2008 News Releases and Information

CARY, North Carolina (April 14, 2008)— Side X Side Action magazine announced in the April issue that the John Deere Gator XUV 850D was named "Utility Vehicle of the Year" during the 2008 Side X Side Shoot-Out, a two-day, comprehensive test in Barstow, CA.

John Deere earned the top award in the utility vehicle category going up against ten models from eight other manufacturers. Scoring of the machines was determined by how each model handled different utility tasks such as towing a 1,025 lb loaded trailer, pulling a rake attachment and driving with the cargo box at half and full capacities. The XUV 850D was also rated on other attributes and received maximum ratings (5 stars) on turning, room (2 people), ease of getting in and fabrication quality.

"Work is what this machine was made for. I never once felt like I wasn't going to have enough power pulling uphill," says Cody Fletcher, Editor-in-Chief of Side X Side Action.

Within the testing, Side X Side Action was impressed with the load capacity, ride and suspension saying, "If you've got some serious work to accomplish around your property or on the jobsite, the Gator XUV 850D is our top recommendation."

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.