John Deere Construction & Forestry has launched www.skidsteersmackdown.com, the first part of an integrated campaign for skid-steer users that involves unique head-to-head contests between Deere and competitor machines.

The website is an interactive site featuring the competitions captured on video, a discussion forum, buying information and more.

“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,” said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. “No one has done anything like this before.”

Deere engineers transformed a dirt track in North Carolina into a skid-steer loader proving ground, complete with professional operators and compelling contests, all while cameras rolled and spectators looked on.

The site’s interactive components allow users to pick the Deere machines they’d 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 website,” Norwood said. “We’re having some fun, but we’re also providing skid-steer buyers with everything they need to know.”

A John Deere 325 skid-steer loader in action during filming for the new website.