fall 2010 worksitejournal - plastererd-series skid steers. fill ’er up! watch deere skid steers...

WORKSITEJOURNALYou can bet the farm on D-Series Skid Steers.

FALL 2010

Vertis QCA1300 19th Street, Suite 200East Moline, IL 61244

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black DKMAG29WSJ



two

three

4 Farm hands

8 Fill ’er up!

10 Ace in the hole

12 Get on the right tracks

15 Get Connected >> Snow Blades

1012

158

Subject to John Deere Credit approval. PowerPlan is a service of FPC Financial, f.s.b.

CR2210675 (08-12)

OUR EQUIPMENT IS ALMOST AS

FLEXIBLE AS OUR FINANCING.

YOUR MONEY WORKS HARDER

Need more information? See your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeereCredit.com.

Our fi nancing has a lot in common with the John Deere CT332 Compact Track Loader. It’s solid without being rigid, it bends when you need it to, and it’s here to make your job easier. We understand the unique needs of the construction industry, so we offer skip payments, leasing, PowerPlan™, and other fl exible features designed to maximize your cash fl ow, all year long.



Like you, John Deere is strongly committed to keeping your people safe. That’s why we’re

big supporters of the new, federally mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811.

Now a single call to 811 gets the fl ags and markers on your site, and you’ll be ready to dig

in two shakes of a compact excavator boom.

You never want to make risky assumptions about whether or not you should get utility lines

marked. It’s critical that you know what’s below. Every digging job requires a call to 811 —

even small projects like planting trees and shrubs.

The costs of not making a call can be signifi cant. There’s the expense and inconvenience

of interrupted water, gas, electrical, phone, and cable service — and the ultimate price of

employee life and limb — to consider. Beside employee injury and fatality liability, you must

also be wary of legal actions taken by communities and municipalities.

Avoiding these legal nightmares is now easier than ever before. There’s simply no excuse not

to, not when safe digging is as easy as dialing 811 on your smart phone.

Make sure every member of your staff is aware of how important it is to know what’s below.

You should insist employees call 811 at the start of each and every new project before the

fi rst shovelful of earth is moved. Larger companies can assign the responsibility of enforcing

the call-to-dig policy with a single manager.

Currently, our Canadian readers do not have a single number to call, so our friends up north

will have to contact their local utility company before digging.

If you need any further information about the 811 program, you’ll fi nd it at www.call811.com.

Do you know what’s below? Call 811 before you dig.

Sam NorwoodManager, Commercial Worksite Products

www.JohnDeere.com/digdeeper

Online now:More to the story

Farm handsGo “D”own on the farm with new D-Series Skid Steers.

Fill ’er up!Watch Deere skid steers fi ll bucket after bucket for a gas station contractor.

Ace in the holeLearn why 313 and 315 Skid Steers are a good bet for D.C.-area renters.

Get Connected: Snow BladesSee a Worksite Pro™ Snow/Utility blade push productivity to new levels.

Tell us your story

Do you use a John Deere skid steer loader, compact excavator, compact loader, or tractor loader backhoe to improve productivity? Tell us how and where you use it. We’d love to share your story with others. If we use your story in DigDeeper or one of our print publications, we’ll send you a free gift.



Visit the area around Arcadia in southern Wisconsin, and you’ll encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery you can find anywhere. As you drive through the rolling hills, each panoramic view seems to be more postcard-perfect than the last, with family farms that have been tended for generations nestled among the colorful patchwork quilt of cropland. To many, this region is known simply as “God’s Country.”

We recently visited two farmers to take in the view and jaw with them about everything John Deere, including their impressions of the new D-Series Skid Steers.

D-tails that make a difference in the dairyMike Bork’s farm offers picturesque views in every direction of nearby Winona and the Mississippi River. The farm seems like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting — from a quieter, simpler time. Well, with the exception of the newfangled John Deere skid steers you’ll find busy at work.

Bork was simply born to farm. “I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I just love farming — every day is exciting. There’s always something going on, like a new calf being born.”

