Now in its fourth printing with 15 more pages, this is the handbook of the John Deere model “A,” 1934-1938. A book that should be on the “must read” list of any unstyled “A” owner. There is probably no other book on the market that goes into so much detail on a single model of tractor. Shows illustrations of nearly every change made in the parts that make up the unstyled “A.” 95 pages, 11x8-1/2 inches, soft cover.
Both books include history, specifications, serial numbers, original prices and much more A Specialized Look Into
The Handbook of the John Deere Model B 1934-1938
The same types of information as available in the book above, except now about the model “B,” written and compiled by a panel of experts who have spent decades collecting and restoring the unstyled version of Deere’s most popular tractor. This book shows nearly every change made in the parts that make up the unstyled “B.” 84 pages, 11”x8 ½”, soft cover, over 200 photos - most in color.
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Seems like when I answer the phone here in the office, callers often want to talk about the weather, so that is what I will start with. I heard on the radio the other day that there is some place in every state, including Hawaii, that has had more snow this winter than Omaha. Our office is about 70 miles from there, and we have had a little more than them, maybe two inches. From what I hear, we are not the only ones lacking snow. I hope we can make up for it with rain early this spring.
The big event of the summer will be the Classic Green Reunion in West Bend, Wisconsin in June. We have added some new information on the show to the ad on page 37, so check it out. We here at Green Magazine are also putting together the program for the show, so if you would like to place an ad in it, please give us a call. All proceeds from the program go to Classic Green to help put on this year’s and future shows.
We sold out of our 1958 calendars in early January, which is a good reason to heed our warnings in the fall and order early. We don’t print a lot of extras, because any left over are pretty much useless. True, the days of the year repeat every six or 11 years, but some holidays like Easter wouldn’t be on the correct date, nor would the moon phases, and I wouldn’t want someone mad at me because they planted their tomatoes or weaned their calves on the wrong day. What year will the 2026 calendar be? In this case, we can simply advance one year and have completely different models, so the
2026 calendar will feature 1959 models. So, if you have a model 330 through 840 restored like original, and would like to see it on next year’s calendar, send us a photo. That includes crawlers, Hi-Crops, orchards and maybe
even a combine. It doesn’t have to be great photography, we just want to see that it doesn’t have any non-original parts like chrome or oversize tires. If we like it, we can arrange for better photos later.
That all for now. See you next month.
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This model “Y” disk was part of a package deal that included a 2440 with loader, 2-16 JD plow, 78 back blade—and a house and acreage! See, the kindly old man wouldn’t come down a penny on his asking price for the JD equipment but tying it into the house/real estate offer, he did indeed come down on the price of the house! True story!
I’ve had the “Y” (and friends) since 1993. From memory, the “Y” is around 11 feet wide and has been a good partner for the 2440. I foolishly tried to add weight in the form of a 55 gallon drum for several years, which resulted in bending/cracking the two mast support tubes and cracking the front of the frame and front gang tubes.
In 2008, I rebuilt the “Y.” This included totally stripping it down to the frame, repairing the frame (the crack was minor), making new front gang supports out of thick-wall tubing, replacing U-bolts and all blades with Deere parts. Everything green was sandblasted and painted with Imron. I was going to use JD paint, but an autobody paint store had a gallon of “JD Green” Imron that a customer ordered and never picked up, so I got it for less than JD paint would have cost (although the activator wasn’t cheap!).
I had some communication with Travis Jorde about decals, but he was busy with show season and we just never got together on it since. As priorities go, the longer it lingered, the less decals became a priority. Now as
the years have gone by, the disk has gone from inside storage to being back outside and the Imron, while being durable, has faded to a strange shade.
So that’s my story! At top is a picture of the “Y” and me. Above are two pictures of the disk before I rebuilt it, showing proper original placement of the “John Deere” and
The article on the John Deere model “G” in the January 2025 issue of Green Magazine brought back some memories.
My father, Carlton W. Holmes, was employed at John Deere Tractor Waterloo in the connecting rod department, where he ran a diamond boring machine. On that
also the small “Y” designation on the frame in front of the three-point mast; plus a picture of it back in 2008 when I first got it back together. I actually have many pictures of it apart during the process.
Love your magazine and have been a long-time subscriber.
