John Deere Construction & Forestry has launched www.skidsteersmackdown.com, the first part of an integrated campaign for skid steer users that involves unique head-to-head contests between Deere and competitor machines.

"Skidsteersmackdown.com" is a highly interactive site that features the competitions captured on video, a discussion forum, buying information and more.

"This site is above and beyond PDFs and specs. It's an entertaining experience for the user, but with real in-the-dirt comparisons you can watch," said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. "No one has done anything like this before."

Deere engineers transformed a dirt track in North Carolina into a skid steer loader proving ground, complete with professional operators and compelling contests, all while cameras rolled and spectators looked on.

The site's interactive components allow users to pick the Deere machines they'd like to see compared to other units. The videos ? showing tasks with measurable results ? can then be rated, commented on, and shared with friends and colleagues.

"Viewers can also get dealer and buying information immediately, through a link to the main John Deere web site," Norwood said. "We're having some fun, but we're also providing skid steer buyers with everything they need to know."

The new John Deere 313 and 315 radial skid steers anchor the action on the site. Introduced in late 2007, the two models, with 1,300- and 1,500-pound rated operating capacities respectively, are the company's first entries into the small frame size class. Deere now offers a full line of skid steer loaders from 45 to 85 hp, as well as more than 100 perfectly matched Worksite Pro™ attachments for jobsite versatility.

Mon Apr 21 16:20:00 CDT 2008