One of the most impressive offerings of the John Deere 644K is a reduction in the amount of fuel that’s consumed in comparison to other machines of its size. The John Deere 644K hybrid can save you up to 25% on the amount fuel you use, a particularly valuable asset in the face of rising fuel costs.

Digging into the anatomy of the machine, you’ll find an EPA IT4-certified PowerTech™ engine, which boasts 229 horsepower. By virtue of being a hybrid, the John Deere 644K doesn’t rely solely on one source of energy but instead is powered by both diesel and electric energy. Another benefit to the 644K is that it runs at one constant speed, which keeps it quieter.

There are four main components that make up the electric drive technology of the Deere 644k:

• The generator converts rotational energy from the engine into 3-phase alternating current (AC) electrical energy, and uses recycled energy to drive hydraulics
• The inverter is water-cooled and can be used to deliver electrical energy when the operator demands it
• The single electric motor, much like the generator, uses 3-phase AC electrical energy and replaces the job of the torque converter, recycling energy back into the system
• The water-cooled brake resistor only uses energy when the power electronics actively control its circuit

Superior uptime, productivity, and lower daily operating costs are just some of the many improvements the new John Deere 644K wheel loader has to offer. Engineering heavy equipment like motor graders, skid steer loaders, and crawler dozers are constantly changing and the Deere’s new hybrid construction machine is a big step in the right direction. After all, who said that hybrids needed to be exclusively for cars?

Here are more specifications for this machine:

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New Utility Tractors: John Deere’s utility tractors are a tried and true agriculture favorite because of their ability to complete virtually any job. This year, Deere is releasing the 5E series utility tractors that are “reimagined, redesigned, and reborn…to work.”

Used Utility Tractors:  All Deere equipment is built to last; the dependability and strength of John Deere utility tractors does not depreciate with the release of new models. Eighty-two year-old Albert Groeneweg sold his 1966 John Deere 2510 diesel, power shift, utility tractor for $14,500 at an Iowa auction in 2012.

New Row-Crop Tractors: This year’s John Deere row-crop tractor is the 6M series; a model that is suited for baling hay, removing snow, and commercial mowing. The versatility of the 6M series ensures it will fit every agriculture need.

Used Row-Crop Tractors:  The versatility, productivity, and reliability of Deere row crop tractors are what have kept them as consumer favorites in used farm equipment sales. A 2007 John Deere 8330 row-crop tractor with 850 hours sold for a new record high auction sale price of $167,000 at a Minnesota auction.

New 4WD Tractors: 2013 will be the year John Deere releases its largest tractors yet with the 9R Series 4WD tractors. These machines come with 360-560 hp engines and improved versatility to effectively conquer the biggest jobs.

Used 4WD Tractors: Data from MachineryPete.com gives a look at how steadily the value of used John Deere 4WD tractors has been increasing over the past two years. In a 2012 post, Machinery Pete reported that a 2000 John Deere 9300 with 4169 hours sold for $127,500 in Alberta, Canada.

New Combines: The new John Deere S-Series combines feature the perfect balance of front-end equipment and machine power. The new design of these combine models guarantees less time spent in the field, better grain quality, improved cab comfort, and quick response to changing crop conditions.

Used Combines: A collection of old John Deere combines at a Virginia farm drew the interest of farmers from Liberia. Machinery Pete expects to see an increase in the collection of old combines among U.S. farmers, along with an increase in international sales to foreign farmers looking for used combines in “good” condition.

These machines have been modified year after year in the continued efforts toward making agricultural tasks less strenuous and more productive for the user. The four categories of new and used farm equipment have continually proven to be some of the most popular and reliable machines John Deere offers. We see no indications that the retail value of these machines (new and old) will do anything but continue to grow.