Mark Ugo, MI
machine, he would bore the wrist end and the crankshaft end of the rod. My father machined the “G” rods for the entire production run of the “G” model tractor. It is always interesting to read the Green Magazine issues.
Gene Holmes
* Nameplates $245 per set
* Decals
Hood ornament
Pre-cleaner bowl
* 3-piece seat kit
* Battery boxes
* Rockshaft covers
* Complete battery tray assembly
Fuel cap & radiator cap
Steering wheels & centers
* Side & front grille screens
Headlights Fenders
* Step kit
* Gauges
Radiator core
* Safety plate
* Front & rear side panels
Hydraulic outlet plugs
* Raincap for late side console
Mike Aylward was at the John Deere Classic Green tent during the Albert City, Iowa Threshermen and Collectors show the first weekend in August of 2024. Mike, a new Classic Green director who hails from Arbela, Missouri, displayed his original John Deere 50 in front of the tent. “I just started this year with Classic Green,” Mike said, enjoying the chance to meet what he called the nicest people.
Sharing his John Deere journey, Mike’s first tractor was a John Deere 1959 model 530 that he bought in 1978. He went with his father to look at the tractor and ended up buying it with money he made from selling hogs. “It was January; I drove it home 20 miles. We didn’t have a trailer and Dad and I would trade off to keep warm.”
This is a sentimental tractor with memories linked to his father, who was killed in a truck accident. The 1956 John Deere 50 at the Albert City show is a special tractor, too. Mike shared he has had it for three years now, and bought it in Alvia, Iowa, the same town that the tractor was originally sold in. “I bought it from a guy that used to have the Henderson Implement John Deere dealership at this sale. I bought it sight unseen, but Chris Cobler, a good friend who knows I like original tractors, said, ‘You’ll like it.’ While Chris looked at it for me, I bought it.”
The John Deere 50, Mike said, was the first or second tractor the owner sold new at Henderson Implement. The gentleman opened his dealership in 1956, and he was just 20 years old at the time! “The previous owner used the JD 50 on a mounted corn picker. It only has 4,166 hours on it,” Mike added. He said that the tractor looked even better in person than in the pictures. Mike added that it is rare that there are so many original items still on the tractor. “The tach still works, and the tires, seat and seat cover are original.”
With the original tires, Mike said he is afraid to use the 50 because he may puncture a tire. A tractor puller, Mike pulled a John Deere 60 in the past and he currently pulls a John Deere 70. At the show, he said it was hard to just watch and not take part in the tractor pull. While the 50 wasn’t used for anything heavy duty like pulling at the show, Mike shared, “I used it as a Gator yesterday!”
Mike plans to keep the 50 original. “My plans are to preserve and enjoy it as much as possible. I would like to find an original implement to pull behind it. I like that the tractor is original—original tractors tell a story—this one has earned its stripes.”
Besides his original 1956 JD 50, Mike also
had a seed plate selector unit at the show. This type of unit is what John Deere dealers used to show which seed plate was correct. The seed unit was for customers to use at the dealership. “You couldn’t buy them; they were only available at the branch houses or at the dealer.”
Mike’s seed plate selector unit was purchased at Verlan Heberer’s sale.
With a small family, only his mother left, Mike enjoys the camaraderie that collectors get at the antique tractor shows. “Tractor shows are a good excuse to get together and visit,” he shared.
Besides his tractors, “I collect antique harvesting equipment, and go to Kevin Bos’s show each year,” Mike said. “I like to work and use equipment. I have combines and
antique corn pickers. I have a good time at the Ottumwa, Iowa show. That is where I met Kevin, and we have been friends ever since.”
Mike and his friend, Chris, help out at the show where he helps run equipment. They know Mike will be gentle with the old machines that can be delicate. The Aylward family has a long history of farming. “Dad and Grandpa bought a new John Deere 12 A combine and custom combined 600 acres of beans to pay for it,” Mike shared.
These family memories are wrapped up in John Deere equipment and they keep Mike rooted in the hobby that is a part of his past! Another interest of Mike’s is maintaining the tower clock at the Scotland County Courthouse in Memphis, Missouri. Mike says, “It’s old iron, too.”
These family memories are wrapped up in John Deere equipment and they keep Mike rooted in the hobby that is a part of his past!
