History of John Deere in Timeline

John Deere, or Deere & Company, is a prominent American corporation specializing in manufacturing agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, forestry machinery, diesel engines, and drivetrains for heavy and lawn care equipment. Beyond manufacturing, the company extends its services to include financial solutions and related activities within its industry.

1907: Charles Deere's Death

In 1907, Charles Deere passed away and was succeeded by his son-in-law William Butterworth as the president of Deere & Company.

1912: Expansion into the tractor business

In 1912, William Butterworth, Charles Deere's son-in-law and the president of Deere & Company after Charles' death, 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, known for manufacturing the popular Waterloo Boy tractor, to further its entry into the tractor market.

1918: Entering 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, the John Deere Model D was introduced, marking a shift as the company continued to sell tractors under the Waterloo Boy name until then.

1927: First combine harvester production

In 1927, the company produced its first combine harvester, the John Deere No. 2, which featured improvements and modifications to Model D.

1929: Replacement of No. 1 and No. 2 Harvesters

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

1944: Return of Charles Deere Wiman

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

1947: Introduction of first self-propelled combine

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

1956: Acquisition of Heinrich Lanz AG

In 1956, Deere & Company bought-out the German tractor manufacturer, Heinrich Lanz AG (see Lanz Bulldog).

1958: Construction of factory in Argentina

In the last months of 1958, John Deere constructed a factory in northern Rosario, Argentina.

1959: John Deere Market Share

In 1959, John Deere market share was 23%.

August 30, 1960: Deere Day in Dallas product showcase

On August 30, 1960, John Deere held Deere Day in Dallas, introducing the "New Generation of Power", featuring the company's first modern four-cylinder and six-cylinder tractors.

1960: Introduction of 10 Series Tractors

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

1960: 4010 Rated Horsepower

In 1960, the 4010 was rated at 80 horsepower, but tested at 84 horsepower during testing trials, making it one of the most powerful two-wheel-drive farm tractors at that time.

1962: Workforce and Headquarters Information

In 1962, according to the Illinois Manufacturers Directory, John Deere had a total workforce of 35,000, with 9,000 in Illinois, and the corporate headquarters were in Moline, Illinois.

1962: Vermilion Works and Moline Employment

In 1962, the John Deere Vermilion Works in Hoopeston, Illinois, employed 140 people, while in Moline, Illinois, John Deere's 7,000 employees represented 16% of the city's population.

1963: Sales of 4010 Units

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

1964: Introduction of the 4020 and Rise in Market Share

By 1964, following the introduction of the 4020, John Deere had increased its market share to 34%, becoming the top manufacturer of farm equipment in the United States.

1969: Introduction of New Generation of Combines

In 1969, John Deere introduced a New Generation of combines, including the 3300, 4400, 6600, and 7700, which came standard with Quik-Tatch header mounting capabilities.

1972: Introduction of Generation II Sound Idea Tractors

In 1972, Deere introduced its new Generation II 'Sound Idea Tractors', the 4030, 4230, 4430, and 4630, which featured redesigned sheet metal and the optional Sound Gard body cab.

1977: Replacement of 30 Series Tractors with Iron Horses

In 1977, the 30 Series tractors were replaced by Deere's 'Iron Horses' series, which included the 4040, 4240, 4440, 4640, and 4840.

1983: Introduction of Upgraded Tractors

In 1983, Deere introduced the 4050, 4250, 4450, 4650, and 4850 tractors, which were upgraded versions of the Iron Horses series with a new 15-speed PowerShift transmission and cosmetic enhancements.

November 1984: Launch of Green Magazine

In November 1984, Green Magazine, a publication for John Deere enthusiasts, was founded by Richard and Carol Hain of Bee, Nebraska.

November 1984: First Issue of Green Magazine Mailed

In early November 1984, the first issue of Green Magazine was mailed to 135 paid subscribers. The 10-page black-and-white magazine featured tractors, letters from readers, and advertisements and was published bimonthly, written in Lincoln, Nebraska, and mailed from the Bee post office.

1984: Discontinuation of 4420 and Import of 4425 Combines

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

1989: Introduction of Maximizer Combines and Induction into National Inventors Hall of Fame

In 1989, Deere introduced the 'Maximizer' combines (9400, 9500, and 9600) and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

1990: Green Magazine Becomes a Monthly Publication

In 1990, Green Magazine, responding to public demand, transitioned from a bimonthly to a monthly publication.

1994: End of tractor production in Baigorria, Argentina

In 1994, John Deere ceased manufacturing tractors in Baigorria, Argentina, concluding the production of the 2850, 3350, and 3550 models.

1997: 50th Anniversary of Self-Propelled Combine Production

In 1997, Deere celebrated 50 years of self-propelled combine production, featuring a 50th-anniversary decal on the 1997 models.

1998: Introduction of 9410, 9510, and 9610 Combines

In 1998, the 9410, 9510, and 9610 combines were introduced as minor upgrades to the previous models.

1999: Introduction of 50 Series Maximizer Combines

In 1999, Deere introduced the 50 series Maximizer combines, featuring cosmetic upgrades and, on larger models, rotary machines.

