Wednesday, August 26, 2009

John Deere has added two new combines to its W-Series range and replaced its 1450 and 150 combine models.

The five-walker W550 and six-walker W660 (and W660i) models offer the same basic specification as the existing machines, but have more horsepower - 290hp in the case of the W550 and 350hp in the case of the W660.

Engines are 6.8 -and 9-litre John Deere PowerTech Plus six-cylinder turbocharged units respectively, with a fuel tank capacity of 800 litres. Both combines are also available with the optional HillMaster II levelling system.

The i-Series versions are equipped as standard with HarvestSmart automatic feedrate control, AutoTrac assisted steering and Harvest Doc software. Deere claims these versions give a 23% jump in capacity compared with their non-i equivalents.

John Deere's new ProDrive automatic transmission is also optionally available on the W660 model.

The four-stage threshing system begins with the large 660mm diameter cylinder and longer 750mm concave. A rear beater and second concave provides additional threshing, and pushe the crop to the long 11-step straw walkers.

Further separation is provided by the tined Power Separator, which combs the straw mat to release trapped grain, much like the tines on John Deere's rotary C and S Series combines.

On the 600R Series headers, the HeaderTrak lateral tilt system can be programmed to automatically maintain preset stubble height and header ground pressure for different crops and conditions.

Meanwhile, Deere's 1450 And 1550 combines are being replaced by the 1470 and 1570 for the 2010 season.

Spec improvements include a new feeder house to give a smoother flow from the table and a new hydraulic system that delivers faster response times when lifting the table or changing reel speed.

Improvements have also been made to the steering, electrical, shoe drive and straw chopper drive systems.

The 204hp five-walker 1470 and the 262hp six-walker 1570 combines have conventional threshing cylinder and straw walker designs and grain tank capacity is 6800 litres on both models.

Both hydrostatic drive models offer a choice of 600R Series headers from 4.3m to 7.6m. The optional HeaderTrak system provides automatic control of header height and lateral tilt when working on slopes or uneven ground, at night or in laid crops.

In the cab, the dual display InfoTrak monitor allows the driver to display any two functions at once for a clearer picture of the combine's performance.

The straw chopper can now be switched on and off by simply moving the straw hood from the windrowing to the chopping position. The optional chaff spreader is also now adjustable from the cab, too.

Deere, UAW start contract negotiations

MOLINE, ILL. (AP) -- Deere & Co. and the United Auto Workers union have begun negotiations on a new contract covering about 9,500 employees, or roughly 17 percent of Deere's work force, at 15 of the company's facilities across the country.

The world's largest maker of farm equipment and the UAW said in a joint statement they have agreed not to comment publicly on contract issues during the talks.

The current contract went into effect Oct. 1, 2003, and expires at midnight Sept. 30.

The agreement includes the John Deere Davenport Works; John Deere Des Moines Works; John Deere Dubuque Works; John Deere Ottumwa Works; John Deere Waterloo Works; John Deere Engine Works in Waterloo; John Deere Waterloo Tractor, Cab Assembly Operations; John Deere Product Engineering Center in Waterloo, and John Deere Foundry in Waterloo.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Alexander Says Cap-and-Trade Would Burden American Farming, Raise Food Costs

U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tn.) said on Tuesday that the House-passed climate change bill would add a new utility bill to the budget of every American farm, raising food prices for all Americans, and that instead Congress should adopt Republican proposals that offer “cheap, clean energy solutions.”

During a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, of which he is a member, Sen. Alexander said that “a lot of the prosperity in America depends on two things: cheap energy and cheap food. Both have helped give us a high standard of living, create jobs and have the most productive agriculture operations in the world.”

He pointed out that when costs to farmers rise, food prices and other costs also go up.

“Farmers especially don’t need another utility bill since farming is one of the most energy-intensive operations in our economy,” he said, “and every time you add more utility bills, prices go up. When the price of gasoline goes up, so does the price of seed and feed and of operating farm machinery. And yet, the cap-and-trade program would deliberately raise the price of gasoline, which would increase food prices for all Americans.

“Climate change is a problem, humans are causing it, and we need to deal with it, but the House-passed cap-and-trade bill does exactly the wrong thing—it’s a job-killing, $100 billion a year national energy tax that will add another utility bill to every American family. I think we need to stop and think about whether it’s the wisest policy to try and attack climate change by deliberately raising the price of energy.”

Instead, Sen. Alexander said that Congress should consider Republican proposals to build 100 new nuclear power plants, encourage electric cars and trucks, explore offshore for oil and gas and double funding for research and development to make renewable energy cost competitive with other forms of energy.

“Congress should adopt the low-cost option for dealing with climate change instead of sending a new utility bill to every American family and farm,” he said.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Lampasas Spring HO, what fun!!!