Bork bought the 460-acre farm 46 years ago. He started with a John Deere 4020 Tractor, and today owns 23 pieces of John Deere equipment, including a 313 Skid Steer. “I don’t think I’d be farming today without a skid steer,” he says.

farmhands

SKID STEERS “D”ELIVER PERFORMANCE YOU CAN BET THE FARM ON



four

fi ve

Continued on page 6 »



six

seven

« Continued from page 5

“ Overall I’m very impressed with the 318D — it’s just a wonderful machine. I definitely

plan on purchasing one in the near future.”

Mike Bork

The care and feeding of cows is highly labor-intensive, which is why Bork purchased his first skid steer, a John Deere 250. Years ago before he owned one it would take Bork two days to clean out the cattle barn. Using the 313, it now only takes him two hours. Cleaning the calf barn used to take half a day. Now it takes just half an hour.

At five-feet wide, the compact-yet-capable 313 is the perfect fit for work in these confined areas. “It’s very maneuverable inside buildings. The feed alleys in some of the barns are only eight-feet across, so I can get around really easy with it. And it has plenty of reach for loading the manure spreader.”

And using the optional electric-actuated Quik-Tatch™, he can swap attachments with the push of a button and get on to the next task, such as loading the feed mixer, bedding stalls, moving a pile of lime, or grabbing a hay bale. “You can do everything with it. It’s very handy.”

When we visited, Bork was demoing a new John Deere 318D Skid Steer, which incorporates customer-inspired D-tails like roomier operator stations, quieter pressurized cabs, and swing-out curved-glass doors. “The cab is more comfortable, and the entryway is noticeably larger, so it’s easier to get in and out. The curved-glass door really makes a difference in terms of roominess and improving visibility. What’s not to like?”

Bork appreciates the pull-down padded lap bar, which provides quick, convenient operator restraint and comfortable arm support. “I really like the new lap-bar feature. Get in, pull it down, and I’m off to the races.”

David Boberg



To view video, visit DigDeeper.


Boberg Farms and Bork Farms are serviced by Tractor Central, Arcadia, Wisconsin.k

“D”own on the farmLike Bork, David Boberg in Dodge, Wisconsin, loves to farm. He started farming for his dad in 1972, taking over for him in 1982. Today he has 160 head of cattle, including 60 beef cows and 100 Holstein heifers, and he grows corn and alfalfa on 357 acres.

He also raises a few chickens — over 300,000 a year — for Golden Plump. Every six weeks, 60,000 new chicks are delivered from the hatchery to Boberg’s chicken barn. Here they are grown until they are collected and sent to the processing center.

As anyone who has ever been in a chicken barn can tell you, there is a bit of an ammonia smell, to put it mildly. The sealed and pressurized cab on Boberg’s new 326D Skid Steer keeps the smell out when he’s cleaning the barn. It’s quieter, too, so Boberg can enjoy his optional radio. “The new cab is really comfortable, with more space, a wider entryway, and the curved-glass door.”

Its compact size makes the 326D perfect for this work. “A skid steer is much easier to use than a tractor for cleaning up in the corners, around the heaters, and along the walls. It’s extremely maneuverable and it’s got great visibility — I always know exactly where I am so I won’t run into anything. And the lighting is great, which is important because the chicken barn is pitch-black.”

Using the 326D’s programmable reversing fan, Boberg can clear core-clogging buildup. “There’s a lot of dust in the chicken barn. You can program the machine to automatically blow out the dust at predetermined intervals, or you can do it immediately as needed by pressing the switch. It works great and really helps keep things cool.”

In addition to cleaning the chicken barn, the 326D sees plenty of action hauling round bales, cleaning off the feedlot, and loading silage, among other chores. “The machine’s performance is excellent — it’s got plenty of power and lift capability, and it’s very stable.”

When Boberg needs to run down the road to grab a hay bale or to load the feed mixer, he can speed things up with the optional two-speed transmission. “It takes a lot less time to get from point A to point B.”

Deere machines cost less to run, according to Boberg, because there is never any downtime. “They just keep going. And daily checks and periodic maintenance are simple. Everything is easy to access.”

Deere listens and respondsBoberg picked up his 326D at the end of the assembly line at the Dubuque plant after taking the Gold Key tour. “I loved seeing how the machine was built from start to finish and the quality of work they put into it.”