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The Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company was a pioneer in the manufacture and sale of gasoline-powered farm tractors. Founded in 1893 by John Froelich and a group of Iowa businessmen, the company began its journey in Waterloo, Iowa. In 1892, Froelich had successfully built a gasoline-powered tractor, and the company aimed to produce and sell his innovative design.
Unfortunately, the tractor did not achieve commercial success. Only two of the four tractors built were sold and both were later returned by unsatisfied customers. In 1895, the company was sold to George W. Miller and renamed the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company. Under Miller’s leadership, the focus shifted from tractors to gasoline engines. During this time engines were named W.G.T.E.Co, Vapor Cooled, Beat Em All, and more.
In 1904, the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company introduced the Waterloo Boy Gasoline Engine, a reliable power source for various farming activities such as running threshers and powering pumps. This innovation signifi-
A Waterloo engine from 1906. We assume by “Blacksmith Special,” they meant that it was the ideal engine to run a line shaft in a blacksmith shop.
In 1912, the company offered an air-cooled engine featuring a belt driven fan.
The “Beat-Em-All” engine was an answer to the need for an inexpensive engine. The three-horsepower engine used one flywheel and a side crank. It was introduced in 1905.
The “H” engine was built after Deere purchased the Waterloo Company, but before the John Deere “E” engines were introduced.
The final Waterloo design was the type “K” kerosene engine built in sizes up to seven horsepower.
cantly advanced farming practices and laid the groundwork for John Deere's future success in the agricultural sector. The company filed paperwork with the United States Patent Office to trademark the “Waterloo Boy” name, noting its continuous use in business since January 1, 1904. By 1906, the company streamlined its production to a few specific engine sizes (1-1/2, two, four, six, eight and 12 horsepower), ensuring parts were interchangeable. This strategy reduced manufacturing costs and improved efficiency. As a result, Waterloo became one of the “Big Four” manufacturers, alongside Fairbanks-Morse, Hercules, and International Harvester. Between 1906 and 1918, Waterloo engines were built for and sold by about 70 jobbers, with names like Big Chief, T. Eaton Co., Faultless, Majestic, and Sandow.
The company saw significant growth in sales, with 268 engines sold in 1906, 1,034 in 1907, 2,315 in 1908, and 6,000 in 1909. A notable price reduction in 1908 contributed to the sales surge in 1909. By 1910, increased demand necessitated the expansion of the factory, which doubled its capacity with new buildings equipped with modern machinery dedicated to gasoline engine production. This expansion enabled the company to produce 100 finished engines per day, or 30,000 per year.
After Deere & Company acquired Waterloo in 1918, new designs were introduced, including the “H” gasoline and “K” kerosene models in 1921, featuring several mechanical improvements. The production of the Waterloo Boy engine ceased in 1923, replaced by the renowned Deere Type “E.”
Waterloo engines will be one of the features of this year’s Classic Green Reunion.
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The European corn borer changed corn growing in North America when it is believed to have landed on the shores of the United States of America sometime around the First World War. While farmers took pride in a good job of plowing to achieve a “clean” look of freshly turned soil across the field, the necessity of turning under all trash (plant matter/residue) was the utmost due to the need of reducing the European corn borer prevalence to overwinter in dead plant matter. Bury their home and there would perhaps be one less generation of the insect the following season. Crop rotation was also crucial to keeping the generational reproduction subdued to at least give the corn plants a fighting chance. Borer infestations meant yield reductions upwards from 50 percent
Hanging cutter (pictured on lower plow) was essentially a fixed knife used to cut through residue, while the rolling cutter in the top image was a refinement.
and provided a real challenge for Mr. Farmer to raise a profitable crop.
The need to plow under stubble and plant material was not only to slow the European corn borer but also to make it easier for the planter to move through the field without plugging. Before the advent of no-till planters, runner or shoe type planters were the normal, they required the soil to be cultivated and essentially free of trash or other material that would cause plugging. Plugging of the runner would lead to problems with an uneven plant stand that would reduce yields and allow areas for weeds to grow.
It is helpful to consider this in a sense of traveling by canoe; canoes travel best over deep enough water to keep from dragging on the bottom
In addition to jointers, rolling coulters and moldboard extensions, trash wires were quite useful in turning under standing plants, ensuring that they were tucked in under the furrow slice. No. 9 fencing wire was always on hand for Mr. Farmer and worked well.
of the river or on debris. In addition to planting difficulties, plant residue could also present challenges for row crop cultivation as plugging might also result. As in any farming operation in the raising of corn, it is always best to stay put in the driver seat as compared to having to get on and off to unplug a piece of equipment.
