John Deere dealers merge

Area John Deere dealers Prairie State Tractor and Martin Tractor are merging as Heritage Tractor.

The merged dealerships will be joining with a strategic partner, Heritage Tractor, Inc. and taking on the Heritage Tractor brand name. The newly-formed group will have common leadership which includes the same partners that are involved today.

Customers and communities throughout the region will be served by 22 Illinois locations.

“As the two companies come together as Heritage Tractor, they will have more resources, better equipment and parts availability, a customer resource center, technology education and implementation as well as an ability to share more knowledge and talent with customers,” stated a news release issued earlier in the week.

Both Prairie State Tractor and Martin Tractor have a long history of serving Illinois growers.

“This merger will better enable us to provide the solutions that are customers want and deserve while providing our employees increasing opportunities to grow and develop in their careers,” said Chris Rupiper, CEO of Prairie State Tractor.

“It is our goal to be the dealer of choice based on our heritage of superior service,” noted Jim Haynes, CEO of Martin Tractor.

Martin Tractor has been serving Illinois growers for almost 100 years. With 14 locations around Illinois, the company sells and services John Deere parts and equipment.

Prairie State Tractor was formed from the merger of Holland & Sons and Kelly Sauder Rupiper Equipment in 2021. The business serves customers across the state through eight Illinois locations, providing farm and lawn equipment as well as OEM parts and certified service.

Heritage Tractor was founded in 1998 as a one-store operation and is a leading John Deere dealer today with 21 locations in Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. They provide quality equipment, service and innovative solutions.