History of John Deere in Timeline

John Deere, officially Deere & Company, is a prominent American corporation specializing in the manufacturing of a diverse range of machinery. Their products include agricultural equipment, heavy machinery, forestry machinery, diesel engines, and drivetrains applicable to both heavy equipment and lawn care. Beyond manufacturing, John Deere extends its services to encompass financial solutions and related activities, supporting its core business and customer base.

1907: Charles Deere Death

In 1907, William Butterworth replaced Charles Deere as president of Deere & Company after Charles' death.

1912: Expansion into Tractor Business

In 1912, Deere & Company president William Butterworth began 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 business.

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, after which Deere & Company stopped selling tractors under the Waterloo Boy name.

1927: First Combine Harvester

In 1927, John Deere produced its first combine harvester, the John Deere No. 2.

1929: Replacement of Harvesters

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

1944: Wiman's Return

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

1947: 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 acquired the German tractor manufacturer, Heinrich Lanz AG.

1958: Factory Construction in Argentina

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

1959: Market Share in 1959

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

August 30, 1960: Deere Day in Dallas

On August 30, 1960, John Deere dealers converged in Dallas, Texas, for Deere Day, introducing the "New Generation of Power" with high-tech presentations and demonstrations.

1960: Introduction of "10" Series Tractors

In 1960, John Deere introduced the "10" series tractors, including the popular 4010 model, which offered significant upgrades over older models.

1960: 4010 Horsepower Rating

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

1962: Workforce in Illinois

In 1962, John Deere claimed a total workforce of 35,000, with 9,000 in Illinois, and the corporate headquarters were in Moline, Illinois.

1962: John Deere Vermilion Works

In 1962, the John Deere Vermilion Works was located in Hoopeston, Illinois, employing 140 people making iron work and implement parts.

1963: 4010 sales success

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

1964: Top Manufacturer of Farm Equipment

By 1964, John Deere became the top manufacturer of farm equipment in the United States, with a 34% market share, after the introduction of the 4020.

1969: New Generation of Combines

In 1969, John Deere introduced its New Generation of combines, including the 3300, 4400, 6600, and 7700 models.

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, featuring redesigned sheet metal and an optional Sound Gard body.

1977: Introduction of 'Iron Horses' Series

In 1977, Deere's 'Iron Horses' series was introduced, replacing the 30 Series tractors, and included models 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 transmission and optional front-wheel drive.

November 1984: Green Magazine started by Richard and Carol Hain

In November 1984, Green Magazine, a publication devoted to John Deere enthusiasts, was started 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.

1984: Discontinuation of 4420 Combines

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

1989: Introduction of 'Maximizer' Combines

In 1989, Deere replaced the 6620, 7720, and 8820 with a new line of 'Maximizer' combines including the 9400, 9500, and 9600 models, featuring a center-mounted cab and rear-mounted engine. Also in 1989, Deere was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

1990: Green Magazine becomes a monthly

In 1990, Green Magazine became a monthly publication.

1994: End of Baigorria Production

In 1994, John Deere ceased production of the 2850, 3350, and 3550 series tractors in Baigorria.

1997: 50th Anniversary of Self-Propelled Combine Production

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

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 the availability of rotary machines on larger models.

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.

2000: Timberjack becomes a subsidiary of John Deere

In 2000, Timberjack became a subsidiary of John Deere.

2006: Timberjack was no longer a subsidiary of John Deere

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

2010: 2010 models

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.

2011: Return to Tractor Assembly in Argentina

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

2012: Assembly of Combine Harvesters

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

August 2014: Layoffs Announced

In August 2014, John Deere announced indefinite layoffs of 600 workers due to reduced demand.

2014: Smithsonian Recognition

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 experimented with an electric farm tractor.

September 2017: Deere & Company to acquire Blue River Technology

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

2017: John Deere leasing expands to non-equipment loans

As of 2017, John Deere leasing has expanded to non-equipment loans and is the leading division of John Deere, accounting for a third of John Deere's income.

2017: John Deere's emissions base year

In 2017 John Deere set the base year for emissions reduction at 2017.

2018: Employment and Company Size

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

August 29, 2019: Samuel R. Allen to step down as CEO and president

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

September 2020: John Deere CO2e emissions

In September 2020, John Deere reported total CO2e emissions (direct and indirect) for the twelve months ending 30 September 2020 at 766 Kt.

October 2021: United Auto Workers Strike

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

January 2022: Introduction of Self-Driving Tractor

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

February 2022: US Senate introduced a bill to allow farmers to perform their own repairs

In February 2022, the US Senate introduced a bill to allow farmers to perform their own repairs due to John Deere's restrictions on software modifications and repairs.

April 2022: Right-to-repair bills introduced in 26 states

By April 2022, right-to-repair bills had been introduced in 26 states, related to the controversies about the restrictions on John Deere software modifications and repairs.

June 2022: Lawsuits consolidated against John Deere for repair monopoly

In June 2022, 13 lawsuits from farms and farmers, alleging that John Deere and its affiliated dealerships had 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 announced it would cease production of its model 3710 moldboard plow but would continue to offer its model 995 reversible plow.

2022: John Deere's emissions target

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

2022: Criticism over repair restrictions on John Deere farm equipment

In 2022, John Deere farm equipment faced criticism for restricted servicing and repairs by owners or third parties, requiring John Deere's involvement and potentially remote locking by the manufacturer.

2022: Fortune 500 Ranking

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

January 9, 2023: John Deere signs MOU with American Farm Bureau Federation

On January 9, 2023, John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) to allow farmers and independent repair shops access to John Deere software and manuals for repairs.

February 2023: Department of Justice files "statement of interest" opposing John Deere's motion to dismiss

In February 2023, the United States Department of Justice 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: John Deere's motion to dismiss the case was denied

In November 2023, U.S. District Judge Iain Johnston denied John Deere's motion to dismiss the case, finding that the plaintiffs' complaint "is chock-full of factual allegations to support" the conclusion that "Deere has the ultimate control of the repair services market" for John Deere equipment.

July 2024: Deere to lay off employees and consider moving production to Mexico

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: Treasurers 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, viewed as a step towards broader 'right to repair' reforms, particularly in agriculture and farming.