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Over the years, “John Deere” has become a household name for most Americans. Whether it’s written across a hat or on a lawn mower, tractor, or children’s toy, we all recognize that familiar green and yellow. The history of John Deere has had a big impact on the world’s approach to plowing, harvesting, mowing, lumbering, and simple gardening. Though some of us may boast an expert recognition and knowledge of the John Deere products and brand, what do we really know about the man who started it all?

Our John Deere biography begins when he is a young man living in his birth state of Vermont. John Deere worked as a blacksmith’s apprentice and eventually began his own blacksmith trade. For 12 years, John Deere traveled to various cities in Vermont to offer his blacksmith services but when business slowed in 1837, the 33 year-old Deere headed west to Illinois. Once he had established his blacksmith services in IL, Deere began noticing a recurring trend in the wood and cast-iron plows he was repairing: He found that this plow design was meant for the soft, sandy soil of the East and was not conducive to the thick, heavy prairie soil.

While continuing with his blacksmith services, Deere also experimented with alternative plow designs and came up with a polished-steel plow, which he then pitched to local farmers. Deere claimed that this type of machine would furrow into the sticky Midwest soil better than the traditional wood and cast-iron plows. That year, Deere built and sold three plows; little did he know, this would spark one of the most successful manufacturing and distributing businesses in the world for farming equipment.

In the subsequent years, Deere built and sold more plows and eventually came to the conclusion that his job as a blacksmith had evolved into a profession of manufacturing plows. In 1842, Deere built 100 plows, and his business as a retailer grew when he began filling orders for the Patent Cary Plow. The demand for the Deere plows prompted Deere to establish a shop, partnership, and workforce to complete the orders that continuously, and increasingly, flowed in. In order to support the growing business, Deere started a contract with a Pittsburgh steel manufacturer that would supply the plows with strong steel plates.

The John Deere biography continues in 1858 . The U.S. experienced a financial crisis and businesses across the country found sales slipping, Deere’s included. Despite the financial struggle, Deere continued working to create efficient and reliable equipment in the agriculture and blacksmith trade. In 1863, Deere invented the first ride-on plow, the Hawkeye Riding Cultivator, which relied on horses to pull the plow instead of a man pushing it himself. At this time, Deere handed the company over to his only surviving son, Charles Deere, who continued his father’s business in Moline, IL, the current company headquarters.

Once the company was in the hands of his son, Deere focused his attention on civil and political affairs in Moline. He was elected as Mayor of Moline and served as the president to the National Bank of Moline, as well as the director of the Moline Public Library. His involvement in the public affairs of his community and his influential work as an inventor established Deere as a respected and reliable businessman, a person the American farmer could relate to. His devotion to all areas of his life, including his wife and nine children, has shaped the John Deere Company into the dependable and loyal brand it is known as today.

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The John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois is a reminder of how the business continues to explore ways of bringing quality to the lives of people in the U.S.

Since the company is celebrating its 175th anniversary throughout the year, there have been a number of events that are being held in order to raise interest in the history of John Deere and its place in American culture.

The John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois, has been a place that is buzzing this year, as it has held various events throughout 2012, ranging from blacksmith gatherings to art shows.

The site also hosted the Grand Detour Arts Festival, where some of the finest artists from the Midwest gathered to display their works to visitors. More than 50 talented individuals were in attendance, and guests had the chance of seeing their paintings, sculptures and photography against the backdrop of colorful John Deere farm equipment.

“We are very excited to bring this fine arts show to life again this year,” said Karen Tucker and Lisa Gabriel, co-chairs of the festival. “It is a tradition in Grand Detour, one that many local and regional residents look forward to each year, as it brings a fine caliber of artists together in one setting. Hosting the Grand Detour Arts Festival on the grounds of the John Deere Historic Site provides an elegant and peaceful backdrop and participants can make a full day of the event.”

This year’s festival included a student art exhibit, consisting of work from regional children in a number of categories. Cash prizes were awarded to winners of all age groups, and entertainment from local musicians and exhibits related to the iconic company’s farm equipment were present.

