History of John Deere in Timeline

John Deere is an American corporation renowned for manufacturing agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, forestry machinery, diesel engines, and drivetrains. Beyond manufacturing, the company extends its services to include financial solutions and related activities. Operating globally, John Deere has become synonymous with quality and innovation in the agricultural and construction industries.

1907: Charles Deere's death

In 1907, Charles Deere, the son of John Deere, passed away, leading to William Butterworth becoming president of Deere & Company.

1912: Expansion into the tractor business

In 1912, William Butterworth, president of Deere & Company, initiated the company's expansion into the tractor business.

1918: Acquisition of Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company

In 1918, Deere & Company purchased the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company, manufacturer of the Waterloo Boy tractor, to further its entry into the tractor market.

1918: Entry into the tractor business

Since entering the tractor business in 1918, John Deere had focused on two-cylinder machines.

1923: Introduction of John Deere Model D

In 1923, Deere & Company introduced the John Deere Model D tractor, replacing the Waterloo Boy model.

1927: First Combine Harvester

In 1927, John Deere produced its first combine harvester, the John Deere No. 2, which featured improvements and modifications to Model D, such as higher power level due to increased cylinder bore.

1929: Replacement of Harvesters

By 1929, the John Deere No. 1 and No. 2 harvesters were replaced by newer, lighter-weight models.

1944: Charles Deere Wiman's return

In late 1944, Charles Deere Wiman returned to work at John Deere after directing the farm machinery and equipment division of the War Production Board.

1947: Introduction of Model 55 Combine

In 1947, John Deere introduced its first self-propelled combine, the model 55.

1956: Acquisition of Heinrich Lanz AG

In 1956, Deere & Company acquired the German tractor manufacturer, Heinrich Lanz AG, known for the Lanz Bulldog.

1958: Factory in Argentina

In 1958, John Deere constructed a factory in northern Rosario, Argentina.

1959: John Deere Market Share

In 1959, John Deere had a 23% market share.

August 30, 1960: Deere Day in Dallas

On August 30, 1960, John Deere held "Deere Day in Dallas", a product showcase in Dallas, Texas, to introduce the "New Generation of Power", the company's first modern four-cylinder and six-cylinder tractors. A new John Deere tractor with a diamond-covered nameplate was displayed inside Neiman-Marcus.

1960: Introduction of the "10" Series Tractors

In 1960, John Deere introduced the "10" series tractors, including the 4010, which was the most popular with more than 58,000 units sold from 1960 to 1963.

1960: 4010 Horsepower Rating

In 1960, the John Deere 4010 tractor was rated at 80 horsepower, but tested at 84 horsepower during testing trials.

1962: Workforce Claimed

In 1962, John Deere claimed a total workforce of 35,000, of which 9,000 were in Illinois.

1962: John Deere Vermilion Works

In 1962, the John Deere Vermilion Works was located at North Sixth Ave., Hoopeston, Illinois, where 140 employees were listed as making iron work and implement parts.

1963: Sales of 4010 units

From 1960 to 1963, more than 58,000 units of the 4010 were sold.

1964: Increased Market Share

By 1964 when the 4020 was introduced, the success of the "10" series John Deere tractors, led by the 4010, helped propel John Deere to a 34% market share, making it the top manufacturer of farm equipment in the United States.

1969: New Generation of combines

In 1969, John Deere introduced a New Generation of combines including the 3300, 4400, 6600, and 7700. These models were also the first to come with Quik-Tatch header mounting capabilities as standard equipment.

1972: Introduction of Generation II 'Sound Idea Tractors'

In 1972, Deere introduced its new Generation II 'Sound Idea Tractors', including models 4030, 4230, 4430, and 4630, which featured redesigned sheet metal and an optional completely integrated operator's cab called the Sound Gard body with heat, air conditioning, and optional radio and 8-track tape player.

1977: Replacement of 30 Series Tractors

In 1977, Deere's 'Iron Horses' series replaced the 30 Series tractors, featuring models such as the 4040, 4240, 4440, 4640, and 4840, with the latter featuring a new 466-cubic-inch displacement engine and improvements to the cab.

1983: Introduction of 4050, 4250, 4450, 4650, and 4850 Tractors

In 1983, Deere introduced the 4050, 4250, 4450, 4650, and 4850 tractors, which were essentially the same machines as the Iron Horses they replaced, but with significant upgrades such as a new 15-speed PowerShift transmission and optional mechanical front-wheel drive.

November 1984: Green Magazine Founded

In November 1984, Green Magazine, a publication devoted to John Deere enthusiasts, was founded by Richard and Carol Hain.

November 1984: First Issue of Green Magazine

In early November 1984, the first issue of Green Magazine was mailed to 135 paid subscribers.

1984: Discontinuation of 4420 Combines

In 1984, the John Deere 4420 was discontinued and replaced by the 4425 combines imported from Germany.

1989: Introduction of Maximizer Combines and Hall of Fame Induction

In 1989, Deere replaced the 6620, 7720, and 8820 with a new line of completely redesigned 'Maximizer' combines that included the 9400, 9500, and 9600 walker combines. Also in 1989, Deere was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

1990: Green Magazine Becomes Monthly

In 1990, Green Magazine became a monthly publication due to public demand.

1994: End of production

In 1994, John Deere ended production of the Serie 50 in Baigorria, Argentina.

1997: 50th Anniversary

In 1997, Deere celebrated 50 years of self-propelled combine production.

1998: Introduction of 9410, 9510, and 9610 Combines

In 1998, the 9410, 9510, and 9610 were introduced, which were essentially the same machines as the 9000 series Maximizer combines, but with minor upgrades.

