MOLINE, IL - The Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown takes a "D-Tour" with the launch of John Deere's new D-Series skid steers and compact track loaders (CTLs), including stops at trade shows and real job sites so operators can check out the company's hottest pieces of compact iron.

Video from the tour's first stop, the ICUEE Demo Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, is now up on www.skidsteersmackdown.com. In it, contractors give their impressions of the new units right after tackling a Smackdown-type course.

"There's no substitute for getting in the cab and experiencing what a machine's all about," said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. "That's why we're taking Smackdown on the road with these new units. Plus, contractors literally told us what they wanted in these new models, so follow the D-Tour on and find out how we responded."

John Deere's www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, entering its third season, has featured real contractors using Deere machines to complete various tasks and competitions inspired by real job site conditions, as well as battles pitting Deere units vs. competitors.

The site also offers a chance to blog about the videos, a "Prove It!" section that details machine specs and conditions behind each battle, and a dealer locator to help viewers find their nearest John Deere dealer.