Vintage tractors in the U.S. have significantly risen in terms of popularity, likely stemming from the nostalgia of those in the agricultural industry.
The collection of these vintage agricultural machines is a popular hobby amongst farmers and people who enjoy the purr of an old engine. Brands, such as John Deere, have been bought, used, sold, and collected for decades, but where did this all start?
Developing Innovative Tractors for Over 175 Years
For more than 175 years, John Deere has researched and developed innovative, new farming equipment which strives to improve agricultural productivity. Since entering the business of tractors in 1918, John Deere has prioritized innovation, as well as quality, for its customers.
Nowadays, John Deere is known for its award-winning innovations, due to the company’s long history in the industry. The most important moments in John Deere history date back all the way to 1837, when John Deere, a blacksmith in Grand Detour, IL, wanted to make farmers’ jobs easier. To this day, John Deere still manufactures equipment with this same purpose in mind – to help customers improve productivity.
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Let’s take a closer look at a brief history of John Deere as a producer, the kinds of equipment John Deere produces, and some vintage models that are still popular today.
What Kind of Equipment Does John Deere Produce?
Key moments in the history of John Deere heavily revolve around all kinds of equipment. Since developing the first steel plow in 1837, John Deere has continued to produce vehicles that change the industry. Here are some of the key standout points.
1910s: John Deere introduced planters, as well as buggies, wagons, grain drills, haymaking, and harvesting equipment to its product lineup in 1912. In 1918, while building a tractor to be sold for under $700, John Deere purchased the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company. This tractor was eventually built and known as the John Deere Waterloo Boy N.
1920s: John Deere introduces its first combine to the market in 1927.
1930s: The first row crop tractor from John Deere, known as the Model A, was introduced and then followed a year later by the Model B in 1934.
1940s: In 1947, the Model M tractor was manufactured and eventually evolved into bulldozers. This transformation began the company’s emergence into the construction and forestry industries.
1950s: The No. 8 Cotton Picker was the first two-row self-propelled vehicle to be introduced to the market. In 1957, haying became a one-man operation for the first time ever, because the 14T baler was introduced. This machine produced twine-tied bales, which improved overall productivity as well as ease of use.
1960s: In 1963, John Deere’s Consumer Equipment division entered the market by introducing lawn and garden tractors, in addition to attachments for them.
1990s: In 1992, John Deere introduced the first Gator, which was known as the Gator TH. Though it was originally being produced for light tasks, such as landscaping, this Gator pave the way for those XUVs that we enjoy today. In 1994, the 8000 Series tractor made its debut. This machine established new standards in control, as well as visibility, maneuverability, and power. Then, in 1996, John Deere made history when it introduced the 7760 Cotton Picker, which was the first of its kind to build round cotton modules as you go.
Popular Vintage Tractor Models
Over the past hundred years or so, John Deere has continued to innovate and find successes along the way. Through different forms of equipment production, they have been able to stand out. Looking back at the history of John Deere tractors, we can prepare ourselves for all that the future holds.
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