1999: Introduction of Single-Tine Separation (STS) System

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

2000: Timberjack Becomes a Subsidiary of John Deere

In 2000, Timberjack became a subsidiary of John Deere, expanding Deere's forestry machinery offerings.

2006: Timberjack no Longer a Subsidiary of John Deere

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

2010: 4010 tractor models

The 4010 tractor models 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.

2011: Return to tractor assembly in Argentina

Seventeen years later, in 2011, the Argentinian plant returned to assembling tractors, including models like the 5036C and 6165J.

2012: Assembly of combine harvesters

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

August 2014: Layoffs at Plants

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

2014: Recognition by Smithsonian Museum

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

2016: Experimentation with Electric Farm Tractor

As of 2016, the company experiments with an electric farm tractor.

September 2017: Deere & Company to Acquire Blue River Technology

In September 2017, Deere & Company finalized an agreement to acquire Blue River Technology. This acquisition aimed to integrate machine learning into agriculture, enabling the reduction of herbicide use through precise spraying technology.

2017: John Deere Leasing Expands to Non-Equipment Loans

As of 2017, John Deere leasing had expanded to non-equipment loans and become the company's leading division. With a loan portfolio of $2 billion, it accounts for a third of John Deere's income.

2017: John Deere CO2e Emissions Baseline Year

In 2017, John Deere established the baseline year for its plan to reduce emissions 15% by 2022.

2018: Company Employment and Status

As of 2018, Deere & Company employed about 67,000 people worldwide and is the largest agriculture machinery company in the world.

August 29, 2019: Samuel R. Allen Steps Down as CEO of John Deere

On August 29, 2019, it was announced that Samuel R. Allen would be stepping down as CEO and president of John Deere.

November 2019: John May to Replace Samuel R. Allen as CEO

In November 2019, John May, president of the Worldwide Agriculture and Turf and Integrated Solutions divisions, replaced Samuel R. Allen as CEO and president of John Deere.

September 2020: John Deere Reports CO2e Emissions for the Twelve Months Ending September 2020

In September 2020, John Deere reported total CO2e emissions (direct and indirect) for the twelve months ending 30 September 2020 at 766 Kt (−155/−16.8% y-o-y).

October 2021: United Auto Workers Strike at John Deere

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

January 2022: John Deere Introduces Self-Driving Tractor

In January 2022, at the Consumer Electronics Show, John Deere unveiled a self-driving tractor designed for large-scale farming, marking a significant step in developing smart machines for efficient agriculture. This initiative aims to enhance farming through automation and software integration.

February 2022: US Senate Introduces Bill to Allow Farmers to Perform Their Own Repairs

In February 2022, amidst ongoing controversy over John Deere's repair restrictions, the US Senate introduced a bill to enable farmers to conduct their own equipment repairs.

April 2022: Right-to-Repair Bills Introduced in 26 States

As of April 2022, right-to-repair bills had been introduced in 26 states, reflecting a growing movement against manufacturer repair restrictions.

June 2022: Lawsuits Against John Deere Consolidated in Federal Court

In June 2022, 13 lawsuits from farms and farmers, alleging that John Deere unlawfully conspired to monopolize and restrain the market for repair and maintenance services of John Deere equipment, were consolidated in federal court in Illinois.

June 2022: Deere to Cease Production of Model 3710 Moldboard Plow

In June 2022, Deere & Company announced it would cease production of its model 3710 moldboard plow while continuing to offer its model 995 reversible plow.

2022: Controversy Over John Deere Equipment Repair Restrictions

In 2022, John Deere faced criticism regarding the serviceability and repair of its farm equipment. Owners and third parties were restricted from performing repairs due to limited access to computer code and non-John-Deere replacement parts. During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops reportedly stole John Deere equipment, which was subsequently remotely locked by the dealers.

2022: Fortune 500 Ranking

In 2022, John Deere ranked No. 84 in the Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations.

2022: John Deere Plans to Reduce Emissions 15% by 2022

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

January 9, 2023: John Deere Signs MOU with American Farm Bureau Federation on Right to Repair

On January 9, 2023, John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), agreeing to provide farmers and independent shops access to software, manuals, and information for repairing John Deere equipment. However, skepticism remained regarding the enforceability of the agreement.

February 2023: DOJ Opposes John Deere's Motion to Dismiss Repair Lawsuit

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

November 2023: Court Denies John Deere's Motion to Dismiss Repair Services Lawsuit

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

July 2024: Deere Announces Midwest Layoffs and Considers Moving Production to Mexico

In July 2024, Deere announced plans to lay off 600 employees in its Midwest facilities and considered shifting some component production to Mexico. In response, Donald Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on Mexican-made equipment.

November 2024: Australian Treasurers Agree on National Competition Policy for Right to Repair Reforms

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

January 2025: FTC Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Deere Over Repair Policies

In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed an antitrust lawsuit against Deere over the company's restrictive repair policies, arguing that they inflated repair costs for farmers by preventing independent shops from repairing Deere equipment. The FTC was joined in its lawsuit by five US states including Michigan and Wisconsin.