Among the entertainers at the historic site were Jazzy Jeff, the Powerhouse Boys, Flying Fish and The Stringalongs. For a low admission price families were able to see musical performances, the best in Midwestern art and a number of exhibits dedicated to the farm equipment offered by John Deere.

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John Deere Hitachi

John Deere-Hitachi Construction Machinery Corporation, a 50/50 joint venture between John Deere and Japan’s Hitachi Construction Machinery that operates in the U.S., recently announced it is planning a $97 million expansion at the Forsyth County plant in Kernersville, North Carolina.

According to Area Development, the new project is expected to create 340 jobs by the end of 2016.

“This investment will have a significant positive impact on the State of North Carolina, providing additional employment opportunities for Deere-Hitachi as well as many of our North Carolina-based suppliers,” noted, Al Seeba, Chairman and CEO of Deere-Hitachi. “John Deere-Hitachi has been manufacturing in the state since 1988, and we are pleased to partner with state and local officials to help make our vision a reality.”

The new facility will give the company the option to manufacture new excavators used in the mining and constructionindustries, and also to meet the growing demand for the company’s line of excavators. The plant already has a workforce of 743 employees, and contains upgraded design and support functions, as well as updates to manufacturing, information systems and training and support programs. Together, these upgrades are expected to help the company give customers more value.

The expansion was made possible by the Job Development Investment Grant and the One North Carolina Fund. Governor Bev Perdue said the firm was awarded $510,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, which was created to help the state bring in new industry players and fund expansions that the governor deems critical to the growth of the state’s economy.

“Companies like Deere-Hitachi recognize that North Carolina is a great place to thrive because of our top-notch business climate, incredibly well-trained workforce, and central location with access to customers and transportation channels,” Perdue said. “When the company was ready to expand, North Carolina was the perfect choice.”

John Deere has grown beyond the farm, and for years has produced a line of excavtors that includes models specific for any kind of work at any type of job site. No matter where the construction is taking place, John Deere excavators offer superior muscle, control and productivity while offering efficient, cool-running engines and enhanced hydraulics. The features found on John Deere excavators make them the most reliable excavators Deere has produced to date.

Models include the 0-6 metric ton compact excavators or the 6-40 metric ton construction class excavators.

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John Deere has made substantial improvements to its 5 Series Utility Tractor for the upcoming 2013 fleet, giving the machines more available options than ever, including varying horsepower, cab types and transmissions.

Deere brought together four new 45-to-75 horsepower 5E models with last year’s 5ELimited Tractors, creating even more options for utility tractors that are priced accordingly to attract a wide range of customers. Now, the 5E family has been extended to include the 5045E, 5055E, 5065E, 5075E, 5083E, 5093E and 5101E Tractors. For each model, the last three digits indicate the tractor’s horsepower.

Other options include new cabs for  5055E, 5065E and 5075E models, enhanced operator stations for the 5083, 5093 and 5101 models and a 12F/12R PowrReverser Transmission for models with horsepower ranging between 55 and 101.

According to Matt Blaylock, product marketing manager for the John Deere 5 Series Tractors, the new tractors are ideal for a wide range of operations, whether on rural properties, livestock ranches and commercial applications. No matter what the conditions, the 5E Series offers more comfort, performance and versatility than other similar machines.

“We’ve added many features, such as the cab, independent 540/540E PTO and PowrReverser Transmissions, to these models to improve operator comfort and productivity all year long,” Baylock says. “Customers will find our 5E UtilityTractors to be heavier, more durable, easier to maintain, and more comfortable and economical to operate compared to other utility tractors on the market.”

The new models can be tailored to unique needs, and offer seven different levels of horsepower, two-wheel drive and mechanical front-wheel drive and number of other features.

