JOHN DEERE WARNS ABOUT GRAY MARKET MACHINES

LENEXA, KS (September 17, 2004) — John Deere today re-emphasized that certain "gray market" machinery does not necessarily meet safety and customer requirements demanded in the U.S. market. In May, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) moved to stop the importation of certain gray market machines.

Gray market machines are products designed for use in other countries but imported back to the U.S. without authorization of the manufacturer. Specifically for John Deere, third party representatives are selling Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters and Telehandlers originally designed for the European market to U.S. dealers, independent retailers, and end-users.

The ITC ruled that it is illegal for importers to sell these European-version machines to the U.S. market. Customs officials have been ordered to stop these machines at the border and not allow them to enter the U.S.

In addition, Deere said, because these products are not authorized for sale in the U.S., the machines do not qualify for warranty under U.S. guidelines. As well, these machines are designed with specific product features for the European market, making some parts and attachments unavailable in the U.S.

"John Deere and John Deere dealers have always valued customer safety and satisfaction," said Doug DeVries, Senior Vice President, Ag Marketing, Deere and Company. "Our customers rely on John Deere to manufacture equipment that provides great value, helping them to be more productive and profitable. Because gray market machines are not built to U.S. specifications, John Deere cannot endorse the importation of gray market machines to the U.S. We encourage customers to work with their local John Deere dealer for the right product to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction, service and support."

For more information, check out our Web site at www.JohnDeereAg.com or visit with your local John Deere dealer.

John Deere (Deere & Company -NYSE:DE) is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment; a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care; and a major manufacturer of construction equipment. Additionally, John Deere manufactures engines used in heavy equipment and provides financial services and other related activities that support the core businesses. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has established a heritage of quality products and services providing performance that endures to customers worldwide.

For More Information, Contact:
Barry E. Nelson
Manager, Public Relations
Ph: 913-310-8324 Fax: 913-310-8394
E-mail: NelsonBarryE@JohnDeere.com

Both you and G-Man made several valid points that I would not disagree on with regard to service and parts. 'Course, if a fella liked to play devil's advocate, he might say that a person would have other reasons to import a Euro machine, besides getting a deal. Some of that gear has productivity features that would far out perform some of the North American models. Just speaking in general terms with regard to my experience around hay equipment. Most of the Euro gear outperforms by a wide margin. But I do know where you are coming from with service issues. Take care.

Rod

Don't think I give a whole lot of import to someone who trys to compare a 4400 series machine to a 6600 series - apples to oranges comes to mind. Just how I see it, no harm done.

--->Paul

Otherwise you are dead-on.

--->Paul

Perhaps deere is a bit worried, i see more and more "long time deere owners" switching to "other" brands. My "never have anything but green" neighbor, just bought a new CAT, and "yes" he demoed a deere before buying yellow!

Robert