Lawson Implement had another great time at this years Lampasas Spring HO. The celebration started out great with talent contests, a hayloft party, the Spring Ho Beauty Pageant, a kiddie fishing derby, and an amazing fireworks show!
We where proud to be a sponsor and have our Lawson Implement and greenandyellowgear.com tent available to all the visitors of this years festival.

There was great response to our line of gators, mowers and John Deere Toys and John Deere Clothing. Thousands of visitors came by and we got to chat with and meet lots of wonderful folks!

The entire festival was topped off with great music and an outstanding carnival. We can't wait till next year to see everyone again!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

John Deere Summertime!

It is HOT!!! Really Hot! We have been over 100 degrees for weeks now and it seems it may never end. Good thing Green and Yellow Gear has everything we could need for a cool John Deere summer.


Keep the kids entertained for hours with the latest John Deere Toys and John Deere Games. It's too hot to go outside so keep the little ones entertained indoors with this great John Deere Playset.

If you do have to go outside be sure and stay cool with all of our great John Deere Clothing. We have a great selection of T-shirts and accessories to keep you in Yellow and Green all Summer Long.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Mack named new president of John Deere Construction & Forestry Division

New President at John Deere"s Construction & Forestry Division Looks to Build on Strong Foundation

MOLINE, Illinois (July 7, 2009) — Michael J. Mack, Jr., the new president of John Deere"s Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division, has prepared for this leadership position through a variety of assignments at Deere in finance, engineering, marketing and operations.

Mack said he is looking forward to leading the Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division, adding that he"s been impressed with the division"s track record during trying times.

"I am fortunate to be joining a close-knit team that has a strong focus on execution," he said. "My preliminary focus is to build upon the strong foundation that has been established in many areas and position Deere to make the most of the long-term potential of this division."

Mack had been senior vice president and chief financial officer of Deere & Company since January 2006. Mack had served previously in the finance division as vice president & treasurer, and in the company"s Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Division as senior vice president, marketing and administration.

He has also held other positions in a wide range of Deere disciplines in North America and Europe, including treasury, dealer systems, business development, purchasing and manufacturing. A registered professional engineer, Mack holds master"s degrees in mechanical engineering and in business administration. His career began as a summer intern engineer at Deere"s Des Moines Works.

Mack replaces Samuel R. Allen, who is the first president of Deere"s construction & forestry division to be elected to the position of chief executive officer at Deere & Company in the company"s 172-year history.

John Deere (Deere & Company — NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, 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. John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products through a network of more than 1,300 dealer locations worldwide.

Monday, July 6, 2009

DEERE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTS SAMUEL R. ALLEN

MOLINE, Illinois (June 1, 2009)— Deere & Company today announced that its board of directors has elected Samuel R. Allen, 55, president, chief operating officer, and a member of the board of directors effective 1 June, and chief executive officer effective 1 August. Robert W. Lane, 59, chairman and CEO, will serve as chairman of the board until Allen's expected succession as chairman.

"The Deere Board has completed an 18-month systematic process to choose Deere's ninth chief executive officer in its 172-year history," Lane said. "The board recognizes, as I do, that Sam is a superb, smart, ethical executive, a wise and uncommonly capable leader, and someone with the proven experience and ability to effectively lead John Deere in growing a great, sustainable, global business."

A 34-year veteran of John Deere, Allen has been president of the Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division since 2005 and has been responsible for the global operations of John Deere Power Systems since 2003. Allen has served since 2001 as a senior officer of the company with early senior leadership responsibilities in human resources and industrial relations and the oversight of John Deere Credit's global operations.

In addition, Allen has been responsible for the John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group and for Deere's Advanced Technology and Innovation since 2007. Previously in his career, he worked in positions of increasing responsibility in the Consumer Products Division, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division, John Deere Power Systems, and the Worldwide Agricultural Division, including managing operations in Latin America, East Asia, and Australia.

"I am honored to have been selected by the board of directors to follow in the footsteps of previous chief executives who have led Deere with great distinction,” Allen said. "We have significant challenges but exciting global opportunities. I look forward to working with all of the uncommonly-committed employees of John Deere to distinctively serve our global customers in ways that are highly rewarding to our shareholders."

Other senior executive moves include:

* Michael J. Mack, Jr., who has served as senior vice president and chief financial officer since 2006, to the position of president, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division;
* James M. Field, who until recently served as president of the Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Division and before that as vice president and comptroller of Deere & Company, to the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer; and
* Jean Gilles, who has served as senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems, to the senior officer position of senior vice president, John Deere Power Systems, John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group, and Advanced Technology and Innovation.

John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, 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.