Thanks to recent online chatter brought about by the Tractor Chasers (www.TractorChasers.com), there’s renewed interest in John Deere’s new name and numbering system. In particular, what the "RT" stands for within John Deere’s forthcoming Track Tractors. Is it "row-crop tracks" or "rubber tracks"?

Last August, John Deere began transitioning to a new name and number system for its full line of tractors. The first tractors to carry the new numbering are the 3E, 5D, 5E, 5M, and 6D Series Tractors.

"The updated name and numbering system is unique to John Deere and allows for a more consistent approach to naming our equipment around the world," says Steve Robisky, John Deere marketing administration manager. "This system allows customers to more quickly and easily identify the engine horsepower of a tractor, its capability, and its size by looking at the hood decal."

Each new tractor model number has six available positions. The first position is a number and represents its size. The second, third, and fourth positions are numbers and denote its approximate engine horsepower at rated engine speed using testing standards outlined in Directive 97/68/EC. The fifth position is a letter and indicates its capability and/or price level within its family.

"Letters at the beginning of the alphabet indicate a tractor model has lower level of capabilities when compared to other models in its family," Robisky says. "Letters higher in the alphabet specify a tractor has more advanced capabilities. Some tractors also will have a sixth position to designate a specific configuration such as a track tractor."

Consider the new John Deere 5065E and 5065M Tractors. The 5065E is a 65-engine horsepower tractor. When compared to other models in the 5 family of tractors, the 5065E has fewer capabilities while a 5065M has greater capabilities.

"Our dealers refer to them as the 5E Series and 5M Series of tractors," Robisky says. "Likewise, the forthcoming update to the 8030T Series Track Tractors will carry the new name and numbering references. The 'R' indicates that the series employs a high-level of technology and has a high-level of capability. And the 'T' indicates that the model has tracks."

And when will the new models be available? For the answer to that question, see your local John Deere dealer.