EVENT RECAP
1585 TerrainCut
Deere representatives also previewed the Z998R, a 100- inch diesel zero-turn mower expected to be available in July. The unit includes independent electric wing motors in the deck, drive-by-wire steering and load-match capability designed to maintain blade tip speed in heavy grass. The machine will come factory-equipped with JDLink connectivity.
Digital ecosystem gains attention
Beyond iron, company officials said many attendees were most interested in Deere’ s Operations Center platform, which allows users to monitor fleet location, set geofences, track maintenance and analyze performance data.
Gribble said customers were often surprised the platform does not require a monthly subscription once machines are connected through JDLink.
“ They’ re really surprised that it’ s a free tool,” he said.“ Not only can you find machine location information, put geo- fences on it to help prevent things like theft, you can track your maintenance on it, you can order parts directly on it, you can analyze your whole fleet on it.”
Attendees also learned about digital tools such as online parts ordering and mobile apps that provide access to operator manuals and parts diagrams, along with financing options tailored to landscape businesses.
Hands-on feedback
The event included ride-and-drive opportunities across commercial mowers, compact tractors, utility vehicles and compact construction equipment. Safety briefings preceded the demos, with Deere staff on hand to answer questions and collect feedback.
One contractor from the Des Moines, Iowa, area said the experience gave him exposure to machines he does not regularly operate.
“ The experience has been awesome,” he said.“ I think it’ s really cool that John Deere puts this on for guys like us to get out here and see
10 OPE + April 2026 www. OPE-Plus. com