Like all Deere machines, the new D-Series was designed and built based upon customer input. Before Deere even began designing the new machines, engineers met with customers and dealer advisory groups and gathered extensive input. Every step of the way they make sure Deere machines deliver productivity, uptime, and low daily operating costs.

“John Deere listens to the farmer. We told them what we wanted in a new skid steer — the bubble door, a roomier cab with a wider entryway, the lap bar, and other features — and that’s the way they designed them. I love my new D-Series Skid Steer. It’s a great machine.”



GAS STATION CONTRACTOR GETS

LOADS OF PRODUCTIVITY OUT OF

JOHN DEERE MACHINES

According to an old expression, if you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch. Larry Hodgkiss, president, H&H Concrete, has been running with the big dogs — and staying off the porch and ahead of the pack — for over 25 years. His company builds filling stations and does all the paving and curb work for a 610-acre age-restricted community that is home to over 8,500 residents. Heck, he even rides a Big Dog motorcycle.

Hodgkiss is passionate about his work. Visit his office and the first thing you’ll notice are the glass cases filled with

replicas of gas pumps. Not that the hardworking Hodgkiss ever has too much time for either his bike or his replicas — although he has been enjoying seat time in his latest work toy recently, a brand-spanking-new John Deere 326D Skid Steer.

“I’ve been running John Deere machines for 35 years, and they just keep getting better and better. The new D-Series Skid Steer is a fantastic machine.”

A few good men — and machinesH&H Concrete builds gas stations for major and small independent oil companies in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. “We construct gas stations from the ground up. We do whatever it takes, including tearing down old structures, tearing out the tanks, and building new struc-tures,” explains Hodgkiss.

Fill ’er up!

“ Getting in and out of this machine is a lot easier. It’s much more comfortable and quiet. It has great visibility and balance. Overall a big improvement. Just a really nice machine.”

Larry Hodgkiss, owner, H&H Concrete, on the new D-Series Skid Steer



eight

nine

To get the job done, Hodgkiss depends on over 15 employees, some of whom have been with him for over 25 years. “Your company is only as good as your employees, and we have really good guys. I’m really happy with how hard they work, and how they appreciate having nice equipment to work with.”

The company owns a large fleet of John Deere equipment, including large excavators, dozers, loaders, and backhoes. Compact equipment includes the new 326D Skid Steer, two 325 Skid Steers, four 320 Skid Steers, a few older John Deere skid steer models, and two CT332 Compact Track Loaders (CTLs). “You can maneuver Deere compact machines into almost any place you need them,” says Hodgkiss. “They do a great job.”

At the age-restricted community, the company is constantly replacing long stretches of roads and courts, including milling, curbing, sidewalk, asphalt, and overlays. The versatile CT332 is used for ripping out asphalt and concrete, grading, and loading trucks, as well as snow removal in the winter. High-flotation tracks allow the machine to work where rubber-tire machines can’t. Impressive bucket breakout and tractive effort yield best-in-class pushing, prying, and digging power. “You can’t stop this machine. It’ll do anything you want it to — it’s just awesome.”

D-tail orientedH&H Concrete’s rubber-tire skid steers are favorites on filling station jobs, where they break up concrete with a breaker, fill tank holes with gravel with a bucket, and clean up the jobsite with a broom.

The new D-Series machine is a welcome addition to the workforce. The redesigned skid steers incorporate roomier operator stations, quieter pressurized cabs with best-in-class visibility, and curved-glass swing-out doors.

“Getting in and out of this machine is a lot easier. It’s much more comfortable and quiet. It has great visibility and balance. Overall a big improvement. Just a really nice machine.”

The switchable control pattern with the optional EH Performance Package goes from ISO to H-pattern at the touch of a fingertip. “You have different operators with different talents — one might like ISO, the other H-pattern. This machine makes it easy for everyone.”

!

Continued on page 14 »

Ace in the Hole313 Skid Steer and CT315 CTL are a good bet for D.C.-area renters

Rock star. Delivering best-in-class stability, visibility, and serviceability, John Deere 313 Skid Steer and CT315 CTL are a hit with renters.



ten

eleven

As the old saying goes, if you can’t find something at Ace Tool and Equipment Rental, you don’t need it. Didn’t think you’d ever find an asbestos shingle cutter? Got ’em. Need a specific type of floor nailer? Got four different kinds. Insulation blower and vacuum? Step right up. John Deere skid steer? We’ll bring one over.

