JD & Cat

[cdunn]

A little while back, Gregjo1948 posted a thread about the relationship between John Deere and Caterpillar which spurred my interest. After a little research I found that they did, in fact, at one time (1935) merge their sales businesses and each sold the others tractors. By this time both were firmly established in their respective products. However this arrangement lasted a relatively short time. I saw on another web site some signs (nos) from this period, some 70 years ago, for sale. Probably wouldn't happen today.

[cowboy4996]

I've seen a couple of dealer stickers on tractors over the years showing the Deere/Cat relationship of that particular dealer. And you are right...those days are gone...never happen today.
During this time of "togetherness" Cat decided to get out of the combine business so they either gave the combine patents to Deere, or sold them for a pittance.

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

I recall reading in one of my equipment history books that there was a marriage between members of the families which controlled both companies, but I do not recall just when that was. I think about the time Cat passed the combines onto Deere....

Stan

[Lavoy]

Deere bought all of Cat's combine technology, and it has been widely believed that Deere helped them out on their hyd technology.
Lavoy

[cowboy4996]

Stan, I've never heard anything about a marriage...could very well be. Interesting.....

Lavoy, I think that's true about the hydraulics......also, this was about the time Jessie Lindeman was building a working relationship with Deere.....he was also working pretty closely with Caterpillar about the same time.