2010 Press Releases

John Deere has raised the bar for equipment management and proactive customer service with the development of the JDLink™ telematics system. This new technology remotely connects equipment owners, farm managers and dealers to equipment in the field. The system allows for real-time alerts and other information, such as location, utilisation, performance and maintenance data, for machines to be accessed on the JDLink™ website, or sent via email or text message.

"The JDLink™ equipment management solution package gives owners, farm managers and dealers immediate access to real-time information about the machines in the field in order to make better decisions regarding equipment utilisation, logistics and performance to improve farm productivity and efficiency," says Audrey Bartlett, product marketing manager, Ag Management Solutions, John Deere. "Through the use of advanced communications, data collection, GPS and other technologies, we've created the telematics infrastructure which is the basis for future John Deere products and services in this rapidly growing area."

For 2011, there are two JDLink™ packages available: JDLink™ Select and JDLink™ Ultimate.

The JDLink™ Select features include:

• Roadmap/satellite map and driving directions
• Machine hours
• Geofencing
• Curfew alerts
• Maintenance management
• Machine utilisation profile
• Enables Service ADVISOR™ Remote on approved platforms

The JDLink™ Ultimate features include the features of JDLink™ Select, plus:

• Machine status and comparison
• Advanced machine utilisation
• Customer alerts
• Export/scheduled email report
• Remote diagnostics via diagnostic trouble codes
• System usage information

The new telematics system hardware is comprised of a communications modem/controller, wiring harness and cellular and GPS antennas. Machine data is collected by the controller and wirelessly transferred to the data server, where it is processed and made available via the JDLink™ website. Customers will also have the option for alerts to be sent in real time via test message or email. An optional satellite communications module is available for data transfer in remote areas where cellular signals are not available.

"The data provided by JDLink™ enables customers to save money by increasing machine utilisation in the field and through performance and diagnostic monitoring that helps prevent problems and downtime," says Bartlett. "It also saves time in the field by coordinating labour and fleet management, sending alerts when fuel is needed, tracking hours of operation, and monitoring engine load, idle times and other machine functions that are important to customers."

For 2011, as part of a special promotion, JDLink™ Ultimate will be installed on all new IT4 8R Series Tractors (with one year of complimentary service). In addition, JDLink™ Select is available as an all makes/all model solution. For John Deere dealers, JDLink™ enables Service ADVISOR™ Remote, which provides dealers with remote access to a vehicle’s diagnostic data to help minimise downtime for the customer. If a problem develops with a vehicle in the field, service technicians at the dealership or anywhere with an internet connection, can access diagnostic information, perform diagnostic recordings, and, in some cases, perform software updates remotely allowing them to respond quickly with the correct tools and parts to fix the problem.

For more information on the new JDLink™ equipment management solution for John Deere tractors and other equipment, visit our Web site or FREECALL 1800 800 981 in Australia and 0800 303 100 in New Zealand to contact your local John Deere dealer.

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.