Happy 4th of July, Now Start Your Grills!

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate America’s independence, and it’s the perfect time to take a break from all that grass cutting and get outside for some good food, good friends, and good fun. But don’t worry, taking a break from the grounds work doesn’t mean you don’t love John Deere any less. Just do what these people did and incorporate John Deere into your cookout! With a salute to John Deere, these people have made grilling even more fun. Check out these stylish grills and smokers that are sure to stand out at any outdoor event.

Have a very happy 4th of July!

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

Non-Attainment Areas Expected to Increase

This excerpt was originally posted on the John Deere, Straightforward Blog June 28, 2011. You can view the original post here.

We are less than a month away from the deadline for the expected release of new ground-level ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Why is this important to the construction industry?

Among other things diesel engines used in construction equipment emit oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter (PM). Oxides of nitrogen combine with other elements in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, which along with PM comprise two of the six criteria pollutants (see the full list), which the Clean Air Act requires EPA to set NAAQS. In 1971, EPA established the first 1-hour NAAQS ozone standard of 0.080 parts per million (ppm). In layman’s terms, this means that the first ozone standard was measured over a one-hour time period, which could not exceed .080 ppm on average over a three-year period.

Based upon measurements of ozone and PM, a county is considered either “attainment” or “non-attainment” meaning it either meets the standard set by EPA, or it does not. The Clean Air Act also requires EPA to review the criteria pollutants and NAAQS at 5-year intervals and make revisions as appropriate.

The EPA last revised the NAAQS for ground-level ozone in March 2008. This map shows the non-attainment areas based upon 2005 levels. The current 8-hour standard for ground level ozone is .075 ppm. There is discussion to reduce it to .060 ppm. This map shows the potential non-attainment areas if EPA lowers the standard to .060 ppm – double the number of counties considered non-attainment.

What affect will the announcement have on the construction industry?

The Clean Air Act requires states to develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs) to attain and maintain air quality standards, and specifically plans to deal with non-attainment areas. These plans are important because if a state fails to achieve the NAAQs standard, it can lose federal infrastructure funds. Some state and local plans designed to ensure compliance with the NAAQS standard will affect off-road diesel equipment currently being used in the field by requiring certain emission reduction technologies within bid specifications for government-funded projects. By doing so, the state or locality reduces emissions from existing machines and encourages the adoption of newer, lower-emission machines. An example of an in-use regulation is the Cook County Green Construction Ordinance in the greater Chicago area.

When will revised NAAQS standards impact contractors?

Although it can take years to determine whether a given county will be considered to be in non-attainment under a more stringent NAAQS standard, SIPs and local in-use regulations may be developed or revised more quickly. Contractors should be on the lookout for these regulatory activities to ensure they are in a position to compete with the right solutions. Your John Deere dealer can help you address in-use regulations by conducting a fleet analysis and discussing the best emission reduction solution, whether it’s a retrofit, repower, rental, or a replacement solution or some combination of each. Your dealer can also explain how to comply with state or local requirements designed to reduce emissions through limiting idle time by using JDLink™, a telematics system, which can help keep tabs on idle times across an entire fleet of equipment.

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

Bobcat Monster Treads - Utility Vehicle

Bobcat Monster Treads - Utility Vehicle Rating: These unique vehicles help to recreate popular farm scenes The details on each of these toys are simply amazing Includes big monster sized soft tires Features 4 wheel steering and a cargo box that dumps Recommended for ages 3 years and up Sale Price: $10.99

Bobcat Monster Treads - Utility Vehicle 5 inch monster treads bobcat utility vehicle features monster-sized soft tires, 4 wheel steering and cargo box dumps. Age grade 3 years and up.

Source: "John Deere Monster Trucks" via Glen in Google Reader

Interim Tier 4 Glossary of Terms

This excerpt was originally posted on the John Deere, Straightforward Blog June 20, 2011. You can view the original post here.

Additional Key Terms You Should Know

Earlier this year, we introduced an initial glossary of terms commonly used when speaking about emissions to help our readers “talk the talk” when it comes to Interim Tier 4 emissions requirements. This month, we’ve added some additional terms to our glossary to help you better understand the topic of regeneration as it relates to emissions regulations.

Exhaust Filter Regeneration – the “burning off” of particulate matter (PM) from diesel engines.

John Deere has determined that cooled EGR, combined with exhaust filter technology, is the right choice to meet emissions regulations because it is simple, more proven, and more cost effective.

