New Name and Number System Announced by John Deere

August 18, 2008- What's in a name? Quite a bit actually – especially when it comes to tractors.

John
Deere announces it's currently transitioning to a new name and number
system for its full line of tractors with the introduction of the new
5D, 5E, 5M, and 6D Series Tractors.

"The updated name and numbering system is unique to John Deere and
allows for a more consistent approach to naming our equipment around
the world," says Steve Robisky, John Deere marketing administration
manager. "This new system allows customers to more quickly and easily
identify the engine horsepower of a tractor, its capability, and its
size by looking at the hood decal," Robisky adds.

Each new tractor model number has six available positions. The first
position is a number and represents its size. The second, third, and
fourth positions are numbers and denote its relative metric engine
horsepower according to 97/68/EC Standards. The fifth position is a
letter and indicates its capability and/or price level within its
family.

"Letters at the beginning of the alphabet indicate a tractor model has
lower levels of capabilities when compared to other models in its
family. Letters higher in the alphabet specify a tractor has more
advanced capabilities. Some tractors will also have a sixth position to
designate a specific configuration such as a high-crop or
narrow-profile tractor or to show that it has tracks," Robisky says.

Consider the new John Deere 5045D, 5065E, and 5065M Tractors. The 5065E
is a 65-engine horsepower tractor. When compared to other models in the
5 family of tractors, the 5065E has fewer capabilities while a 5065M
has greater capabilities.

"Our dealers will refer to them as the Five D Series, Five E Series,
and 5M Series of tractors. Within the series, they'll refer to a
specific model as a Five zero-sixty-five E Tractor. Larger models, such
as the new 6115D, would be referred to as a Six one-hundred-fifteen D,"
Robisky says.

This new system does away with the word thousand in the series title.
The name and numbering switch will not be immediate for all John Deere
tractors. Instead it will be phased in over time when new product
families are introduced.