One covering aid that has been around for a very long time (at least since the dawn of tractor drawn plowing) is the knife or cutter. The job of plowing under plant material or debris is best done when the material is cut, thus enabling the plow to turn it all under the slice of soil being plowed. Plowing without a cutting device is like trying to pick up a slice of pizza without it being cut. The standing fixed cutter or knife led to the development of the rolling cutter and thus reduced the frequency of plugging. While the rolling coulter was an improvement to knives, it required evolution over time to accommodate changing farming practices (increased yields that
Here is a huge selection of various independent jointers offered by Deere in the late 1940s.
resulted in more plant material). As one might imagine, this cutter edge would require frequent sharpening, although the rolling cutter (aka coulter) also required periodic sharpening.
I am often asked by other plow enthusiasts, “What is a jointer?” A jointer acts like a miniature moldboard running directly aside of the coulter to turn under trash ahead of the moldboard. Jointers were sometimes used way back with horse drawn plows just by themselves, without a coulter. It was found that jointers were less likely to plug with material when sitting next to the coulter blade such that as the top two to four inches of soil were sliced open, it was easier for the jointer to function since it did not have to tear the soil on the vertical edge.
Concerning tractor plows, jointers were most often used as the independent type, meaning they mounted independently from the coulter up on the plow frame. Independent mounting ensured top performance in most conditions and not as likely to build
up with trash. There were combination jointers offered as well, which mounted directly to the coulter yoke, wrapping around the blade to ensure exact jointer moldboard placement to the coulter blade. This design was more forgiving when plowing on the contour where plowing on a curve was more often than going straight ahead. Typical to John Deere Plow Works offering from the mid-20th century, there was a lot of variations when it comes to jointers. One might think that jointer moldboards and points would be the same, but that assumption would be incorrect. Some jointers used two pieces (moldboard and point), where others were just a single point. Both steel and cast moldboards were offered in the one and two piece design. When it comes to finding replacement wear parts for Deere jointers today, it takes patience, luck, and money.
Jointers often caused more plugging than the plowman could stand, wearing patience thin with on-again and off-again exercise program. If
Combination jointers wrapped around the factory JD coulter and were less common than their frame mounted independent counterparts.
Below: This No. 5 corn borer special equipped plow was built for a specific purpose of helping to slow the progression of the European corn borer.
jointers are still found on a John Deere moldboard plow, they are often sticking up in the air where they could not plug with trash under the frame. It is common to find a plow today without jointers, but with the mounting brackets still intact on the frame. The
Lantz Kutter Kolter was popular in the 1940s and 1950s and their two-blade design was quite popular.
Below: M&W Gear Company coulters were an excellent addition to plows in the 1960s and 1970s to keep trash turned under.
missing jointers were often victim of the scrap iron pile. Today, jointers on a plow are more like jewelry rather than a functional item. This author has a pile of jointers lying in a crate amongst various plow parts and can say that only one plow in the collection today is equipped with a jointer. It is a model 51 one-bottom 16 inch. Zachary used it with mixed results as intermittent plugging.
Around the time of the Second World War, improvements in trash turning technology were being developed. As is often the case, aftermarket companies (usually brought on with ideas from farmer-inventors) led the march to improve the jointer. Yetter Mfg. of Colchester, Illinois developed the Jointer Coulter, which uses a concave fixed (as compared to a swinging flat blade type was standard equipment) coulter blade that cuts the furrow slice all the while throwing trash under the soil. They claimed their design allowed a plow to pull up to 40 percent easier (quite a claim in my opinion), but from experience,
Yetter Mfg. is the only aftermarket plow attachment company mentioned in this article still in business. Today their product line focuses less on tillage and more on planting and fertilizer application. Ironically, they were building traditional John Deere moldboard plows up until recently when they were discontinued.
the extra lateral pressure put on the landsides from the dished coulters greatly shortened the life of those parts. From this author’s personal experience, the Yetter dished coulter design worked well and certainly allows better trash/residue flow compared to OEM straight blade designs.