The John Deere exhaust filter is integrated into the engine design to provide a convenient and reliable solution. The engine control unit (ECU) and exhaust temperature management (ETM) system work together to continuously regenerate, or clean, the exhaust filter.

Passive Regeneration – a natural exhaust filter cleaning process. It occurs during normal engine operating conditions, which is the most fuel-efficient way to clean. Passive regeneration does not impact machine operation or require operator involvement.

Active Regeneration – If passive regeneration cannot be achieved, then particulate matter (PM) must be removed using active regeneration, an automatic cleaning process. This requires injecting fuel in the exhaust stream and elevating exhaust temperatures to clean the filter. Remember, active regeneration cleaning only occurs when passive regeneration is not possible based on temperature, load, and speed. It serves as a backup system. In most cases, active regeneration does not impact machine operation or require operator involvement.

For more information on the topic of regeneration,  this video breaks down the process of regeneration to help alleviate your concerns and better understand its impact on IT4 engine machine operation.

We hope you continue to use this guide as an ongoing resource, and please post a comment if there is a specific term you would like us to define or further explain.

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

Pair of 1972 JD 6600 Combines with Low Hours

1972 JD 6600 combine with 413 hours still has original plastic still on the seat. This combine and adjacent serial number 1972 JD 6600 with 518 hours are up for sale on a June 29th online auction at www.Purplewave.com

One of the two 1972 JD 6600 combines with adjacent Serial Numbers and extremely low hours. Up for sale on June 29th online auction by Purple Wave

Wow.

Make that double wow. Check out the pair of adjacent serial number 1972 JD 6600 combines up for sale on an online auction June 29th at www.Purplewave.com:

• 1972 John Deere 6600 combine, 518 hours, SN# 8035H
• 1972 John Deere 6600 combine, 413 hours, SN# 8034H

I’ve been covering machinery auctions since 1989 and I have to say, to see one, let alone TWO, combines approximately 40 years old in such beautiful condition and having such extremely LOW hours is rather remarkable. I will be very, very interested to see what these babies sell for. Online bidding has already started and as of late Tuesday night (June 21st) high bids were up to $4,400 and $4,600. Here’s a link to the online sale bill with a slew of fantastic pictures & videos of the pair of JD 6600 combines:

http://www.purplewave.com/cgi-bin/mnlist.cgi?110629/category/HARVESTING

Check out the plastic still on the seat of the 6600 with 413 hours:

So what’s the deal with these combines? Why the super low hours? Well, word is that owner is a central Kansas widow whose husband bought the 6600′s and always kept them shedded and in great working order.

How high do you think they will sell? I can’t wait to find out. I’ll report back with the final tally.

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

The Battle of Bowling Green

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Don’t worry folks, you didn’t miss this one when you slept through American History class in college. This battle holds its own in a much more recent place in our memories. It was the Spring of 2009 when the Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown came to Bowling Green, KY. The sun was bright and the smell of diesel hung heavily on the air. Teams from five of the leading skid steer manufacturers in the world  had arrived on the scene to battle for the title of “The Best” in competitions of driving power, 360° visibility, power lifting and serviceability. The teams: Bobcat, Cat, New Holland, Case and John Deere.

Round #1 The Hill Climb

The Rules: Each skid must drive over two, 3 foot hills and then over the massive 5 foot berm, Mt. Skidmore. On the other side of Mt. Skidmore they will pick up a bucket of dirt, and return over all three hills again. No excessive tipping would be allowed. The Results: John Deere faced off against each challenger one-by-one, Bocat, Cat, and New Holland and took first place EACH time. The only other competitor to complete the task was New Holland. Watch the video here.

Round #2 The Visibility Test

The Rules: Each skid begins 15 feet away from a white painted line. The skids are to back up toward the line, and the operators are to stop as soon as they are no longer able to see the line. Operators were asked to make sure the seats were back all the way, and to keep both hands on the controls at all times. The Results: New Holland came in first, followed by John Deere, Bobcat, Case and Cat.  Watch the video here.

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Round #3 The Power Lift

The Rules: Each skid will have 1 minute to lift a 6200 lb concrete load. The load is to be lifted to a set height. If excessive tipping occurs the skid must start over. The Results: First up, Bobcat. After giving the lift a couple of tries, the Bobcat operator had to back down. The weight was just too much. Team Cat was up next, and found themselves in the same boat as Bobcat just a few seconds into the round. Case was next and became the first skid to actually lift the load, but unfortunately, as the load lifted just more than a foot off of the ground the skid tipped forward and was forced to start again. After two tries, the Case operator threw in the towel. New Holland took to the arena floor but struggled to lift the more than 3 ton weight, and eventually gave in. John Deere truly saved the best for last. The Deere was able to lift the load entirely off of the ground and over the required height. Another victory for team Deere. Watch the video here.

