why are tractors green

Tractors are an essential part of modern farming, and they come in many different sizes and colors. While most people associate tractors with the color green, not many know why this color was chosen. In this article, we will explore the history and reasons behind why tractors are green.

The History of Tractor Colors

Tractors first started appearing in the early 1900s, and at that time, they were usually painted in a dark red or grey color. However, as farming became more mechanized in the 1920s and 1930s, tractor manufacturers started experimenting with different colors. Initially, they used colors like red, grey, and blue. But it was the John Deere Company that made green the most popular color for tractors.

Why Are Tractors Green?

The story behind why tractors are green is quite interesting. Back in the 19th century, John Deere, the founder of the John Deere Company, was a blacksmith and a manufacturer of farming equipment. He noticed that farmers had a difficult time plowing their fields with the cast iron plows of the time, which would often become clogged with soil.In response, John Deere decided to build a plow with a polished steel blade. This innovation made plowing much more efficient and easier, and it quickly became popular among farmers. However, the polished steel blade had one problem - it tended to rust and corrode. To prevent this from happening, John Deere came up with a solution: he painted the blade green using a mixture of oil, lead, and yellow chromate.The green color quickly became a trademark of John Deere, and when the company started producing tractors in the 1920s, they continued to use the same shade of green. The color proved to be incredibly popular among farmers, who associated it with John Deere's reputation for quality and innovation.

The Benefits of Green Tractors

Aside from the historical significance, there are also practical reasons why tractors are green. Green is an excellent color for outdoor machinery because it blends in well with the surrounding greenery, making it less visible to animals and birds. This is particularly important for farmers who work in areas where wildlife is abundant.Another benefit of green tractors is that it is a calming color. Green is associated with nature and relaxation, and studies have shown that exposure to green can reduce stress and anxiety. This is important for farmers who spend long hours in the field operating their tractors.

The Future of Tractor Colors

While green continues to be the most popular color for tractors, there are other colors being used as well. Some manufacturers use red, yellow, and blue, while others offer tractors in custom colors for buyers who want something more unique.However, it is unlikely that green will ever lose its status as the most popular color for tractors. The John Deere Company continues to dominate the farming equipment market, and their iconic green and yellow tractors are a common sight on farms around the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reason why tractors are green can be traced back to John Deere's innovative plow blade. The green color quickly became a symbol of quality and innovation, and it continues to be the most popular color for tractors today. While there are practical benefits to using green tractors, it is the historical significance and association with John Deere that makes the color so important to the farming community.