The concave coulter lived on past Yetter’s design with another company, Lantz, also using a concave coulter blade to act as a rolling jointer. Their two-blade coulter design was unique only to Lantz and would be the only design of this type (to this author’s knowledge). Lateral pressure on the plow by the concave blade was negated by use of a larger straight coulter blade running right alongside to hold the plow straight. As revolutionary as this design was, it was surpassed in the late 1950s by OEM design changing to give more under frame and between bottom clearance that allowed OEM straight blade design to perform better and thus reducing the need for Lantz’s design.
As plows grew larger in all aspects in the 1960s, the Muscle Tractor Era left its mark on the industry with help from the M&W Gear Company. M&W was known for performance enhancing products to help gain extra horsepower in tractors, but you may not have been aware they made plowing more enjoyable with their Trashmaster 22 inch concave coulter. They claimed in a 1965 ad that their design provided up to a 20 percent savings in pulling power required to pull a plow equipped with their product. This author will attest to their
Prototype trash covering disks developed by JD around 1957.
design providing substantial benefit in ease of pulling a 4-14 inch F145H plow with a 630 in Missouri clay soil in third and fourth gears up to eight inches deep. The M&W coulter design was the most heavy duty design ever to come on the market.
Dished or concave coulters were not only available in the aftermarket. Arguably due to the success of companies like Yetter and Lantz, by the 1950s, OEM plow manufacturers began offering optional concave coulters. Deere began offering concave coulters as an option as early as 1964 and even spring-loaded dished coulters by the late ’60s. For some reason (unknown to this author), Deere reverted to straight coulter assemblies in the mid-to-late ’70s and beyond. Perhaps with higher horsepower tractors, power savings was not as big a deal as it was early on that led to this trend. It would not be long before moldboard plowing was out of fashion anyhow.
Deere began offering moldboard extensions as early as the 1920s as
Updated designed mounting arm with an approximate 45-degree bend.
Below: Covering board with disk prototype.
Front view of the prototype board and disk combination. This design was never put into production.
optional equipment on lister type plow bottoms to ensure soil was moved outward as desired. Moldboard extensions were also offered on ultra large and heavy duty brush and breaker single bottom plows where hard going often meant speed of plowing was slow. Slow plowing speed makes turning a furrow slice all the way over difficult, especially when the soil is thick with a great deal of root structure such as is the case with turning over grass sod. There are several reasons for the need to extend the moldboard, such as when plowing on a hillside working to roll the furrow slice uphill. Since gravity is always a factor, the extension helps to ensure enough contact with the soil slice to ensure it is completely turned over. Heavy soils and extreme conditions can also warrant the need to use a moldboard extension to compensate perhaps for a lack of plowing speed to “throw” the soil quick enough to completely invert.
Trash boards were another means of (as one might have imagined) dealing with trash. Early aftermarket availability sold products with names like The Coverboard and the Sherman Cover Jointer. Spread All Inc in Bellevue, Ohio marketed The Cover Board product for which it held a patent. Even today after around 70 years on the market, it is common to find moldboard plows of all makes still sporting this product. The Sherman Cover jointer looks to
Production covering disks on a 555H trailer plow. They are seldom seen surviving until today. It appears they were offered no more than two years before Deere gave up on this design.
have evolved into the design that International Harvester used in the 1960s and beyond. What began made from steel evolved into a slick plastic material that shed sticky soils even better than polished steel. Yetter Mfg. in Colchester, Illinois offered a trash board in the 1960s that was somewhat like The Coverboard but with a different mounting arrangement that included various tapered/ angled brackets which bolted together in a sort of universal mounting setup. Deere did their own testing on coverboards in the late ’50s as the aftermarket success of this product no doubt caught their attention. At first, their approach was to use a covering disk (likely due to: A) have a unique product and B) avoid patent infringement). Their approach was to employ an eight inch shallow concavity covering disk. Deere even experimented with a combination short trash board and disk but ultimately it did not see production. Dave Badger (former JD “block man” at the Columbus, Ohio JD branch house) once said that when he first began working for Deere & Co around 1959, one of his first tasks was to collect covering disk assemblies from dealerships to provide credit to the dealers for a product that did not meet customer expectations. He ultimately said that the disks were scrapped only to become a small
Prototype notched coverboard without a twist. This design ultimately led to the production version used for eight years.
piece of JD plow history.