The Final Round Serviceability

The Rules: Each operator will be required to perform 3 quick maintenance tasks in a race against time and one another. Operators were allowed to skip any maintenance tasks that were not part of the listed tasks and were allowed assistance if necessary. The Results: The operators leapt to the tasks with impressive speed and precision, but in the end only one could be first. In first place was New Holland, followed again by John Deere, Bobcat, Case and Cat. Watch the video here.

In the end, John Deere would leave the arena victorious, proving that it is in fact, the best all-around skid steer out there.

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

CONEXPO Insights: Tom Jackson of Equipment Today discusses the future of IT4

This excerpt was originally posted on the John Deere, Straightforward Blog June 15, 2011. You can view the original post here.

We asked several visitors to the John Deere Power Systems Booth at CONEXPO-CON/AGG to share their thoughts on Interim Tier 4 emissions standards and what’s to come in the future. When asked what trends were gaining traction across the industry, Tom Jackson, Executive Editor of Equipment World provided some great insight into the future of IT4 and what he expects to see at CONEXPO 2014.

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

Don’t Forget About the Girls!

When we think of the farming and construction industries and the machinery that goes along with them, some of us never think about the ladies that also love everything John Deere. Women, too, are showing their appreciation, so we wanted to give a little back. Here are some great pictures of the girls showing off their John Deere pride, as well as some products specifically for them. Enjoy!

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It’s nice to shine some light on things that are often not thought about or mentioned. Feel free to leave any comments or links to your own women inspired John Deere pictures.

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

Exhaust Filter Cleaning: A Return to Basics

This excerpt was originally posted on the John Deere, Straightforward Blog June 8, 2011. You can view the original post here.

With Interim Tier 4-equipped machines on their way to the field, we’ve found that regeneration of exhaust filters continues to be a source of questions for many operators. To help address those questions, we’re going to take another look at the basics of exhaust filter regeneration. Before we get started, be sure to check out our earlier video blog entitled Exhaust Filter Cleaning 101 for a little more background on the basics of John Deere’s exhaust filter regeneration strategies.

It’s important to understand that, in most cases, the regeneration process does not have an impact on machine operation or require operator involvement. Our exhaust filter regeneration strategies include:

Passive regeneration

John Deere engines and exhaust filter components are designed for uninterrupted operation using passive regeneration, a natural cleaning process where engine exhaust temperatures are sufficient to oxidize the particulate matter (PM) trapped in the exhaust filter. The process is continuous during normal engine operating conditions — greater than 30 percent load factor — and is the most fuel-efficient way to clean.

Active regeneration

If conditions (temperature, load, or speed) for passive regeneration cannot be achieved, then PM must be removed using active regeneration, an automatic cleaning process. This requires injecting a small quantity of fuel into the exhaust stream for a short duration and elevating exhaust temperatures to clean the filter. It’s important to remember that, in most applications, active regeneration cleaning occurs only when passive regeneration isn’t possible based on temperature, load and speed. It serves as a backup system.

Active regeneration begins when the filter is partially restricted. The process will take approximately 25 to 50 minutes from start to finish. If normal operating conditions cannot be achieved and filter loading begins to occur, John Deere’s exhaust temperature management (ETM) system manages the initiation and duration of the active regeneration. The actual cleaning process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Remember that, in most cases, the regeneration process uses exhaust heat created under normal engine operating conditions, so the operator won’t even notice it’s taking place. In the event that an active regeneration is necessary, the engine’s control system can raise exhaust temperature to regenerate the filter. In either case, regeneration does not impact machine operation.

Our exhaust filter system has been designed to properly maintain itself without operator intervention while being completely transparent to the operator. Most of the processes with John Deere’s Interim Tier 4 engines happen behind the scenes, which enable operators to use their equipment the same way they used earlier equipment powered by John Deere engines.

 

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

John Deere Case IH Monster Treads 4WD Steiger Tractor

John Deere Case IH Monster Treads 4WD Steiger Tractor Rating: These unique vehicles help to recreate popular farm scenes The details on each of these toys are simply amazing Steiger tractor features monster sized super soft tires Measures 5 inches Recommended for ages 3 years and up Sale Price: $9.99

John Deere Case IH Monster Treads 4WD Steiger Tractor 5 Inch 4 wheel drive monster treads. Steiger tractor features: monster sized super soft tires with 4 wheel steering, Case IH graphics. Age grade 3 years and up.

