Jack Loonan builds experimental operator stations for a wide variety of tractor applications.  Operator controls, seats, air conditioning, cab mounts, etc. are built for test and evaluation.  His wide background provides valuable insight in resolving various application issues.

Background

Jack grew up on a farm near Waterloo, Iowa. Before college, Jack worked as a machinist for Chamberlain Corp, a local defense contractor that produced ordnance for the U.S. Army. He worked in the R&D experimental metal shop as a machinist making tooling for punches, presses, forging dies, etc. He attended Iowa State University and Hawkeye Community college, earning his AAS in Mechanical Technology.

Jack started as a draftsman at John Deere and progressed to layout drafting and checking in the drive train department. He became a designer for Advanced Drive Train products and also worked on accessories and the four wheel drive chassis.

He was transferred to manufacturing where he worked as a quality engineer in the final assembly area, and later to the Marketing and Service area in support of Export Products.  He dealt with overseas dealers and distributors to resolve problems.  He identified problems and worked on Product Improvement Program projects.  As part of the marketing function, he participated in the introduction of new products and providing of training to branch, personnel, domestic and overseas dealers and customers.  He was involved with publications, manuals and the production of service training classes.

Jack’s last Deere assignment was in support of the design and development of operator stations for the 5000 series tractors.

At Diedrichs & Associates, Inc., Jack has continued his work on operator station development. He identifies and develops solutions to problems and is cognizant of the needs of operators that will use the tractor. He plans, coordinates and leads the effort to build experimental operator stations and mount them on tractors for testing. In addition, he has built components and complete 4WD vehicles in working mock-up configurations. Jack is also involved as a training department instructor and class developer.

Additional Information