History of John Deere in Timeline

John Deere, officially Deere & Company, is a prominent American corporation renowned for manufacturing a diverse range of equipment. Its core products include agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, forestry machinery, diesel engines, and drivetrains applicable to both heavy equipment and lawn care. Beyond manufacturing, John Deere extends its services to financial solutions and related activities, solidifying its position as a comprehensive provider in the agricultural and heavy machinery sectors.

1912: Expansion into the tractor business

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

1918: Purchase of Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company

In 1918, Deere & Company purchased the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company, which manufactured the popular Waterloo Boy tractor.

1923: Introduction of the John Deere Model D

In 1923, Deere & Company introduced the John Deere Model D tractor, discontinuing sales under the Waterloo Boy name.

1927: Production of First Combine Harvester

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

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

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

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 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.

August 30, 1960: Deere Day in Dallas

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

1960: Introduction of "10" Series John Deere Tractors

In 1960, John Deere introduced the "10" series tractors, including the 4010, which were a significant upgrade from older models.

1960: 4010 Horsepower Rating

In 1960, the John Deere 4010 was rated at 80 horsepower but tested at 84 horsepower, making it a powerful two-wheel-drive farm tractor.

1962: Illinois Manufacturers Directory Listing

In 1962, John Deere was listed in the Illinois Manufacturers Directory with a total workforce of 35,000, including 9,000 in Illinois.

1962: John Deere Vermilion Works

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

1963: Success of the "10" Series Tractors

By 1963, the success of the "10" series John Deere tractors, led by the 4010, helped propel John Deere from a 23% market share in 1959 to 34%.

1964: Introduction of the 4020 Tractor

By 1964, with the introduction of the 4020, John Deere became the top manufacturer of farm equipment in the United States.

1969: New Generation of Combines Introduction

In 1969, John Deere introduced its New Generation of combines, including the 3300, 4400, 6600, and 7700, which featured 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 the 4030, 4230, 4430, and 4630.

1977: Introduction of 'Iron Horses' series tractors

In 1977, the 30 Series tractors were replaced by Deere's 'Iron Horses' series that included the 90-hp 4040, 110-hp 4240, 130-hp 4440, 150-HP 4640, and 180-hp 4840.

1983: Introduction of Upgraded Tractors

In 1983, Deere introduced the 4050, 4250, 4450, 4650, and 4850, which were upgrades to the Iron Horses series.

November 1984: Green Magazine Launched by Richard and Carol Hain

In November 1984, Richard and Carol Hain of Bee, Nebraska, launched Green Magazine, a publication dedicated to John Deere enthusiasts.

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 articles on tractors, letters from readers, and advertisements and was published bimonthly.

1984: Discontinuation of 4420 Combines

In 1984, the 4420 combines were discontinued and replaced by the 4425 combines imported from Germany, while the 6620, 7720, and 8820 received the Titan II updates.

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

In 1989, Deere replaced the 6620, 7720, and 8820 with the new line of redesigned 'Maximizer' combines and John Deere was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

1990: Green Magazine Becomes a Monthly Publication

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

1994: End of production in Baigorria

In 1994, John Deere ceased production of the Serie 50 tractors at its Baigorria, Argentina plant.

1997: 50th Anniversary of Self-Propelled Combine Production

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 Maximizer combines were introduced, offering minor upgrades over previous models.

1999: Introduction of 50 Series Maximizer Combines

In 1999, Deere introduced the 50 series Maximizer combines, featuring cosmetic upgrades, improved ergonomics, and PTO shaft-style header hook-up.

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, improving rotary combine technology.

2000: Timberjack Becomes a Subsidiary of John Deere

In 2000, Timberjack became a subsidiary of John Deere, expanding John Deere's presence in the forestry machinery market.

2006: Timberjack No Longer a Subsidiary of John Deere

In 2006, Timberjack ceased to be a subsidiary of John Deere, marking a change in John Deere's forestry operations.