1999: Introduction of the 50 Series Maximizer Combines

In 1999, Deere introduced the 50 series Maximizer combines, which featured significant cosmetic upgrades and were available as rotary machines.

1999: Introduction of STS System

In 1999, John Deere introduced the Single-Tine Separation (STS) system on its 9550, 9650, and 9750 combines, representing a step forward in rotary combine technology.

2000: Timberjack Becomes a Subsidiary

In 2000, Timberjack became a subsidiary of John Deere.

2006: Timberjack No Longer a Subsidiary

In 2006, Timberjack was no longer a subsidiary of John Deere.

2010: Modern Four-Cylinder and Six-Cylinder Tractors

The models 1010, 2010, 3010, and 4010, were far more powerful than Deere's two-cylinder models, and also easier and more comfortable to operate, with conveniently located controls, better visibility, and improved seat suspension in 2010.

2011: Return to Assembly in Argentina

Seventeen years later, in 2011, the Argentinian plant returns the assembly of tractors.

2012: Assembly of combine harvesters

In 2012, John Deere added the assembly of combine harvesters 9570 STS Serie 70, 9470 STS, 9670 STS and 9770 STS in SKD/CKD format.

August 2014: Layoffs Announced

In August 2014, Deere & Company announced it was indefinitely laying off 600 workers at plants in Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas due to less demand for its products.

2014: Smithsonian Recognition

In 2014, the Smithsonian Museum named John Deere's original plough design as one of the objects that changed American history.

2016: Electric Farm Tractor Experimentation

In 2016, Deere & Company began experimenting with an electric farm tractor.

September 2017: Acquisition of Blue River Technology

In September 2017, Deere & Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Blue River Technology, a company applying machine learning to agriculture.

2017: Base Year for Emissions Reduction Plan

2017 was the base year for John Deere's plan to reduce emissions 15% by 2022.

2017: Leading Division of John Deere

As of 2017, John Deere leasing, with a loan portfolio of $2 billion accounting for a third of John Deere's income, became the leading division of John Deere.

2017: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Donald Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed in 2017.

2018: Company Size and Reach

As of 2018, Deere & Company employed about 67,000 people worldwide, with half in the United States and Canada, making it the largest agriculture machinery company globally.

2018: Effective Federal Tax Rate

In 2018, Deere and 90 Fortune 500 companies paid an effective federal tax rate of 0% or less due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

August 2019: Samuel R. Allen to Step Down as CEO

In August 2019, it was announced that Samuel R. Allen would step down as CEO and president of John Deere.

November 2019: John May Becomes CEO

In November 2019, John May replaced Samuel R. Allen as CEO and president of John Deere.

September 2020: CO2e Emissions Report

In September 2020, John Deere reported total CO2e emissions (direct and indirect) for the twelve months ending at 766 Kt.

October 2021: United Auto Workers Strike

In October 2021, approximately 10,000 John Deere employees, unionized with the United Auto Workers, went on strike following an impasse in contract negotiations.

January 2022: Self-Driving Tractor Introduction

In January 2022, at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, John Deere introduced a self-driving tractor designed for large-scale farming.

February 2022: US Senate Introduces Right to Repair Bill

In February 2022, the US Senate introduced a bill to allow farmers to perform their own repairs on John Deere equipment.

April 2022: Right-to-Repair Bills Introduced in Multiple States

As of April 2022, right-to-repair bills had been introduced in 26 states, addressing concerns about John Deere's repair restrictions.

June 2022: Lawsuits Consolidated Over Repair Monopolization

In June 2022, 13 lawsuits from farms and farmers alleging repair monopolization were consolidated in federal court in Illinois against John Deere and its affiliated dealerships.

June 2022: End of Model 3710 Moldboard Plow Production

In June 2022, Deere announced it would cease production of its model 3710 moldboard plow but would continue to offer its model 995 reversible plow.

2022: Fortune 500 Rank

In 2022, Deere & Company ranked No. 84 on the Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations. Its tractor series include D series, E series, Specialty Tractors, Super Heavy Duty Tractors, and JDLink.

2022: Criticism for Repair Restrictions

In 2022, late model John Deere farm equipment faced criticism for repair restrictions, making it difficult for owners or third parties to service or repair the equipment.

2022: Emissions Reduction Target Year

John Deere planned to reduce emissions 15% by 2022 from a 2017 base year.

January 2023: Memorandum of Understanding with American Farm Bureau Federation

In January 2023, John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) regarding access to software and manuals for equipment repair.

February 2023: Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest

In February 2023, the United States Department of Justice filed a statement of interest opposing John Deere's motion to dismiss the case, arguing that restrictions on repair can harm both consumers and the public.

November 2023: Motion to Dismiss Denied in Repair Monopolization Case

In November 2023, U.S. District Judge Iain Johnston denied John Deere's motion to dismiss the repair monopolization case, supporting the conclusion that Deere has ultimate control of the repair services market for John Deere equipment.

July 2024: Layoffs and Production Shift Consideration

In July 2024, Deere announced it would lay off 600 employees in its Midwest facilities and is considering moving the production of some components to Mexico.

November 2024: Intergovernmental Agreement on National Competition Policy in Australia

In November 2024, Australia's federal and state treasurers entered into a 10-year intergovernmental agreement on national competition policy, which was considered "an important first step towards delivering broader 'right to repair' reforms ... especially in agriculture and farming".

January 2025: FTC Files Antitrust Lawsuit

In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed an antitrust lawsuit against Deere over the company's restrictive repair policies, arguing that these policies inflated repair costs by preventing independent shops from repairing Deere equipment.

August 2025: Further Layoffs Announced

In August 2025, the company announced more layoffs, citing economic factors and decreased demand.

Mentioned in this timeline

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