John Deere Plow Works management in Moline decided to offer trash boards in 1960 with the advent of the plow lineup for the New Generation of Power tractors. This design featured a notched end (often called “TwoFingered”), which was intended to help the trash coming off the end of the board to turn under in two streams. This design also incorporated heavy duty, cast iron mounting brackets which attached to the standard with the two 5/8th inch bolts already used to attach the plow bottom. This mounting bracket was much heavier than the design used by others in the aftermarket, which employed less robust fabricated steel bracketry. Deere eventually moved away from the notched end cover board, opting for a solid design. This may have been because the notched type would wear out on the bottom edge, leaving the top in place that did not effectively cover trash, especially when shallow plowing.
This article covered a good deal of trash covering aids by aftermarket and by Deere Plow Works in Moline, Illinois. Hopefully you found it informative and enjoyable. When properly employed, these optional means of trash covering make for an excellent job of plowing. Contact Tyler Buchheit by email at tyler@mrbtractors.com. His website is www.mrbtractors.com.
Below: Here is an early illustration of what Henry Dreyfuss imagined the model “M” would look like.
John Deere model “M”
John Deere’s model “L” was a machine that was unique in its design and construction. It was built to be cheap, affordable, lightweight, and efficient, yet capable of completing many disparate tasks. Deere was successful in what they planned for the “L.” The tractor was effective in the field, sold well, and was a great introductory tractor for small farmers who were deciding to move away from using animals to pull their machinery. After a few years, even small farmers began to turn their noses up at the low power output of the “L.” Deere had given to the “L” all that its little chassis could handle. It was time to build a tractor that could replace its spot in the lineup.
The Ford-Ferguson 9N was another driving force behind Deere’s engineers. Ford had been one of Deere’s main competitors for years, but when Harry Ferguson joined Henry Ford and showed him his “Ferguson System,” the company suddenly had a machine that was
poised to lead the small tractor market. The Ferguson System was a three-point hitch that made implement connection simple and provided good control over the equipment. Compared to the existing methods of equipment mounting, the Ferguson System was a breakthrough. Ford worked quickly and put his engineers and assembly line on the job. It took just one year to have the new 9N ready, and it was released in 1939. The tractor weighed 2,340 pounds, had a 20 horsepower engine, had rubber tires, electric start, and the Ferguson System as standard equipment, and cost just $585.
To Deere, the 9N must have seemed poised to lop off a big portion of their sales. It was priced and sized right in between the “L” and the “B,” but it had more horsepower than either of those tractors. Deere sold more than 40,000 9N tractors in 1940—more than double that of Deere’s “L” and “B,” combined. Deere responded by making multiple improvements to the “L,” “LA,”
From 1944, this early version has a magneto, gas starting tank behind the engine because it’s an all-fuel, and if you look behind the dash, you can see an “H” style hydraulic system.
“LI,” and “H” tractors. They added electric start and a simple hydraulic system to these tractors. Still, the 9N ran away from Deere with its sales numbers. Nothing Deere could do would slow it down.
World War II restricted what Deere could do, but they continued to develop new technologies for their machines with the intention of applying them after the war. One of the larger projects tasked the engineers with designing a tractor to replace the model “L” and be a direct competitor to Ford’s 9N. They envisioned a machine with about the same horsepower as the Ford, that would be capable of the same tasks, and that incorporated a better way to attach integral equipment. Ford held the patent on the Ferguson System, so Deere was forced to come up with something original for their new tractor.
When the model “L” was in early development, Deere hired Willard Nordenson, a known authority on engines, to come up with a power plant for the little tractor. Since then, Nordenson had become the chief engineer of the Moline Tractor Works. He and his team were given the project to design the tractor to replace the “L.” This experimental machine was designated the model 69. Early in development, it was decided that the new tractor should be designed in such a way as to allow it to be built into many different chassis types. If they could make one tractor that could be built as a standard, tricycle, crawler, and other types, then they would be able to cover many different markets with one tractor and appeal to the widest range of customers. Furthermore, they would do so in a very economical manner. The assembly line would be streamlined, even with several chassis types coming down one after the next. This simplification would also create lower costs through a larger scale, and Deere could pass some of those savings on to the buyer, keeping the cost down and improving their competitive
position against Ford.
