Joe Dain's Legacy: The Man Behind John Deere's Revolution

Joe Dain and the John Deere Tractor Revolution

The Dawn of a New Era in Agriculture

At the turn of the 20th century, agriculture was on the brink of a revolution.

Tractors were poised to transform farming, and in this transformative period, Joe Dain Sr. emerged as a key figure.

His story intertwines with the historic move of the John Deere Company into the tractor business, a decision that reshaped the agricultural landscape.

Joseph Dain Sr.: The Visionary Inventor

Joseph Dain Sr., a visionary and a determined inventor, played a crucial role in developing a tractor that would carry the iconic John Deere name.

His journey began with experimental work dating back to 1914, a period of intense innovation and creativity in the tractor industry.

Dain’s contribution was not just in design but also in imagining the future of farming machinery.

John Deere’s Leap into Tractor Business

1918 marked a significant milestone for John Deere, a company renowned for its agricultural implements.

The acquisition of 100 Dain tractors signaled its entry into the tractor market, a bold move that expanded its product line and solidified its position in the industry.

This pivotal decision was made at the company’s East Moline, Illinois production site, later becoming the famed John Deere Harvester Works.

Technological Choices and Challenges

The journey wasn’t without its challenges.

A central decision point for John Deere was choosing between Dain’s innovative four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive design and the more straightforward, more established two-cylinder design of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company’s Waterloo Boy Tractor.

Despite the advanced features of Dain’s design, John Deere eventually opted for the Waterloo Boy, a decision influenced by various factors, including market readiness and manufacturing simplicity.

Elmer McCormick: The Unsung Hero

Elmer McCormick, a name less known but equally important, supervised the manufacturing of the Dain tractors. His expertise and oversight were instrumental in the production process.

McCormick’s role didn’t end there; he later ascended to the position of Chief Engineer at Deere’s Waterloo Plant, contributing significantly to the company’s ongoing success in the tractor business.

The Dain Tractor: A Rarity in Agricultural History

The Dain tractor, with its unique three-wheel chain drive and other specific components, stands as a rare piece in the history of agricultural machinery.

Only two complete examples are known to exist today, making them prized artifacts in the story of agricultural innovation.

One such example, owned by Mr. Williams, holds the distinction of being the thirty-fourth unit built.

A Legacy Remembered: The 1974 Donation

In 1974, a significant event underscored the importance of the Dain tractor in agricultural history.

The Williams family donated one of the surviving tractors to the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club. This gesture highlighted not just the rarity of the machine but also its historical significance.

The John Deere AWD Dain Tractor #34: A Technical Marvel

The 1918 model of the Dain tractor was a marvel of its time. Its engine, fuel capacity, power ratings, and dimensions were state-of-the-art, reflecting the technological advancements of the era.

Its price, though steep compared to its contemporaries, was justified by its advanced features and robust performance.

The Broader Canvas: Early 20th Century Agricultural Context

This story of innovation and determination takes place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing agricultural scene in the early 20th century.

With thousands of tractors beginning to dot the American landscape, major companies like IH and Case also entered the tractor market, creating a competitive and dynamic environment.

Deere & Co.’s Tractor Market Entry: A Tale of Vision and Resistance

Internal debates and strategic decisions mark the narrative of John Deere’s entry into the tractor market. Despite initial reluctance by conservative management, figures like Vice-President Willard L.

Velie advocated for tractor production, reflecting a forward-thinking approach within the company.

Early attempts, including the Gas Traction Big Four tractor in Deere catalogs and the development of the Melvin tractor prototype, set the stage for the company’s eventual full-fledged entry into the market.

The Dain Tractor’s Legacy in John Deere’s History

As the first to bear the John Deere name, the Dain tractor holds a special place in the company’s history.

It symbolized innovation and a testament to Joseph Dain’s leadership in tractor development, overcoming skepticism and technical challenges.

The tractor’s journey from experimental design to production, and eventually to being a treasured piece of agricultural history, encapsulates the spirit of innovation and progress that defined the early 20th-century agricultural industry.

In summary, Joe Dain’s story is about innovation, determination, and a deep understanding of agricultural needs.

Joe Dain’s contributions, along with those of key figures like Elmer McCormick, helped shape the John Deere Company and the entire landscape of agricultural machinery.

The Dain tractor, a rare and significant invention, is a testament to this remarkable industrial and agricultural history.

