Steve Wilhelmi, tactical marketing manager for John Deere Commercial Mowing, recently shared some details surrounding the manufacturer’s spring product and program announcements. A Product Selector Tool and new Mulch On Demand models were introduced, as well as news about the GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards Program and Uptime Solutions.
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Product Selector Tool
A new Product Selector Tool can now be found on johndeere.com. Inspired by the conversations between dealers their customers, the tool allows contractors to research and select a mower that best suits their need. The company worked with internal groups at John Deere, dealers and the end users to design the product selector. The selector helps users to choose from 44 commercial mower offerings and view all product information in one location.
“A contractor’s fleet varies based on region, business type, and application,” says Wilhelmi. “The Product Selector Tool allows landscape contractors to research and customize a mower that meets these requirements all in one easy-to-use online platform.”
There are two ways to use the selector: questions designed for either an inexperienced purchaser, or filters for more experienced users.
Inexperienced purchasers can use “Help me decide” which features a series of questions. Examples of question topics include: walk, sit, or stand models, completing other tasks besides mowing, deck size preference, discharge preference, fuel options of interest.
The more experienced user can start with “Filters”. These use the same questions but a quicker format using checked boxes and a sliding scale. The tool will dynamically respond and provide options for the criteria chosen.
Results will display appropriate models and give users the option to view more details and specs. The tool consolidates information and leads to an educated decision. It is designed to prepare the contractor for a conversation with a dealer. They can also request a quote from a dealer. It helps to speed up the sales process for the dealer as the customers is prequalified. John Deere is looking to someday expanding this service to include other product categories.
New Mulch On Demand models
John Deere has made two additions to the R series mower line. The new models incorporate the Mulch On Demand technology designed to save users time and money in the long run with reduced cleanup after mowing.
These models are different from the Z-Track Mulch On Demand because it features an electronically controlled system. A push of the button closes the discharge chute and two baffles under the deck to create the three mulching chambers. With a second push of the button, it opens for side-discharge performance. The new models include:
652R
- 23.5-hp gasoline ending
- 52-inch, 7 gauge steel deck
- Hydrostatic drive
- Flat-free front tires
652R EFI
- 25-hp EFI gasoline engine
- 52-inch, 7 gauge steel deck
- Hydrostatic drive
- Flat-free front tires
GreenFleet News
Some changes and addition have been made to the GreenFleet or John Deere Turf Loyalty Rewards Program in an effort to make participation in the program easier and more widespread. New qualifications were announced that require the purchase of just two units in a 12-month period from a wide variety of models. A first unit can be considered a “qualifier” if it over $7,500 MSRP, jump starting the membership.
Other products added to green fleet include 5 Series tractors and golf equipment. In a move toward transparency, the Commercial Worksite products discount information is now published online.
The GreenFleet program also provides exclusive offers to members like 10% off turf parts and workshop products. There are varying monthly exclusives offers as well, like the April offer of a free PowerGard extended warranty.
Uptime Solutions
John Deere dealers offer a special set of Uptime Solutions just for commercial users designed to keep them up and running in the field. “Equipment is going to do the work for the contractor, but this is going to help them manage the business,” says Wilhelmi.
The solutions offered include a full-line of commercial products, parts, a network of partners, dealer service and support, special finance options and rewards.
Full line of commercial products
Parts
- Parts onsite cabinet
- Next day parts guarantee or it’s free
- OEM and all-makes solutions from Sunbelt
- Convenient online ordering through Jdparts.deere.com
Partners - Providing the products John Deere does not.
- Honda
- Stihl
- Frontier
Support
- NeverStop Loaners – guaranteed loaners to keep business up and running
- PowerGard Protection – extended warranties
- Maintenance Programs
- Mobile Maintenance – service onsite
Finance
- Low-rate financing
- Leasing – 0% plus $200 off each unit
“We are seeing a lot more customers interested in leasing—customers who were not interested before,” shares Wilhelmi.
When leasing, the cost per hour goes down significantly. Users who choose the leasing option may deal with a few wear items, but should not have to confront any catastrophic failures outside of warranty. Matching the warranty time to the lease length means equipment is always covered by the warranty.
- Seasonal Payments
- Insurance
Rewards
- GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards
- Quality FIRST Factory Tours
- First to Know – customers can be the first to know as we come out with new products by signing up on the website
For more information about Uptime Solutions, visit Johndeere.com/uptimesolutions.
