cast iron
Inventing the world's first self polishing steel plow and starting a company with quality equipment.
Which one? The Froelich tractor which led to the Waterloo Boy which led to the Model D was invented by John Froelich while the John Deere-Dain, the first tractor to bear the John Deere name, was invented by Joseph Dain.
An easier question to answer would be what DIDN'T John Deere improve. Everything from the steel plow to the tractor to the square baler has been touched in some way by John Deere's influence. Without John Deere, we would have a very bleak world in agriculture today.
Check the rear of the tractor above the PTO. I may be wrong so if it isn't there check on the engine for a plate w/ a number of a cast engine number which your John Deere dealer should be able to identify and tell you at least what year it is.
The Company, Deere and Company was founded by John Deere who was an American blacksmith during the 1800s. John Deere was responsible for inventing the first steel plow in 1837. It was this invention that led to the company's ever growing production of tractors, and other types of farm and agricultural equipment.
John Deere was born in Rutland, Vermont in 1804. In 1837 he built the first steel plow, using steel from an old sawmill blade. By 1842 more than 100 plows were built. By 1852, Deere & Co. were located in Moline, Illinois and was producing 4000 plows per year. John Deere passed away in 1886 and the company was taken over by his son. In 1918 Deere & Co. acquired the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company and were instantly in the tractor business.
Steel.
John Deere built the first steel plow in 1837 in the town of Grand Detour, IL.
John Deere
john deere
The steel plow
John Deere created to steel plow