Back in the day, Ace Tool and Equipment Rental (formerly A&R Tool and Rental) was the biggest thing going in the Northern Virginia area. Starting in the late ’70s, the company had a rental fleet that grew to include almost 60 John Deere backhoes, crawlers, and other machines. “We had more Deere equipment on our lot than any other dealer in the area, and may well have had the largest rental fleet of John Deere equipment on the East Coast at the time,” recalls owner Bryce Schwarzmann.

Capitol ideaSchwarzmann’s father started the business back in 1959, expanding to two locations during the ’70s and three in the ’90s. Then in 1997, a large rental chain purchased A&R, save for the company’s smallest location in Falls Church, Virginia, inside the Capitol Beltway. Since then, Schwarzmann and his sister have built the store into a full-service rental company that serves a niche market of homeowners and small contractors. “The big-box rental companies are going after the large contactors and have no interest in serving this market,” he explains.

Tan

cq

so

s

ta

ms

a

av

TStm

dmt

j

Totn

Jws

“ The John Deere name is very recognizable. We’ve always had good luck over the years with all of our John Deere machines, and the quality of their compact machines is superb. We’ve been very pleased with John Deere.”

– Bryce Schwarzmann Owner, Ace Tool and Equipment Rental

,





To meet the needs of these customers, Ace Tool and Equipment Rental has shifted away from heavy equipment and toward compact equipment. The company’s two newest John Deere machines — a 313 Skid Steer and a 315 Compact Track Loader (CTL) — are a good fit. “These smaller skid steers are lightweight and compact, so they’re easy for your average homeowner to transport with a three-quarter-ton pickup truck and trailer.”

Most of the houses in Arlington County were built during the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s, so there are plenty of fixer-uppers that need attending to. “The 313 and CT315 are only 60-inches wide, so they fit comfortably into the small yards with small property lines that are very common around here,” says Schwartzman. “They’re the perfect size for the inside-the-Beltway customer.”

Lightweight and agile, the machines are surprisingly powerful. And they’re easy to run for the do-it-yourselfer. Decreased lever efforts and ergonomically correct adjustable armrests help reduce operator fatigue. Visibility is best in class.

“It’s important to us to be able to easily explain to a customer how to run a machine. We stick to the manual-direct hydraulic controls on all our Deere skid steers, because they’re simple and uncomplicated. And visibility to the bucket is excellent, so customers can see what they’re doing.”

If customers need more power or are looking for a tracked machine, they can rent a John Deere CT322 Compact Track Loader (CTL), which the company acquired in 2006. “Customers are just thrilled with the CT322 CTL. An intermediate machine, it’s the perfect size for many applications. It’s small enough to get into confined areas, yet it has plenty of horsepower and traction on the ground. The tracks are very friendly to yards, especially when the weather turns foul.”

The tracks are simple to adjust, too. And easy maintenance is important to Schwarzmann, who always wears many hats. “I’m the service technician as well as the delivery guy. Because I don’t have a huge crew, the simpler it is to maintain my machines, the better.”

Reliability is also important in the rental business. “If I have a machine that breaks down because of poor quality, that’s a problem. The customer who is using the machine is unhappy because he can’t finish the job, and if someone is waiting for the machine, I lose out on that rental.

“We’ve never had any issues with our John Deere skid steers. The engineering is just superb. I imagine we’ll have these for eight to 10 years.”

The company’s John Deere dealer also helps to ensure that the machines keep on keeping on. “John Deere service is excellent. If there’s a problem I can’t figure out, there’s always someone in the service department who can give me an answer. If I need a part, it’s usually in stock or I can get one really quickly.”

Brand recognition is another key to keeping the skid steer fleet out on rental. “The John Deere name is very recognizable. We’ve always had good luck over the years with all of our John Deere machines, and the quality of their compact machines is superb. We’ve been very pleased with John Deere.”

Ace Tool and Equipment Rental is serviced by James River Equipment, Manassas, Virginia.



