We are excited to have displays at our Aug. 21-23 Show of all machines produced by John Deere.
General questions can be forwarded to the Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club (BS&GEC) 2025 Feature Coordinator Mark Frey at 608-212-6II4 or feature@badgersteamandgas.com
In 2026 the Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club will feature John Deere! Often people think of JD Tractors but in 1837 blacksmith John Deere invented the first commercially successful self-scouring steel plow in Grand Detour, Illinois, solving the problem of sticky Midwestern soil. Expanding from plows to cultivators he established Deere & Company in 1868. In 1876 sales expanded in tractors. In 1911 JD purchased Dain Manufacturing Company and after many prototypes, produced the Dain All-Wheel Drive tractor 1917. It was not until 1918 with the purchase of Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company that John Deere competitively entered the tractor market. From this start John Deere grew into a global leader in agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery. (reference John Deere Tractors)
We invite you to our show grounds August 21, 22, 23 for a walk through time with many many John Deere displays from field equipment, hit and miss engines, crop processing and of course Tractors over our three day event!
Tractor models to look for:
The most famous John Deere tractor is arguably the John Deere 4020, the best-selling single model in company history (1963-1972) known for revolutionizing farming with its power, reliability, and versatile features like the Synchro-Range transmission, making it a cultural icon and a benchmark for American agriculture.
Other Highly Famous Models:
- John Deere Model D: The longest-running Deere tractor (1923-1953), famous for its massive two-cylinder engine and incredible endurance.
- John Deere Model A: Deere’s most popular tractor ever by volume, crucial in the transition from horse-drawn implements.
- John Deere 4450: A powerhouse from the 1980s, celebrated for its turbocharged engine, reliable power shift, and comfortable Sound-Gard cab during the farm crisis.
John Deere Bikes
With the national bike craze John Deere produced bikes in the 1890’s.
There was a brief revival in the mid 1970’s with Green and Blue Cruisers being sold beside farm equipment!
Other Powered machines produced by John Deere!
Beyond implements and tractors we are featuring John Deere hit and miss engines! Hit and miss engines used a governing system that fired (hit) only to maintain speed, then coasted (miss). Most notably from the 1920 to mid 1940’s the reliable Model E. These engines powered early farm equipment, providing steady, economical power before becoming obsolete with rural electrification, leaving a legacy of simple, durable “green iron” beloved by collectors and enthusiasts today.
Snowmobiles:
From 1972 to 1984 John Deere produced snowmobiles known for quality and performance. The machines produced in Horicon Wi, alongside lawn equipment, initially utilizing Kohler engines in 300 series and later models like Liquifire and Trailfire used John Deere/Kawasaki-built engines.
John Deere snowmobiles are considered quality vintage machines, with many being restored and collected today, noted for their solid build and distinctive green and yellow styling.
Lawn Mowers
To meet growing suburban demand for reliable, feature-rich riding mowers. In 1963 JD, experts in agricultural equipment, began production of the Model 110 riding lawn mower, in Horicon Wi. Homeowners enjoyed durable and convenient attachments. The legacy continues today with zero-turn and turf tractors.
If you have John Deere machines we encourage you to become an Exhibitor!
General questions can be forwarded to the Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club (BS&GEC) 2026 Feature Coordinator Bill Ebert 608-963-9235 or feature@badgersteamandgas.com