Books by Wayne G Broehl
Explore our curated list of farming and tractor history books.
John Deere's Company - Volume 1 From the Steel Plow to the Tractor 1837-1927
<p>The history of Deere & Company is several stories at once. It is the saga of an American folk hero remembered as the man "who gave to the world the steel plow." John Deere's Company - Volume 1 is the story of rural and small-town America from the time eastern farmers began moving into the Midwest in the early 1800s, through the American industrial revolution of the late 19th and up to the creation of the first John Deere tractors. </p> <p>It is also the story of an uncommon family whose members for 145 years directed the destiny of one of America's oldest business firms--now the largest agricultural machinery manufacturer in the world--until the first nonfamily member, Robert Hanson, was named chief executive officer of Deere in 1982.</p> <p>The story follows the company's role in the extraordinary growth of the American agricultural economy; its role in the discovery and application of major innovations in machinery and manufacturing methods; and, finally, its role in the sharing of that technology throughout the world.</p> <p>Those roles were influenced by the Populist movement in the 19th century, by the early attempts of unions to organize the farm implement industry, and by the competitive tactics and strategies of industrial leaders whose companies battled each other for market share.</p> <p>Wayne Broehl has taken these several historic threads and woven them into this lively and absorbing historical account. The updated and revised book has been divided into two volumes, this is Volume 1.</p>
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John Deere's Company - Volume 2 From Johnny Popper to the Iron Horses 1928-1982
<p><i>John Deere's Company</i> is an engaging two-volume narrative account of Deere's growth from its foundation by a blacksmith to its position as a dominant maker of agricultural machinery. This is Volume 2, which covers company history from 1928 to 1982--essentially from the Model GP tractor to the 40 Series tractors.</p><p>Author Wayne G. Broehl Jr. dedicated the better part of a decade to this work, and the comprehensive overview of John Deere is packed with details on the entire industry as well as insight into some of the most fascinating strategies, backroom deals, and near-miss acquisitions in agricultural company history.</p><p>The story follows the company's role in the extraordinary growth of the American agricultural economy, its role in the discovery and application of major innovations in machinery and manufacturing methods, and, finally, its role in the sharing of that technology throughout the world.</p><p>Readers are privy to intriguing backstories, including the partnership with Caterpillar, Charles Wiman's strategy for taking over the number one position in the agriculture industry, the collaboration with Yanmar, and the fascinating merger attempt with Fiat--as well as consideration of a joint venture with Deutz.</p><p>Broehl Jr. has woven these complex threads into a lively and absorbing historical account that is a must-read for anyone who loves the history of heavy machines and American industry.</p>
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The John Deere Tractor Legacy
Not only is "The John Deere Tractor Legacy" published under license of Deere & Company, it is edited by the world’s most respected and best known John Deere historian and expert--Don Macmillan--so readers know they can rely on its information. This comprehensive history of the man, his company, and his legacy includes a biography of John Deere, plus excerpts from the writings of Deere engineers and historians, such as Wayne Broehl, Harold Brock, and Orrin Miller. Images are from the Deere archives, as well as from noted tractor photographer Ralph W. Sanders. Readers will find never-before-published material in "The John Deere Tractor Legacy," including compelling accounts of the development of the Waterloo Boy, the Johnny Popper, and the New Generation tractors. Readers will also discover the importance of the work that Deere did for the U.S. Army in World War II and how it helped the company to become the number-one tractor manufacturer in the world. Coverage of plows, implements, combines, cars, snowmobiles, lawn and garden tractors, and bicycles is also included.
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The John Deere Two-Cylinder Tractor Encyclopedia The Complete Model-by-Model History
<p>Here are the simple farm machines, the trusty green two-cylinder tractors that pulled agriculture from horses to horsepower. Compiled by the historian chosen by Deere & Company to write its story, this encyclopedia unfolds the full model-by-model history of the worlds most popular tractor--from the first one produced in 1914 to the last in 1960.<br><br>Brochures and toys, archival photographs and new color images lovingly depict every facet of these sturdy machines. Entries profile the model variations and specs, the options and historical features of the John Deere two-cylinder tractor through the decades, a classic sight on the American horizon.</p>
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