John Deere Products Selected as AE50 Top 50 Products for 2008 CARY, N.C., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- John Deere Ag & Turf Division products were well represented among the 2009 recipients of the AE50 Awards. The award, sponsored by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers' Resource magazine, recognized the AutoConnect(TM) Mower Deck, 3E Series Compact Utility Tractors, John Deere 3000 TWENTY AutoHST and the 4720 Compact Utility Tractor within the top 50 innovative new agricultural products introduced in 2008. To be eligible for the award, products must embody the application of new technology or the innovative application of an older technology. The development must be new to the industry and each development must have the potential for broad impact on an application area or on the industries served by the engineering of food and agriculture. According to Resource magazine, "These innovations save time, costs, and labor often while improving user safety as well. In addition, the products featured represent the diversity of agricultural and biological engineering, as well as the variety of manufacturers -- of all sizes and specializations." The AutoConnect(TM) Mower Deck is the next generation in ease-of-use, mid-mount mower attachment technology. The AutoConnect feature automatically connects the mower deck to the tractor and hooks up the difficult-to-reach PTO (Power Take Off) shaft simply by driving over the top of the mower. John Deere's 3E Series Compact Utility Tractors are designed for residential property owners who seek a quality compact tractor with basic features to tackle routine jobs with ease. Positioned at opening price points to John Deere's compact tractor line, the 3E Series comes equipped with standard 4WD, power steering, electronically engaged PTO, and optional cruise control. The John Deere 3000 TWENTY AutoHST transmission is designed to resemble an automotive-like control system. When the operator sits in the seat of the tractor, he or she will feel right at home as the controls resemble those of a car. This innovative feature is available on the open-station 3520 and 3720 model tractors. The 4720 Compact Utility Tractor is a 66 horsepower machine equipped with eThrottle(TM), featuring an eHydro transmission that operates just like a car by electronically linking the engine and transmission together at the turn of a switch. The tractor is also outfitted with the LoadMatch(TM) feature that keeps the tractor from stalling under heavy loads, a Performance Tracking System that allows the key tractor systems and functions to be monitored from the driver's seat and 540/540 economy PTO for additional fuel savings. As a result of the award, all four products were featured in the June issue of Resource magazine. John Deere was recognized as an AE50 award winner in 2008 for the development of the iMatch(TM) AutoHitch(TM). 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. DATASOURCE: John Deere CONTACT: Ryan Mitchell of IMRE, +1-410-821-8220, Fax: +1-410-821-5619, , for John Deere

Copyright