in Delta, Ohio

I’ve compiled 948 auction sale prices on JD 4430 tractors over the last 15 years.

Last Saturday (April 16, 2011) on a very small farm auction in Delta, OH (northwest OH) a 1976 JD 4430 with 4,360 “1 owner” hours sold for the 5th highest auction price I’ve seen: $24,000. I spoke with auctioneer Jason Whalen of Whalen Real Estate & Auction on Tuesday morning.

“There were four guys in the bidding up to $18,000,” said Whalen. “A local guy wound up buying it and drove it home.” Whalen said there was a good crowd given the small nature of this auction. A total of 197 bidding No.’s were given out.

What I found very interesting on this 1976 JD 4430 sold for $24,000 were the number of hours: 4,360. On all (4) of the 4430′s I’ve seen sold for more than $24,000 over the last 15+ years, each had significantly lower number of hours, in the 2,200 – 3,300 range. So to see this 4430 with 4,360 hours sell for $24,000 just offers more proof of how values on very good condition older tractors just cotinue to rise.

Do I see this changing the rest of 2011? No, I don’t.

About Machinery Pete: Greg “Machinery Pete” Peterson has been working in the agricultural industry for 21 years and details agricultural equipment prices and trends at his website, Machinerypete.com. Greg also writes columns for Successful Farming magazine, Implement & Tractor magazine, Agriculture.com web site and also appears on the Machinery Show on RFD-TV.

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader

Top 5 Interim Tier 4 Myths

By John Deere March 28, 2011

One of the main goals of the Straightforward blog is to debunk many common misconceptions about Interim Tier 4 regulations. Test your Interim Tier 4 knowledge with our interactive quiz and see how you stack up.

 

 

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader

Grass is Greener on the Other Side

A little less than a year ago, we gave readers some helpful advice on how to create that picture perfect pattern in their lawn. Before this summer gets underway, we have decided to compile a list of “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for your summer lawn care that is sure to make your lawn the talk of the town.

Source: Thisoldhouse.com

Do’s

• When the season begins, cut your grass using the highest setting, and reduce it as the summer progresses. This will result in the number of weeds decreasing, as well as cause more water retention.
• Fertilize warm season grasses in the spring and cool season grasses in the fall.
• Mow regularly. This could range from once a week to twice a week depending on the growth rate and desired height. Additionally, grass cuttings can be beneficial in dry months, but moss can form if you don’t mow regularly.
• Water your lawn to the point that the roots are moistened. This will help in times of drought and to prevent disease.

Dont’s

• Don’t water at night. The absence of sun will result in disease.
• Don’t cut your lawn when it’s wet. This could damage your lawn and/or lawn mower.
• Don’t forget to have your blades sharpened at regular intervals.
• If you have an uneven lawn and are using a petrol rotary motor, make sure you do not scalp your lawn in certain areas.
• If you go a few weeks without mowing your lawn, don’t cut it down to your desired height all at once. This could disrupt photosynthesis and leave your lawn with a yellow discoloration.

We hope these helpful tips leave you with the lawn you’ve always desired. Have a great summer!

Source: John Deere

 

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader

Friday Fun: Boots Edition

It’s that time again folks. It’s Friday! Time for our latest edition of Friday Fun! Last week we brought you a segment featuring different tools and toolboxes that we hope all of you enjoyed as much as we did. For this week we decided to feature pictures of those things that keep our feet dry and take us to the rugged places us Deere folks may go, boots. We have compiled a gallery for all of you that shows all of the neat and unique boot designs that are inspired by John Deere.  Enjoy!

(credit)

(credit)

(credit)

(credit)

(credit)

(credit)

(credit)

(credit)

(credit)

 

(credit)

(credit)

credit

Bonus: Equine Boots?

(credit)

Did you see your pair on the list? If not, send us a picture and show us your cool John Deere boots or you can check out even more John Deere inspired pictures here.  Be sure to let us know what you thought of all the different boots in the comment section below!

