John Deere has been producing its iconic green and yellow tractors for over a century. During this time, the company has seen the success of its Waterloo Boy model evolve into a global production entity. Along the way, there have been several company milestones and exciting innovations.
15 Facts about John Deere Tractors
While the long and rich history of Deere’s tractor production has yielded many interesting tidbits of information, we’ve taken some time to pick out 15 John Deere tractor facts that we thought would add to an enthusiast’s already expansive Deere knowledge bank. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share with your friends!
1. The production of John Deere tractors commenced after Deere bought the maker of Waterloo Boy tractors.
2. 5,634 Waterloo Boys were sold in the first year (1918) of manufacturing.
3. The John Deere Model D was the company’s first two-cylinder Waterloo-built tractor to bear the John Deere brand name (it stayed on the product line for an astounding 30 years).
4. John Deere’s GP (General Purpose) tractor was designed in 1925 as the answer to the Farmall.
5. The GP Wide-Tread row-crop tractor hit the market in 1929 and was the first Deere tractor with a tricycle front that fit between row crops and a rear axle wide enough to straddle rows.
6. John Deere’s Model A and Model B tractors were the company’s most popular pieces of equipment in the 1930’s, remaining in the product line until 1952.
7. Henry Dreyfuss worked with John Deere engineers in 1938 to streamline the Model A and B tractors, designing more “attractive” designs that joined with utilitarian values, becoming hallmarks of John Deere’s future products.
8. Model L tractors were the first to experience an enormous boost in sales following Dreyfuss’ new design.
9. John Deere made military tractors, ammunition, aircraft parts, and cargo and mobile laundry units during WWII.
10. The John Deere Model R was the company’s first unit to be powered by a diesel engine (1949).
11. The John Deere Model 70 was company’s first diesel row-crop tractor (1953).
12. Deere’s global tractor expansion began in 1956 when it built a small-tractor assembly plant in Mexico.
13. Deere became the world’s largest producer and seller of farm and industrial tractors and equipment in 1963.
14. Also in 1963, Deere entered the consumer market, deciding to produce and sell lawn and garden tractors.
15. The Generation II tractor models were among the company’s first with operator enclosures.
Throughout the years, John Deere has continued to develop equipment that has not only impressed, but has also helped the masses. We hope these John Deere tractor facts have sharpened your knowledge and allow you to impress a fellow Deere enthusiast!
If you have any questions about John Deere tractors, you can contact your local John Deere dealer.