Deere & Company

John Deere fashioned the self-scouring plow-share from a saw blade, and an American manufacturing dynasty was born. Beginning in 1843, Deere went through several partnerships with various individuals before the becoming Deere and Company, Incorporated in 1868. It is interesting to note that many of Deere’ s partners in those years, between 1843 and 1868, went on to develop successful companies of their own, including Grand Detour Plow Company and The Rock Island Plow Company. Over the next 45 years, Deere would become one of the worlds leading tillage companies, which served them well when they embarked on tractor development plans in 1912. Deere’ s first effort was an all-wheel design model called the“ Dain”, named after its designer. The Dain was never successfully marketed, perhaps because its cost to the manufacturer made it too high priced for the common farmer. Deere and Company purchased The Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company in 1918. That company produced a tractor called the“ Waterloo Boy”, which boasted sales for this unit of more than 8,000 prior to Deere’ s purchase. Despite these impressive sales numbers, Deere realized they were far behind in the tractor industry and knew they would have to develop better products if they were to compete in the industry. Deere focused their attention on two-cylinder engines, and the“ Johnny Popper” was born. Deere enjoyed many more successful models, including the“ General Purpose” model, which provided ROW CROP competition to the IH Farmall. Deere and Company continued over time to pay attention to design change and industry need. They developed into the global business giant of today, selling everything from lawn mowers to combines, in many countries around the world.