John Deere - Not Just for Farmers

The John Deere Company, or John Deere as it is more commonly called, is one of the largest and most successful farming equipment manufacturers in the world. You will know you're looking at a John Deere tractor by its signature green and yellow colors and the trademark design of the leaping deer.

The company manufactures tractors ranging from 18 HP to 450 HP in approximately 13 different series. John Deere tractors just might be the most popular type of tractor around. Most people will associate tractors with farming lots of land or other agricultural uses. What many may not know is that these green and yellow machines come in all kinds of sizes, and yes, there is even one small enough for you to use in your own yard! So now even 'city slickers' can proudly own a Deere. (If I ever do move back 'into town' I will have to buy one for myself, because I just can't think of what life might be like without one!)

The founder of the John Deere Company was originally a blacksmith by trade. In 1837 he was working in Grand Detour, IL. The tough prairie sod in the area had a clay base that was very sticky. The farmers were having a tough time trying to work the soil with the cast iron plows they had. They needed help! Deere constructed a self-scouring steel plow and began work on perfecting the design. The finished design was highly polished steel and the moldboard was correctly shaped to break that tough prairie ground. Needless to say, the farmers were ecstatic and his implement business took off very quickly.

In 1843, the business had become so successful that Deere took on the first of many business partners to help speed up production. By 1848, Deere had moved the company to Moline, IL on the banks of the Mississippi River to be nearer to a transportation hub, which helped him get his products to the customers faster and more efficiently.

John Deere had many business partners in his time, but he always made it a point to only manufacture quality products. In 1868 the company was officially named the John Deere Company. Deere's son Charles eventually took over the company from his father and continued to stress the commitment to quality products. Under his guidance the business continued to grow until it became what it is today, a name easily recognized worldwide.