2011: Return to Tractor Assembly in Argentina

Seventeen years later, in 2011, the Argentinian plant returned to the assembly of tractors with various models.

2012: Added assembly of combine harvesters in SKD/CKD format

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 laying off 600 workers at plants in Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas due to less demand for its products.

2014: Smithsonian Recognition of Plough Design

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

2016: Experiments with Electric Farm Tractor

As of 2016, Deere & 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, allowing for targeted herbicide application and reduced usage through computer vision technology.

2017: John Deere Leasing Expands to Non-Equipment Loans

In 2017, John Deere's leasing division broadened its scope to include non-equipment loans, becoming the company's leading division and contributing a third of John Deere's income with a $2 billion loan portfolio.

2017: John Deere Establishes Base Year for Emission Reduction Target

John Deere used 2017 as the base year to reduce emissions 15% by 2022.

2018: Company Employment Numbers

As of 2018, Deere & Company employed about 67,000 people worldwide.

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

On August 29, 2019, it was announced that Samuel R. Allen would step down as CEO and president of John Deere. John May, president of the Worldwide Agriculture and Turf and Integrated Solutions divisions, was selected to replace him in November 2019.

November 2019: John May Replaces Samuel R. Allen as CEO

In November 2019, John May officially succeeded Samuel R. Allen as the CEO and president of John Deere, after the announcement of the leadership transition on August 29, 2019.

September 2020: John Deere Reports CO2e Emissions

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: UAW Workers Strike at John Deere

In October 2021, approximately 10,000 employees, represented by the United Auto Workers union, initiated a strike against John Deere due to a deadlock in contract negotiations.

January 2022: John Deere Introduces Self-Driving Tractor at CES

In January 2022, John Deere unveiled a self-driving tractor at the annual Consumer Electronics Show. This tractor was designed for large-scale farming and represented a move towards smart machines aimed at increasing farming efficiency and reducing reliance on human labor.

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

In February 2022, the US Senate introduced a bill aimed at enabling farmers to perform their own repairs on farm equipment, addressing concerns about John Deere's software license restrictions.

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

By April 2022, right-to-repair bills had been introduced in 26 states in the U.S., indicating growing momentum for legislation to allow farmers to repair their own equipment.

June 2022: Lawsuits Against John Deere Consolidated in Federal Court

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

June 2022: Deere Discontinues Model 3710 Moldboard Plow

In June 2022, Deere announced that it would halt production of its model 3710 moldboard plow. However, the company stated it would continue to offer its model 995 reversible plow.

2022: Fortune 500 Ranking

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

2022: Criticism of John Deere Farm Equipment Repair Restrictions

In 2022, late-model John Deere farm equipment faced criticism for repair restrictions. Owners and third parties were unable to service or repair the equipment due to John Deere's control over computer code and replacement parts, raising concerns about usability and manufacturer control.

2022: John Deere Plans to Reduce Emissions

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). Deere agreed to provide farmers and independent repair shops access to software, manuals, and information for repairing John Deere equipment. However, concerns were raised about the MOU's lack of legal enforcement and potential restrictions on right-to-repair legislation.

February 2023: US Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest Opposing John Deere Motion to Dismiss

In February 2023, the United States Department of Justice filed a "statement of interest" in the lawsuit 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: Judge Denies John Deere's Motion to Dismiss Repair Monopoly Case

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 Announces Midwest Layoffs and Potential Production Move to Mexico

In July 2024, Deere declared it would lay off 600 employees across its Midwest facilities and was considering relocating some component production to Mexico. In response, Donald Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on equipment manufactured in Mexico.

November 2024: Australian Treasurers Enter Agreement on National Competition Policy Addressing Right to Repair

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

January 2025: FTC Sues John Deere Over Restrictive Repair Policies

In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a lawsuit against Deere due to the company's restrictive repair policies, arguing that these policies inflated repair costs for farmers by preventing independent shops from repairing Deere equipment.