Deere all-makes rubber tracks put productivity on the fast trackTRACKSGET ON THE RIGHT

TRACK STARSThe undercarriages on John Deere CTLs offer a number of benefits:

• All-steel rollers, idlers, and sprockets are similar to those used on our highly durable larger crawlers.

• Metal-face seals and journal bearings further increase longevity.

• Easy-to-clean undercarriage reduces track wear caused by dirt buildup.

• Drive motors are heavy-duty, and hoses are shielded for extra protection.

• Direct-mounted planetary final drives employ larger bearings for one-of-a-kind reliability.

• Rubber track is reinforced with two steel cords.

• Drive surfaces and the front idler and roller move in tandem to provide a smooth, optimum ride.

• Maintenance-free metal-face seals and journal bearings are used in all rollers and idlers for superior performance and durability under shock-loading conditions.

• Double-flange rollers and idlers contribute to a smooth ride.

• Track-tension adjustment takes only minutes and requires only simple hand tools.

THE NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC RUBBER BLEND IS ABRASION AND TEAR RESISTANT.

THE PATENTED LUG-PATTERN DESIGN DELIVERS SUPERIOR FLOTATION AND A HIGHER RIDE, WHILE REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE.

HEAVY-DUTY, DOUBLE-STEEL-REINFORCED RUBBER TRACKS LAST LONGER THAN THOSE ON OTHER MACHINES.

THE AGGRESSIVE TREAD PATTERN PROVIDES MORE TRACTION FOR BETTER MANEUVERABILITY NO MATTER WHAT THE SURFACE IS UNDERFOOT.



twelve

thirteen

ckS

T

If you own a John Deere compact track loader (CTL) or compact excavator, you already know that John Deere rubber tracks help you get more done for less. Their superior design ensures maximum productivity, extended wear, and easy maintenance.

And if you also happen to own a Bobcat®, Hitachi, Cat®, or Kubota® CTL or compact excavator, you can also enjoy the ultimate in performance and longevity by using John Deere rubber tracks. Deere even offers exceptional-quality Cat-style ASV tracks. How many aftermarket providers can say that?

Where the rubber meets the loadJohn Deere rubber tracks minimize damage to asphalt or concrete compared to steel tracks, which often force you to drive long distances to avoid tearing up roads. Rubber-track CTLs and compact excavators can easily navigate from concrete to sod with much less ground disturbance, and their lighter weight means faster ground speeds.

And when the weather changes, the high flotation of rubber tracks allows you to keep going when rubber-tire machines would have to call it a day. Down force has been decreased for excellent driving performance on soft ground, wet soil, and slopes. And the increased traction means better maneuverability at low and high speeds along with better towing capabilities.

John Deere rubber tracks are designed with an advanced lug-pattern design that significantly reduces vibration and noise — and operator fatigue. They’re built to last, too, constructed using a flexible natural and synthetic rubber blend that is tear and abrasion resistant.

To put John Deere rubber tracks on your CTL or compact excavator, see your John Deere dealer today. And get on track for more productivity.

REMOVING AND PREVENTING ENGINE DEPOSITS

Common engine issues, including engine misfires, injector sticking, injector tip deposits, rough idling, excess exhaust smoking, power loss, and hard-starting conditions, may all derive from a common enemy — engine deposits. If your engine isn’t performing the way it should, or if you are looking for a preventative measure against engine problems, there’s now a solution…literally. Fuel-Protect Keep Clean solution for diesel injectors is formulated to fight the engine deposits that cause these issues.

This product, which is intended to be blended with your regular diesel fuel, can be utilized as a deep-cleaning treatment if deposits are present or as proactive maintenance to prevent deposits from forming. If your engine is new or has been successfully treated with Diesel Fuel System Clean-Up and the Fuel Injector Flush Tool, a smaller dosage of Keep Clean should do the trick. If your engine is experiencing any of the problems listed above, a heavier concentration of Keep Clean is needed (see table).

This product is not intended to replace the powerful duo of Diesel Fuel System Clean-Up and the Injector Flush Tool. Rather, it is a new weapon in the arsenal against engine deposits that works in conjunction with the other products. Clean-Up and the Injector Flush Tool are fast-acting, removing deposits after an hour of connection to the machine. Keep Clean usually requires 40 to 80 hours to take effect and, as its name suggests, it takes over where Clean-Up leaves off, ensuring the engine stays clean of deposits.

