Skidsteers go head-to-head

John Deere Construction & Forestry has launched www.skidsteersmackdown.com, the first part of an integrated campaign for skidsteer users that involves unique head-to-head contests between Deere and competitor machines. Skidsteersmackdown.com is a highly interactive web site that features the competitions captured on video, a discussion forum and buying information.

“This site is above and beyond PDFs and specs. It’s an entertaining experience for the user, but with
real in-the-dirt comparisons you can watch,” says Sam Norwood, manager of John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. “No one has done anything like this before.”

Deere engineers transformed a dirt track in North Carolina into a skidsteer loader proving ground, complete with professional operators and compelling contests, all while cameras rolled and spectators watched. The site’s interactive components allow users to pick the Deere machines they would like to see compared to other units. The videos, showing tasks with measurable results, can then be rated, commented on, and shared with friends and colleagues.

“Viewers can also get dealer and buying information immediately through a link to the main John Deere web site,” Norwood says. “We’re having some fun, but we’re also providing skidsteer buyers with everything they need to know.”