Source: "John Deere Monster Trucks" via Glen in Google Reader

Monday Myth: Interim Tier 4 Myths Uncovered – Maintenance

This excerpt was originally posted on the John Deere, Straightforward Blog May 9, 2011. You can view the original post here.

Last month, we challenged our readers to test their Interim Tier 4 knowledge through an interactive IT4 Myth-Busters Quiz. The results are in, and our poll revealed there still seems to be much uncertainty around Interim Tier 4 Engine Technology like Cooled EGR and SCR. Here is another myth on Interim Tier 4 (IT4) engines equipped with cooled exhaust gas recirculation that we think its time to dispel.

Myth:

Will Interim Tier 4 diesel engines with cooled EGR have shorter maintenance intervals?

Truth:

Current engine maintenance intervals for engines utilizing cooled EGR remain unchanged or are improved upon depending on the application/machine type.

The oil change interval will be the same interval offered for John Deere’s Tier 3 engines at either 500 hours or 250 hours.

One difference will come with the addition of the exhaust filter. Regulations provide for a minimum exhaust filter ash service interval of 4,500 hours for engines 130 kW (174 hp) and greater and 3,000 hours for engines less than 130 kW (174 hp).

 

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

Low Hour John Deere Tractors at Auction

This 1981 JD 4040 tractor with only 2,892 hours is up for sale on a July 13, 2011 farm auction in Starbuck, MN. Sale by Zielsdorf Auction & Real Estate Services.

They always catch my eye.

What? Really low hour used tractors on upcoming auctions, like this 1981 JD 4040 with only 2,892 hours, on a July 13, 2011 farm auction near Starbuck, MN (west-central MN). Seeing tractors like this always makes me head toward our “auction results” database at Machinerypete.com to look for other low hour tractors…how high did they sell?

Last year on a March 6, 2010 auction in north-central Oklahoma, a 1980 JD 4040 with 2,156 hours in good condition sold for $32,500. That’s not the highest auction sale price I’ve seen on a 4040, not quite. That honor goes to the 1980 JD 4040 with just 1,458 hours sold for $37,000 on a February 18, 2009 farm auction in south-central Minnesota. That was quite a sale. Also sold on that south-central Minnesota auction just over two years ago were these (2) other JD tractors:

• 1988 JD 4450 MFWD tractor with 4,500 hours: $48,000
• 1988 JD 8650 4WD tractor with 3,924 hours: $47,000

$48,000 was the highest auction sale price I had seen on a JD 4450 tractor since 1998. $47,000 for the JD 8650, also was the highest auction price I’d seen on that model since 1998. Auctions like this February 2009 sale in south-central Minnesota are the kind of sales that folks talk about for years to come, and not just local folks, but machinery lovers from all over the U.S. and Canada. Just seems that folks love to run across tractors with a bit of age on them in exceedingly good condition.

How high will they sell? Always fun to find out. I’ll sure be interested to see how that JD 4040 with only 2,892 hours sells on the July 13, 2011 farm auction in Starbuck, MN. I’ll travel to cover that sale myself and shoot some video for our Youtube channel.

How high do you think it will sell?

Here’s a link to the July 13th auction

Here’s a pic of that JD 4450 with 4,500 hours sold for $48,000 on the February 2009 farm sale in south-central Minnesota.

1988 JD 4450 MFWD tractor with 4,500 hours sold for $48,000 on 2/19/09 farm auction in south-central Minnesota, the highest auction price Machinery Pete has seen on a 4450 since 1998.

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

John Deere Polaris Monster Treads RZR Ranger Utility Vehicle

John Deere Polaris Monster Treads RZR Ranger Utility Vehicle Rating: These unique vehicles help to recreate popular farm scenes The details on each of these toys are simply amazing Features authentic decoration, super bouncy tires and all terrain steering Measures 5 inches Recommended for ages 3 years and up Sale Price: $10.99

John Deere Polaris Monster Treads RZR Ranger Utility Vehicle Produced by Ertl and officially licensed by Polaris, these off-road monster vehicles are ready to tackle any obstacle that lies in their path. Each off-road vehicle features authentic decoration, super bouncy tires and all terrain steering. Age grade 3 years and up. Measures 5 inches.

Source: "John Deere Monster Trucks" via Glen in Google Reader