TechTips

Keep Clean Amount Treated Fuel Amount

Maintenance 29.5 mL (1 fl. oz. US) 37.8 L (10 gal. US)

118 mL (4 fl. oz. US) 151 L (40 gal. US)

946 mL (32 fl. oz. US) 1211 L (320 gal. US)

3.78 L (1 gal. US) 4845 L (1,280 gal. US)

Cleaning 29.5 mL (1 fl. oz. US) 18.9 L (5 gal. US)

118 mL (4 fl. oz. US) 75.7 L (20 gal. US)

946 mL (32 fl. oz. US) 605 L (160 gal. US)

3.78 L (1 gal. US) 2422 L (640 gal. US)

John Deere has a full line of diesel fuel-treatment solutions available to meet your needs. Contact your dealer for details.



fourteen

fi fteen



H&H Concrete is serviced by Jesco, Inc., in Frederick, Maryland.

Check the oilServicing a D-Series Skid Steer is simple and quick, too — so simple, in fact, you don’t have to raise the boom for daily service or most periodic maintenance. Fluid-fill locations and checkpoints are grouped and color-coded. “It’s easy to get to everything. Just lift the hood for ground-level access. Checkpoints are grouped so you don’t have to search around everywhere for dipsticks.”

The hydraulic-driven variable-speed reversing fan runs only as fast or frequently as needed for improved power and fuel efficiency. It’s programmable to periodically reverse to clear core-clogging buildup. “With the reversing fan, you never have to worry about your radiator getting clogged in dusty conditions. It helps with maintenance and keeping the machine running cooler. It’s a nice option.”

Uptime on all Deere machines is without parallel. “I’ve had very little downtime or problems. All Deere machines have held up for me really well over the years. And making money is all about uptime — you have to be up and running. If you’ve got five guys standing around because you can’t move material out of the way, that’s costing you a lot of money.”

Service and support from the local John Deere dealer has been just as dependable. “You can’t beat the support John Deere gives you. They are great people. They do whatever is necessary to keep us up and running.”

« Continued from page 9



Looking for an instant rise in productivity? Add a Worksite Pro™ attachment. Our ever-expanding lineup includes nearly 100 models, so you’re sure to find the right tool for the job. In this issue, we discuss Snow/Utility Blades.

Versatile Worksite Pro snow/utility blades can be used for both snow removal and light dirt work. The blade is 711-mm (28-in.) tall, with a 203-mm (8-in.) full-length extension available. The blade angles hydraulically 30 degrees and oscillates 5 degrees, right or left. Two adjustable skid shoes come standard.

The bolt-on, replaceable cutting edge is 152-mm (6-in.) tall and 13-mm (1/2-in.) thick. Rubber cutting edges are available if you need to protect decorative surfaces.

Four trip springs help protect the machine from sudden impacts with obstacles when pushing snow. Trip springs can be locked when doing light grading and dirt work.

Like all Worksite Pro attachments, snow/utility blades are optimized to work with John Deere D-Series Skid Steers, Compact Track Loaders, 244J Loaders, and 110 Tractor Loader Backhoes. Plus they’re compatible with many competitive models.

Snow Blades

GetConnected »


www.JohnDeere.com/digdeeperwww JohnDeere com/di/di/dididiggdgdeeper

Do you know what’s below?Each year, there are some 700,000 incidents of underground utility damage in the United States. You can prevent life-threatening accidents and reduce interruptions to water, gas, cable, and electric service with one simple phone call. In the U.S., dial 811 — the FCC-designated call-before-you-dig number that lets you know what’s below so you can avoid accidents, downtime, and fi nes. Outside the U.S., be sure to know and use relevant “call-before-you-dig” services. Jobsite safety is everyone’s concern, so call before you dig. Every time you dig.

Visit www.call811.com for more information.

John Deere is a proud national launch partner and supporter of 811.

DKMAG29WSJ Litho in U.S.A. (10-10)



fall 2010 worksitejournal - plastererd-series skid steers. fill ’er up! watch deere skid steers...

Documents