“The easy-to-shift PowrReverser Transmission, available on the 55 horsepower and higher models, has 12 forward and 12 reverse gears that make loader work, mowing, and many other chores much easier,” Blaylock says. “Plus, the electro-hydraulic economy 540 PTO is standard on all PowrReverser-equipped machines to save fuel and reduce engine noise and vibration for most powered implements.”

The 5E Series is a part of Deere’s utility tractor family that includes several other models. The company’s 5M Series was outfitted with more muscle to take on tough terrain, and features a cab outfitted with a host of technological advancements including bluetooth connectivity and auxiliary audio input.

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Although many people in the U.S. are loyal to their company and their coworkers, there is often a distance that these individuals keep from the place that they work.

This could be caused by a lack of passion in what they do, as many people put in the 9-to-5 and then forget about their jobs. However, there are a number of Americans who love the brand that their work represents, and this type of pride tends to lead to an increased level of productivity, loyalty and retention.

John Deere employees often take pride in sporting the iconic green and yellow, and many of these workers actually use the company’s products. This fosters a unique working environment, and one that often goes beyond the years in which they worked for the firm dedicated to those who are linked to the land.

The Gaston Gazette reported that a number of former John Deere employees in Gaston, North Carolina, gathered for a reunion years after they stopped working for the company.

According to the news outlet, the Homelite-John Deere plant in North Carolina was a place where many employees enjoyed their office environment and formed a unique bond with their coworkers.

“I’m retired now, but I have many happy memories of working at Homelite,” Anne Chambers, a former employee, told the Gazette. “And so do a lot of the other people who worked at the plant. I worked all over the place. I worked on one of the most popular chainsaws. I remember one time I won a bicycle for a suggestion on how the plant could save money.”

This is not a one-time reunion for the former John Deere employees, as there is an annual event where the retirees come in to share their experiences and update people about current events in their lives.

“When we meet for our reunions, for the first 30 minutes you can’t even hear yourself think for the people talking, calling out greetings, and saying how glad they are to see each other,” Chambers said about the gatherings.

Aside from the many innovative suggestions that current John Deere employees make every day, these workers also participate in a number of charitable activities that are organized by the agricultural firm. This type of caring attitude stems from the collective work environment that is fostered at many of the company’s factories.

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Innovations in Agriculture

The agriculture industry has benefited from the advances made by the John Deere company since its inception roughly 175 years ago, as the products released by the firm have helped ease operations for farmers and have allowed these individuals to improve the efficiency of their farms.

The company has announced some of its new innovations in agriculture for 2013, and many of these offerings will allow farmers to see immediate benefits and increased production due to the nature of the problems that the equipment fixes.

The new KernelStar Technology that is being released by the company will further advance its biomass and livestock feed processing systems, as this equipment can be placed on self-propelled forage harvesters for improved efficiency.

John Deere prides itself on the use of only the most advanced equipment in its products, and it was for this reason that the company acquired the intellectual property rights to the KernelStar from the German firm CAWI.

The innovations in agriculture have already established strong customer acceptance for enhancing forage quality for livestock and biogas producers, and John Deere saw this acquisition as a way to bolster their holdings and improve the function of their machines.

“The new John Deere KernelStar technology will add significant value to John Deere Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters and should further improve machine productivity in the field. The integration of this new kernel processor is the result of intensive customer research and reflects the growing demand for the best possible forage and substrate quality,” said Chris Wigger, vice president of sales and marketing.

Wigger added that the company has created a more robust spout-turning system that has a faster rotating speed for better reliability and ease in getting all of the material into the trucks and wagons.

The KernelStar product is based on the state-of-the-art concept of allowing for more intensive treatment of the kernels when compared to either the conventional cylindrical roll or disc designs on the market.

“Apart from the improved processing of kernels, a significant reduction of over-length particles can be achieved, as well as a reduction of the component’s power consumption,” said Richard Halsall, the marketing manager for the SPFH Division at John Deere.

The new design is reliant on new contoured, intermeshing discs that provide increased surface area to enhance the processing of crops.

