John Deere Names 2026 Technician of the Year Finalists
John Deere has announced the finalists for its 2026 Technician of the Year Awards, with 30 regional finalists being named in five award categories.
Paul Spinks has moved on from air conditioning and multiple cup holders to incorporate a 600W microwave and a travel kettle into the linkage-mounted front weight block on his John Deere tractor.
Power for the project comes from a 1000W inverter, tucked under the operators seat, that also doubles up to provide power to tools such as grinders and drills, via a waterproof socket mounted at the front of the tractor.
The traditional looking weight block is split into three compartments, with concrete in the centre section, storage for tools and spares to the right and a double sealed, moisture proofed cabinet for the culinary hardware to the left.
The microwave is held in place by a frame a ratchet strap, making removal easy, although we have no reports on the likely lifetime of the microwave when subjected to long days in a rough paddock.