Key Points and Facts

A Step into History: The John Deere Joe Dain Tractor

Experimental Beginnings: Work on the John Deere Joe Dain tractor began in 1914.
Production Milestone: In 1918, 100 units of the tractor were built and sold to John Deere Company.
Historical Significance: The tractor marked a significant chapter in John Deere’s history.

Joseph Dain Sr.: The Inventor Behind the Machine

Key Role: Joseph Dain Sr. was instrumental in developing the John Deere Joe Dain tractor.
The Experimental Phase: His work on the tractor spanned several years leading up to 1918.

John Deere’s Foray into the Tractor Industry

Strategic Acquisition: The company acquired 100 Dain tractors, marking its entry into the tractor business.
Production Site: These tractors were produced in East Moline, Illinois, where the John Deere Harvester Works would later be established.

Technological Decisions and Industry Competition

Design Dilemma: John Deere faced a choice between Dain’s four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive design and the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company’s two-cylinder Waterloo Boy Tractor.
The Final Pick: The company eventually chose the Waterloo Boy over Dain’s design.

Elmer McCormick: A Key Contributor

Supervisory Excellence: Elmer McCormick oversaw the manufacturing process of the Dain tractors.
Career Progression: He later became the Chief Engineer at Deere’s Waterloo Plant.

The Rare Dain Tractor

Surviving Examples: Only two complete Dain tractors are known to exist today.
A Notable Example: One of these, owned by Mr. Williams, is the thirty-fourth unit built.

1974: A Year to Remember

Historical Donation: The Williams family donated a Dain tractor to the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club in 1974.
Significance: This event highlighted the tractor’s importance in agricultural history.

Technical Marvel: The John Deere AWD Dain Tractor #34

Engineering Details: The 1918 model featured advanced engine details, fuel capacity, power ratings, dimensions, and price.
Unique Features: It boasted a three-wheel chain drive and specific components like the carburetor, air cleaner, and magneto.

Early 20th Century Agricultural Scene

Tractor Count: The 1910 census recorded 10,000 tractors on U.S. farms.
Market Entrants: Major farm implement companies like IH and Case also entered the tractor market.

Deere & Co.’s Initial Hesitance

Conservative Approach: The company’s management, especially President William Butterworth, initially opposed manufacturing tractors.
Supportive Vice-President: Willard L. Velie, however, favored producing tractors.

Early Market Trials

Catalog Listing: The Gas Traction Big Four tractor appeared in Deere catalogs.
Prototype Development: The “Melvin” tractor prototype was developed but eventually discarded.

Joseph Dain’s Visionary Project

Commissioned Exploration: Dain was tasked with developing a tractor for Deere & Co. post-1914.
Prototype Creation: A prototype was created in early 1915.

Boardroom Battles

Resistance to Change: There was initial opposition to tractor development from the board.
Design and Testing: Dain’s design, a 3-wheeled tractor with an all-wheel chain drive, underwent testing and proved highly effective.

The Decision to Produce

Production Run: In 1917, Deere decided to manufacture 100 Dain tractors.
Pricing: These were sold in Huron, South Dakota, at $1,700 each.

Acquisition and Legacy

Waterloo Gasoline Tractor Company: Its acquisition in March 1918 led to the discontinuation of the Dain-designed machine.
Historical Recognition: The Dain tractor remains an integral part of Deere’s historical lineage.

A Survivor’s Tale

Rediscovery: A Dain tractor was found in 1948 by Frank Hansen and restored for exhibitions.

Joe Dain’s life and work represent a significant era in agricultural technology, marked by innovation, corporate decision-making, and the evolution of farming methods.

His contributions, along with those of other key figures, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern agricultural landscape.

Joe Dain

Joe Dain’s Journey in Tractor Development: A Timeline

1910

Agricultural Context: The U.S. census counts 10,000 tractors on farms. Companies like IH and Case start entering the tractor market.

1912

Deere & Co.’s Initial Tractor Market Entry: An Executive Committee resolution on March 5 marks the beginning of Deere & Co.’s journey into the tractor market.
First Attempts: Deere lists the Gas Traction Big Four tractor in their catalogs and tries to buy the Gas Traction company.
The Melvin Prototype: C.H. Melvin designs a prototype tractor for Deere & Co.

1914

Experimental Work Begins: Joe Dain Sr. starts working on the experimental John Deere Dain tractor.

1915

Dain’s Prototype Development: Early in the year, Dain creates a tractor prototype for Deere & Co.

