For more than 175 years, the John Deere Company has been researching and developing innovative farm equipment that strives to improve agricultural productivity. These 10 antique John Deere tractors highlight the original model designs that paved the way for the modern equipment we rely on today.

Waterloo Boy

Waterloo Boy: The first Waterloo Boy tractor was first released in 1914 in  a variety of models and engine sizes. In 1918, the John Deere Company purchased the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company and continued to sell tractors under the Waterloo Boy name until 1923.

Dain All Wheel Drive

In the spring of 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act of Congress that established the early beginnings of the history of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). This 150-year-old section of government laid the foundation for how our modern agriculture industry would advance in the realm of land cultivation, conservation, and economic development.

Lincoln was born on a poor farm in Kentucky in the midst of pioneer farming on the western frontier of America. His work as a farm hand gave him the understanding and experience for what it meant to cultivate land and produce successful harvests. Once he left his farming life to pursue politics, Lincoln expressed his passion for developing better education and government recognition of agriculture and engineering.

This rare 1971 John Deere 4000 diesel, Power Shift tractor with 5,562 hours sold for $35,000 on a December 18, 2012 farm retirement auction in Indepedence, IA.

It wasn’t the prettiest. It was missing a few parts. But it’s rare and it was a Deere, so it sold for big $$.

I’m talking about a 1971 John Deere 4000 tractor with 5,562 hours sold on a farm retirement auction December 18, 2012 in the northeast Iowa town of Independece. Deere made the 4000 model tractor from 1969 – 1972, but what made this particular 4000 rare was its configuration…a diesel, power shift.

2000 JD 8410 tractor with 584 hours sold for record price of $136,000 on northwest Illinois farm auction. The owner reportedly made everyone and anyone remove their boots & shoes before entering the tractor cab

It was understood. Before entering the cab, you had to take off your boots & shoes.

An extreme example of meticulous care of your used farm equipment, some/most may say obsessive, but it worked. Just look at how the 2000 John Deere 8410 tractor shines. What a beauty. You could eat your Thanksgiving turkey dinner off the hood its so clean.

John Deere Inventions

John Deere inventions have been serving the agricultural, forestry, and construction community for decades and the dedication to quality spans 175 years. John Deere was, and still is an inspiring pioneer in regards to the innovative design and production of tractor equipment, which can be seen through Deere’s introduction of new equipment, financial success, global expansion, and a guarantee of reliable machinery. The following images give a visual representation of the milestones the John Deere company has achieved in nearly two centuries of business.

1837 First Self-Scouring Plow: Deere designs a plow that can cut through the sticky Midwestern soil.

Over the years, “John Deere” has become a household name for most Americans. Whether it’s written across a hat or on a lawn mower, tractor, or children’s toy, we all recognize that familiar green and yellow. The history of John Deere has had a big impact on the world’s approach to plowing, harvesting, mowing, lumbering, and simple gardening. Though some of us may boast an expert recognition and knowledge of the John Deere products and brand, what do we really know about the man who started it all?

At the recent Emanuel County, Georgia, Bicentennial, the Emanuel County Historic Preservation hosted discussions from regional farmers who have seen a change in the agriculture land in Georgia through the decades, the Swainsboro News reports.

According to the media outlet, Doug Bennett, a nephew of the region’s famed “Bennett Boys,” spoke at the event, giving a first-hand account of what it was like to grow up on a farm. He stated that when Frank Bennett and Peggy Johnson married and started the farm, they did not know how far the business would take them. As the years went on, everyone in the Bennett family would have first hand experience with the agriculture land in Georgia.

This John Deere 4440 tractor with 5,333 hours sold for $42,000 on an October 25, 2012 farm estate auction in south-central Wisconsin.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: It PAYS to take great care of your used equipment!

Vivid proof came on a farm estate auction October 25, 2012 near Janesville, WI. George Auction Service held this sale that featured (2) very nice condition, well cared for John Deere tractors, a 4440 tractor with 5,333 hours and a late-model JD 4020 with 8,233 hours (diesel, power shift, side console, 1 onwer).

The John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois is a reminder of how the business continues to explore ways of bringing quality to the lives of people in the U.S.

Since the company is celebrating its 175th anniversary throughout the year, there have been a number of events that are being held in order to raise interest in the history of John Deere and its place in American culture.

The John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois, has been a place that is buzzing this year, as it has held various events throughout 2012, ranging from blacksmith gatherings to art shows.