of a chore. Still, sometimes the hardest part of a job isn’t the work itself, but attaching and detaching implements to the yard equipment you use. Havingto lift, align or nudge 600-pound implements to secure them to a tractor, for instance, can certainly put a damper on the workday. The good newsis that new types of compact utility tractors are designed to take the workload off the worker. That means you can spend less time getting ready to work and more time actually tackling that long weekendto-dolist. For example, new types of technology available on John Deere compact utility tractors are im- proving ease of use and operator comfort. “Most new features or innovations John Deere introduces are a result of anticipating or responding to attributes and qualities that customers tell us they value in their equipment,” explains Sean Sundberg, John Deere Commercial and Consumer Equipment Division. Here’s a look at some of their labor-saving features: * Quick-Hitch—Save your strength for the work ahead. The iMatch Quick-Hitch lets you simply back your tractor to an implement, raise the three-point hitch to connect the implement and secure the latches. AutoHitch—Previously, operators would have to climb off their tractor to attach the PTO shaft from a PTO-driven implement such as a rotary cutterortiller. Now, the new iMatch AutoHitch does the work for you. Once the implement is locked into place, the AutoHitch feature attaches the driveshaft— all from the seat of the tractor, with no tools and no heavylifting. Loaders—Loaders are pur- Save Your Strength—Innovative features make it easier than ever to attach and detach implements, all from the seat of your tractor. chased more frequently than any other tractor attachment because of their multifunctional capabilities. But when certain jobs require you to take a load off—literally— the Quik-Park loader feature allows you to attach and detach yourloader in a matter of minutes. Mid-Mount Mowers—Operators can simply drive on to the mower deck to attach and detach, rather than manually muscling the mower deck under the tractor. The new OnRamp mid-mount mowers also come standard with Stow ’N’ Go brackets. This feature allows people to use the tractor’s threepoint hitch to move the mower deck once it is off the tractor for easy storage, cleaning andservice. Ease Of Use Of course, these innovative features are only helpful if you know how to use them. That’s why today’s tractors offer creature comforts and controls that provide easy acclimation to their full range of capabilities, while also delivering a comfortable ride. Foot Pedals—If your chores require frequent forward and reverse motions, then you can probably appreciate the comfort these pedals provide. With Twin Touch, you use one pedal for forward and one pedal for reverse for simple and easy operation. * Ergonomic Controls— Thoughtful design of the operator station eliminates uncomfortable or awkward bending during operation. The most frequently used controls are conveniently positioned at the operator’s fingertips. * Comfortable Cabs—Available in Standard, Deluxe and Air- ride Deluxe configurations, ComfortGard Cabs offer best-in-class visibility, heating and air-conditioning performance, as well as the quietest operating environment in a compact utility tractor. From easy and reliable operation to broad arrays of attachments, and from convenience and comfort to service and support, a lot of work has gone into new types of tractors—ultimately meaning less workfor their users. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com/BuyingTips.
