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.
Three new, optional features are claimed to enhance tractor performance and control, including the all-new CommandPro Control multi-function joystick with IVT transmission (as seen on the 6230R and 6250R), variable ratio steering and a 155L/minute hydraulic pump.
Other new features include an engine-oil service door, telematics using JDLink services and a 4200 Generation 4 CommandCenter display at no extra charge.
CommandPro is a customisable, ergonomic joystick that enables operators to control tractor speed and direction, and implement functions from a single control lever.
“These enhancements let the operator spend more time looking out in front of the machine instead of looking down at controls and switches when the tractor is moving,” says Anne Anderson, product marketing manager with John Deere.
Configurable buttons enable operators to customise the control lever to best fit the job or operator preference. These then can be saved as profiles, such as ‘baling’ or ‘mowing’.
To make tight turns easier, a new variable ratio steering option reduces steering wheel rotations by one-third at speeds of less than 14km/h.
“With one revolution of the steering wheel, front wheels turn faster and farther. Less steering effort and arm movement are required to turn the machine during loader work or while making a headland turn,” Anderson says.
Variable ratio steering requires a John Deere AutoTrac Ready equipped tractor and is activated using the Generation 4 CommandCenter display.
6145R–6215R tractors can be optioned with a 155L/min hydraulic pump to decrease frontloader cycle times and capacity for larger implements.
Other detail changes include a small door added to provide access to the engine-oil service area without the need for opening the tractor hood -- said to be particularly useful when the tractor is equipped with a frontloader and loader hood guard.
In the cab, the 4200 Generation 4 CommandCenter display is now included in the base equipment package, providing more display surface area for viewing tractor and precision-ag functions and it requires fewer button presses to make changes.
In addition, a one-year JDLink Connect plus 5-year JDLink Access and RDA subscription gives customers the ability to monitor their machine and receive remote support.
Using integrated technology, customers can track machine location and hours, and analyse machine and fuel usage.
“They can set geo-fence and curfew alerts, maintenance tracking and other alerts to keep up to date on the status of machines,” Anderson explains.
“The technology also lets customers send setup, prescription and documentation files to a machine in the field via wireless data transfer. Customers get increased uptime with proactive diagnostics.”
Brand recognition
Brand recognition has given John Deere 88th position in the Best Global Brands Ratings – moving up four positions from last year.
The ranking, awarded by brand consultancy firm Interbrand, also estimates that the value of the JD brand is now about US$5.4 billion, up from a value of US$3.65 billion in 2011.
Interbrand says its brand valuation is based on financial performance, the influence on purchase decisions and the strength of the brand to create loyalty and sustainable customer demand.