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader

A Farmer’s Eye View

As if we didn’t already know, the picture below says a thousand words about the long hours that our nation’s farmer’s put in day in and day out.  Farming is not a 9 to 5 job and most likely won’t ever be.  That’s just how it is. And they would not want it any other way.  It’s a lifestyle. A passion. It’s in their blood.

credit

In the picture above is Jason Hinson, a sixth-generation corn farmer who resides and farms near Kingston, Iowa.   Here, Jason is carefully watching his auger as he unloads his John Deere combine. This is a great picture as it clearly illustrates how a farmer’s day is not over until all the work is done. It highlights the passion and dedication it takes to be a farmer. Whether it be by artificial light or sunlight, the work goes on until the job gets finished.

credit

As mentioned above, farming is in your blood. The picture above helps illustrate how the love and passion of farming is passed down from father to son, from generation to generation. If you grew up on a farm or around farms, we are quite sure you understand what we’re talking about.  Not only the love for farming, but most importantly, the love for John Deere! As this past post indicates, the love and appreciation for John Deere also starts at an early age and is passed on through the generations.

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader

CONEXPO-CON/AGG: Product Spotlight: New 850K Dozer

By Dan Drescher March 25, 2011

By Dan Drescher, Product Marketing Manager, Construction & Forestry

Fresh from its CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011 debut is our first dozer certified to U.S. EPA Interim Tier 4 emissions standards: the all-new 850K. Its John Deere PowerTech™ 6.8-L IT4 diesel provides either 187 hp or 205 hp at 1,800 rpm, depending on machine configuration as well as excellent low-end performance and very quick recovery when operating in the 1,500-1,800-rpm range.

The 850K utilizes Deere’s simple, fuel efficient, field proven and fully integrated solution to meet the Interim Tier 4 standard – cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology with an exhaust filter. The engine’s diesel particulate filter is usually cleaned automatically during routine operation, keeping the operator’s attention on the work at hand rather than filter maintenance. The filter will need to have accumulated ash removed by a certified service center at about 5,000 hours, depending on machine operation. Access to the filter is easy, and your John Deere dealer will provide a clean remanufactured filter to quickly get your dozer back to work.

credit

The Deere IT4 engine also offers operation on slopes up to 45 degrees while maintaining oil flow to all machine systems.

The really exciting story behind the 850K is the customer suggestions that shaped its design.

In response to customer demand for noise-level reduction both inside and outside the cab, the 850K features viscous cab mounts that reduce noise to the operator’s ear by 43 percent.

Customers also asked for serviceability improvements in the cooling system, which led to us incorporating our innovative V-cool package. Because the V-cool package fan box folds down, quick cooler core clean-out can occur from both sides. Customers will spend more time in the cab being productive and less time outside performing maintenance.

Customers attending CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011 have had great things to say about the 850K so far. I encourage you to check out the product information available at http://events.deere.com. The 850K offers IT4 and much more.

 

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader

John Deere 7410 Sets Record On Iowa Auction

This 2002 JD 7410 2WD tractor with 618 hours sold for a record price of $61,000 on a farm auction April 7, 2011 in Mt. Sterling, IA

“So Pete, have used tractor values been rising?”

I’ve been asked this question a lot lately. My answer: yes, they have been rising and they are continuing to rise as we move into Spring 2011. Another eye opening example came on a nice farm auction Friday, April 7, 2011 in Mt. Sterling, IA (southeast IA). A beautiful 2002 JD 7410 2WD tractor with only 618 hours sold on this auction.

It went for $61,000.

How high is that? The highest auction sale price I’ve ever seen on a 2WD JD 7410 and I’ve documented nearly 100 of them sold over the last 15 years in our Machinerypete.com web site. But I don’t think simply saying this was a new record high auction price tells the whole story here. We need context. So let’s compare that $61,000 sale price to what a similarly nice 7410 2WD tractor sold for back on November 6, 2004, on a farm auction in north-central Kansas.

That 7410 was a 2001 model with only 521 hours in “like new” condition. What did it sell for? $47,000.

Chew on that for a second. Back in 2004 a 3-year old super nice 2WD 7410 tractor sells for $47,000 and on the April 7th auction in Mt. Sterling, IA a 9-year old 2WD 7410 with similar hours, in similar condition, sold for $61,000.

Bottom line: good used Deere tractors just keep rising in value.

About Machinery Pete: Greg “Machinery Pete” Peterson has been working in the agricultural industry for 21 years and details agricultural equipment prices and trends at his website, Machinerypete.com. Greg also writes columns for Successful Farming magazine, Implement & Tractor magazine, Agriculture.com web site and also appears on the Machinery Show on RFD-TV.

Source: "John Deere MachineFinder" via Glen in Google Reader