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John Deere 2013

The agriculture industry has benefited from the advances made by the John Deere company since its inception roughly 175 years ago, as the products released by the firm have helped ease operations for farmers and have allowed these individuals to improve the efficiency of their farms.

John Deere has announced some of its new products for 2013, and many of these offerings will allow farmers to see immediate benefits and increased production due to the nature of the problems that the equipment fixes.

The new KernelStar Technology that is being released by the company will further advance its biomass and livestock feed processing systems, as this equipment can be placed on self-propelled forage harvesters for improved efficiency.

John Deere prides itself on the use of only the most advanced equipment in its products, and it was for this reason that the company acquired the intellectual property rights to the KernelStar from the German firm CAWI.

The technology has already established strong customer acceptance for enhancing forage quality for livestock and biogas producers, and John Deere saw this acquisition as a way to bolster their holdings and improve the function of their machines.

“The new John Deere KernelStar technology will add significant value to John Deere Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters and should further improve machine productivity in the field. The integration of this new kernel processor is the result of intensive customer research and reflects the growing demand for the best possible forage and substrate quality,” said Chris Wigger, vice president of sales and marketing.

Wigger added that the company has created a more robust spout-turning system that has a faster rotating speed for better reliability and ease in getting all of the material into the trucks and wagons.

The KernelStar product is based on the state-of-the-art concept of allowing for more intensive treatment of the kernels when compared to either the conventional cylindrical roll or disc designs on the market.

“Apart from the improved processing of kernels, a significant reduction of over-length particles can be achieved, as well as a reduction of the component’s power consumption,” said Richard Halsall, the marketing manager for the SPFH Division at John Deere.

The new design is reliant on new contoured, intermeshing discs that provide increased surface area to enhance the processing of crops.

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John Deere announced on August 23, 2012, that it had released its new 9 Series Round Balers in a lineup that includes 12 new models that were built tougher than earlier machines, to ensure durability during all hay or forage operations.

The new fleet expands on the acclaimed reliability of Deere’s 8 Series Round Balers, providing producers with new machines for the 2013 season. The new models, all of which are larger than their predecessors, were outfitted with larger cams and bearings, Diamond chains and other improvements that increase the machines durability, in turn resulting in less downtime and improved productivity due to less maintenance.

Laura Cobb, senior marketing representative at John Deere Ottumwa Works, said the new models give customers many more options than the previous fleet of balers, as they can perform a wider range of forage and silage baling duties.

“We’ve also added silage-special balers to the Class III and Class IV baler line-up, giving customers options for larger bale sizes in silage, especially new five-by-six-foot bales,” she said. “For the 469, 559 and 569, we’ve made them faster and more durable, with faster gate cycles, heavier chains, and larger, stronger shafts, bearings and pickups. In addition, we’ve added adjustable tongues, extended lube drivelines and larger tire options for the 459 and 559 balers.”

The new balers feature stronger chains, larger shafts and bearings and more powerful pickups, helping increase their durability, but Deere didn’t forget about operator convenience in the new models, either. The 9 Series features redesigned gull-wing doors for easy access, while ISOBus electronics – such as GreenStar 3 integration and monitoring control – make it easier than ever for operators to ensure responsive baler/tractor operation.

“In the field, customers will appreciate the additional strength and reliability of the new 9 Series Round Balers, no matter which model they use,” Cobb adds. “They’ll have more optional features to choose from to customize theirbaler to the type of crop they have and the size of bale they want to handle. As a result, we’ve made it easier for customers to produce tight, uniformly sized and shaped bales faster than ever before.”

The new 9 Series is riding on the success of Deere’s 8 Series, which took the market by storm with its Diamond Tough triple weave belts, MegaWide Pick-Ups and square-wire MegaTouch teeth that can take on the toughest crops. In addition to the 8 and 9 Series Balers, Deere has also seen success with its Small Square Balers.

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