The die-cast John Deere tractor ranks among the one-hundred most-treasured toys of the 20th century, according to the Toy Industry Association. Ken Golden, spokesman for Quad Cities-based Deere and Company, says it’s an honor for the farm implement maker to make the list. The tractors were first built in 1947. One toy was chosen as a favorite from each year of the 1900s on a list that includes G-I Joe, Etch-a-Sketch, the Battleship game, Hula-Hoops and Big Wheels. Golden says the durable metal tractors are considered heirlooms in many families — and they could really bring a lot of money if they were sold to a collector.He says the tractors are given out as gifts for certain birthdays. Golden says it’s not just farm kids that cling to and play with the green machines. He says they’ve become a symbol of Americana and a more simple lifestyle. To see the complete list of most memorable toys from the 20th century, surf to “www.toy-tia.org”.