The new tractor would need a new engine. The engines in the model “L” and “LA” were not powerful enough to be competitive in the model 69. They also lacked room to improve their power output. The engine became one of the first tasks for the new tractor. It was to be a much more modern engine than that from the “L.” The new engine would include overhead valves and fullpressure lubrication. It would run on gasoline or tractor fuel. Finally, it would continue the Deere tradition of running on two cylinders, though it would be vertically, rather than horizontally, oriented.
As well as Ford’s 9N, Deere looked at the Allis “B” and their own “L” to garner insights as to what the model 69 should be. Feedback from customers on those tractors told Deere that their three-speed transmissions were insufficient. Deere designed a four-speed transmission for the new tractor. Customers also complained about poor visibility from the operator’s seat on those machines. Deere engineered their tractor to have the engine offset to the left and the seat to the right and to have a hood that narrowed as it approached the operator, combining to provide an unobstructed view of the ground and crops from the seat.
The first version of the model 69 that Deere built was a standard tractor. This was going to be the “base model” of the machine
From December of 1944, this version has a magneto, “LA” style wheels and machined surfaces on the sides of the major castings.
because it would be the most direct replacement of the model “L” and would compete squarely against the Ford. Further, it would be the simplest platform and most of the other chassis types could be based on it.
Deere finished their first experimental model 69 in the spring of 1944. The tractor employed many of the styling cues that Waterloo’s tractors had, making it look modern and like another member of the family. Several modern features were added to the tractor that made it more versatile than the tractors that it competed against. The first tests of the tractor were mostly concerned
M Production and Serial Number Breaks
with the power and durability of the engine and chassis combination, and they went well. This first tractor was devoid of hydraulics, as they were still under development.
The model 69 passed muster in the field, and so Deere gave it a more official designation, calling it the model “M.” Deere’s engineers now turned their focus to creating a way to attach integral equipment. While simply purchasing or getting a license for the Ferguson System would have been ideal, those options were not on the table. Henry Ford was the richest man in the world, and even he could not buy the rights from Harry Ferguson. The 9N was the best-selling tractor in the world; Henry Ford was not going to share its most attractive feature. Deere had to create something new. Through a joint effort between Waterloo and Moline, Deere’s engineers came up with the Quik-Tatch system. Besides being a very important aspect of the sales success of this tractor, a better way of attaching equipment could prove to be beneficial to all of Deere’s tractors of any size or class. The Quik-Tatch began
with a hydraulic pump mounted to the front of the engine to provide live hydraulic power. A hydraulic cylinder was at the rear of the tractor to operate a solid rockshaft. The rockshaft controlled a drawbar that was mounted between the final drives and which could pivot up and down to move the attached implement.
A Touch-O-Matic unit was also installed on the “M.” This unit allowed the operator to position the rockshaft quite precisely, much like the Powr-Trol could do on Waterloo machines. Deere built a few experimental “M” tractors and equipped them with the Touch-O-Matic system. These were tested on farms near Moline as well as on a new testing area that Deere had acquired near Laredo, Texas. Implements that were built to work with the Quik-Tatch system were sent with the tractor so that the combination could be tested together in real-life situations.
Note the small door atop the hood for filling the starting tank. This 101 picker and wagon had to be a load for an “M.”
What Deere found in its testing was that the Quik-Tatch system was very convenient. In many cases, it was faster and easier to use than Ferguson’s three-point. It only took backing into an implement and attaching a couple of pins to mount most implements. Depth control was provided through a lever at the front of the implement. That lever passed forward, under the tractor, and through a yoke on the bottom of the tractor’s frame. The drawbar frame controlled the yoke, and linkages provided depth control.
As the experimental tractors continued to pass their tests and production of the “M” grew nearer, the question arose of where the tractor would actually be built. The Waterloo factory was already near capacity. The larger tractors in the Deere lineup were taking up the space there and demand was expected to grow after World War II, so Deere did not want to shoehorn
Ken Riker was the original owner of this “M.” Ken served in the Marines, National Guard and also helped in NYC after 9/11. His son, Martin, restored it in his memory.
the “M” into the facilities there. The factory at Moline was also near capacity, and expanding the tractor works there would have meant taking up space that was intended for other farm machinery, so Deere hoped to not have to do that, either.
The increased demand expected to come after World War II encouraged Deere’s executives to be ambitious in expanding their factory. When Charles Deere Wiman returned to Deere after his time in the United States Army, he proposed an ambitious expansion of the company. The Board of Directors agreed, and 730 acres of land near Dubuque, Iowa was purchased in January of 1945. Construction of a new plant began there almost immediately.