1916 – 1917

Dain’s Design and Testing: Dain develops a 3-wheeled tractor with all-wheel chain drive and conducts testing in various states, proving its effectiveness.

1917

Decision to Produce Dain Tractors: Deere decides to manufacture 100 Dain tractors, later produced at the Harvester Works in East Moline.

1918

Production and Sale of Dain Tractors: 100 units of the Dain tractor are built and sold to the John Deere Company.
Acquisition of Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company: On March 14, this acquisition leads to the discontinuation of the Dain-designed machine.

1919

Final Production of Dain Tractors: Approximately 100 Dain tractors are produced at the Tenth Street plant in East Moline, Illinois.

1948

Rediscovery of a Dain Tractor: Frank Hansen of Rolling Stone, Minnesota, finds a derelict Dain tractor, which he restores and exhibits in shows.

1974

Donation of a Dain Tractor: The Williams family donates one of the two known surviving Dain tractors to the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club.

Joe Dain’s journey reflects a period of great innovation and change in agricultural machinery, marked by his significant contributions to tractor development and the evolution of the John Deere Company’s product line.

Lessons from Joe Dain’s Life

Embrace Innovation

Pioneering Spirit: Joe Dain’s work on the experimental John Deere Dain tractor began in 1914, showcasing his forward-thinking approach.
Lesson: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Innovation is key to progress. Like Dain, who ventured into uncharted territory with his tractor design, we can learn to embrace new ideas and technologies.

Persistence Pays Off

Overcoming Challenges: Despite initial skepticism from the board and technical challenges, Dain persisted in developing the tractor.
Lesson: Keep going, even when things get tough. Persistence in the face of difficulties, as shown by Dain, is crucial for achieving goals. When you believe in your ideas, push through the obstacles.

Impact of Decisions

Significant Choices: The decision between Dain’s four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive tractor and the Waterloo Boy tractor was a turning point in John Deere’s history.
Lesson: Understand the weight of your decisions. Our choices, like those made by John Deere in selecting tractor designs, can have long-lasting impacts. It’s important to consider the consequences and potential of our chosen paths.

Joe Dain’s life teaches us the importance of embracing innovation, the value of persistence, and the lasting impact of our decisions.

These lessons can guide our journeys, inspiring us to be pioneering, resilient, and thoughtful in our choices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joe Dain

Who is Joe Dain?

Joe Dain Sr. was an inventor who played a crucial role in developing the John Deere Dain tractor.

His work in the early 20th century contributed significantly to the agricultural machinery industry.

What was the John Deere Joe Dain Tractor?

The John Deere Joe Dain tractor was a pioneering farm machinery developed in the early 1900s.

It was notable for its experimental design, including a four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive system.

When did Joe Dain start working on the John Deere Dain tractor?

Joe Dain Sr. began his experimental work on the tractor in 1914.

This work was part of a broader effort by John Deere to enter the tractor market and innovate in agricultural machinery.

How many John Deere Dain tractors were built?

In 1918, 100 John Deere Dain tractor units were built and sold to the John Deere Company, marking a significant milestone in the company’s entry into the tractor business.

What was significant about the John Deere Dain tractor?

The Dain tractor was the first to bear the John Deere name on its hood.

It represented a major step in tractor technology and was a key product in John Deere’s history.

What were some unique features of the Dain tractor?

The Dain tractor had several unique features, including a three-wheel chain drive and specific components like a carburetor, air cleaner, and magneto.

Its technical specifications included details on the engine, fuel capacity, power ratings, dimensions, and price.

Where were the Dain tractors manufactured?

The Dain tractors were manufactured in East Moline, Illinois, at a site that would later become the John Deere Harvester Works.

Why did John Deere choose the Waterloo Boy tractor over the Dain design?

John Deere opted for the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company’s two-cylinder Waterloo Boy Tractor over Dain’s design for various reasons, including the Waterloo Boy’s simpler design and market readiness.

Are there any surviving examples of the Dain tractor?

Yes, only two complete examples of the Dain tractor are known to exist. One of these, the thirty-fourth one built, was owned by Mr. Williams.

What happened to the Dain tractors eventually?

The final disposition of most Dain tractors remains a mystery. However, one was found derelict in 1948 by Frank Hansen of Rolling Stone, Minnesota, and was restored for exhibition.

Joe Dain’s work and the development of the Dain tractor provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of agricultural machinery and the early challenges and triumphs of the John Deere Company.