New York  - Deere and Co, the world's largest farm equipment maker, said Wednesday it had withstood the weaker US economy and construction market as sales of its agricultural machines led up quarterly earnings.

Net profits rose 7 per cent to 575 million dollars, in the third quarter as the Moline, Illinois-based firm also fought rising prices for raw materials. The amount fell short of analysts' estimates. Quarterly revenue rose 17 per cent to 7.7 billion dollars.

The worldwide boom in agriculture drove sales of Deere's famed green tractors and other farm equipment up 35 per cent, making up nearly half its profits. But the US real estate slump pushed sales in its construction unit down 7 per cent, while profits fell 38 per cent in the unit.

International sales accounted for 40 per cent of revenues. (dpa)