Deere unveils wealth of new products at media preview event

Deere's new Buck, Buck EXT and Buck EX utility ATVs Deere's new Trail Buck series for off-road performance. LM's intrepid managing editor, Jason Stahl, takes a spin over the obstacle course on one of Deere's new utility ATVs. J. Gilbert Pena, Deere’s Group Brand Marketing Manager, Commercial Mowing demos the completely rebuilt 7H19 commercial walk-behind mower that will debut in 2004. Deere's new entries in the zero-turn market include the 717A and 727A Mini-Frame Z-Trak (above) riding mowers. Deere's new Gator Compact Series utility vehicles.

SARASOTA, FL — Lounging by the pool at the Ritz-Carlton. Dining on a luxury liner. Riding ATVs over sand dunes.

When looking at all the activities trade press editors did at last week’s John Deere Media Preview Event, you’d think the trip was more like a vacation. But rest assured there was plenty of business going on, not the least of which was the introduction of three new products for the commercial landscape industry.

First up was Deere’s new Buck, Buck EXT and Buck EX utility ATVs designed to excel at hauling, towing and pulling. All models are equipped with a 500cc, 4-stroke Rotax engine, progressively locking all-wheel drive system, 1,100-lb. towing capacity, hydraulic disc brakes and a top ground speed in excess of 45 mph.

More new ATVs from Deere, the Trail Buck 500, 650, 650 EXT and 650 EX are designed for those seeking a versatile, off-road performance vehicle capable of putting in a full day’s work as well. These models feature a 500cc and a 650cc, 4-stroke Rotax engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), hydraulic disc brakes, four-wheel suspension, progressively locking all-wheel drive system and a top ground speed in excess of 50 mph.

After listening to a thorough safety speech, editors carefully donned helmets and protective eyewear and subjected the ATVs to rigorous testing on an obstacle course that consisted of moguls, logs and a straightaway to test the vehicles’ speed.

Walk-behind mowers also took center stage. J. Gilbert Pena, Deere’s Group Brand Marketing Manager, Commercial Mowing, said the units used to be Great Dane models that were “Deere-ized.” Now, the 7H17 and 7H19 have been completely rebuilt and feature the same 7-Iron decks that Deere’s zero-turn riders have. Pena, a rather small man, easily pushed down on the handlebars to emphasize the mowers’ curb-jumping ability. Available in 48- or 54-in. decks, the walk-behinds will debut in late March or early April 2004.

Jumping on what seems to be a current growth trend in the zero-turn market, Deere also unveiled the 717A and 727A Mini-Frame Z-Trak riding mowers that take up less trailer space and increase maneuverability in tight spaces. The 717A model has a 19-hp vertical air-cooled Kawasaki gas engine with a 48-in. deck; the 727A model has a 23-hp vertical air-cooled Kawasaki and 54-in. deck.

Last but not least, trade press editors got to test drive the new Gator Compact Series utility vehicles. These new models, in 8- and 10-hp versions, turn in tighter places, fit in narrower spaces, and can even be transported in the bed of a pickup truck.