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.

Video from the tour’s first stop, the ICUEE Demo Expo in Louisville, Ky., 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 Work site 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 smack down 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 versus 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.

Visitors also can share the videos with friends and request a quote on Deere skid steer and compact track loader models. The videos from Smackdown’s first season are now available in Spanish.

New John Deere D-Series skid steer models are the 318D, 320D, 326D, 328D and 332D, joining the existing small-frame, radial lift 313 and 315. For the CTL line, the new 319D, 323D, 329D and a 90-hp 333D join the small-frame, radial lift CT315.