Meanwhile, testing and adjustments continued to be done to the “M.” Deere built several more tractors and sent them out to several places around the country, along with integral machinery to work with them. The tractors performed exhibitions for farmers and dealers around the country. Deere personnel used these exhibitions to get an idea of what the public thought of the tractor, what changes needed to be made, and how it could be improved upon. Most of the responses to the tractor were very positive. The main thing that dealers hoped to find out after these exhibitions was how soon they could receive a few of these machines for their showroom.
Farmers wanted to know if the “M” would be available as a two row tractor, a crawler, a high clearance machine, or some other special version. Deere was not ready to commit to building any of these and they did not know when production of the “M” would begin. All that they could tell anybody was that the “M,” as it was seen in the field that day, would be put into production just as soon as possible.
The new facility in Dubuque was still in production, with the completion date only an estimate. So, it was difficult for Deere to say when production of the tractor would begin. It was hoped that the factory would be finished sometime in mid-year 1946, so it was believed that the tractor could enter production shortly after that. Production of the “L” and “LA” tractors was ended in the summer of 1946. All of the patterns, dies, machine tools, and fixtures from their production were sent to the Dubuque factory. Production of the engines started first, creating a stock for when the tractor began to roll down the line. It took some time to get all of the proper machine tools into the Dubuque factory, and it sat idle until March of 1947. On March 12, 1947, the first “M,” serial number 10001, was built. It was the first of a pilot run of 50 tractors. This run was a success, and full production began.
Orders came into Deere from all over the country as soon as the “M” was released. The tractor had more pre-production publicity than most. Deere had been excited by the project and showed it off quite a while before it was ready. They also were forced to wait through the delays before production could begin. When it finally was ready, a lot of pent-up orders from patient customers came in for the new “M.”
The “M” came with a lot of standard features. The engine could
be ordered to run on either gasoline or distillate. It shipped with Touch-O-Matic, PTO, 4.00-15 inch front tires, 8-24 inch rear tires, and electric starting. Optional equipment included a belt pulley, 5.00-15 inch front and 9-24 or 10-24 inch rear tires, lights, adjustable front axle, underslung exhaust, and front and rear wheel weights.
The new engine in the “M” was a vertically oriented two-cylinder machine with a total of 101 cubic inches. The engine was rated at 20.45 horsepower at the belt and 18.15 at the drawbar. It was able to make this power while burning very little fuel. The “M” was a comfortable tractor to operate compared to others of its age. While Deere had put a steel bucket seat on the experimental machines, they found that it was in the way of the Touch-O-Matic control unit. They
replaced the seat with a different one, composed of a canvas cover that enclosed a rubber bladder. The air pressure in the bladder could be adjusted to provide differing firmness levels. Sitting, literally, on air made the seat somewhat self-leveling, as well, which improved comfort on hillside operation. The seat could be adjusted fore and aft for drivers of different heights, and a cushioned backrest was also included. Ford had released the 9N eight years before Deere brought out the “M,” but the tractor was finally here and it was a strong competitor. The small market now included machines from Ferguson, Allis, and IHC as well as Ford’s new 8N. Deere listed the “M” at a price of just $1,025. This price was less than that of the 8N, putting the “M” in the sights of almost every farmer who needed a small tractor.
Next month, we will look at the other models in the “M” line.
Brynlie Brault of Crookston, Minnesota enjoys driving her “M.”
The Moline Wagon Company at Moline, Illinois was established in 1896. It grew from a small shop, making only an occasional wagon to a complex with a floor area of 417,132 square feet and capable of making 30,000 wagons annually. The Wagon Works occupied 8.37acres.
Moline Wagons were made in many styles and sold from coast to coast in the United States and in many foreign countries. Designed and built were farm wagons, mountain wagons, one horse wagons, teaming gears, trailers and horse drawn farm trucks.
in the 1930s. I started farming in 1963. As years went by and I had free time on my hands, I started remodeling old John Deere tractors and machinery.
As years went by, I came across an old wagon. This box needed some major repair. The wagon had no decals or paint on it and as I worked on it, I noticed spots of green paint in the wood.
So, I painted it green. I needed some decals and called a decal company. They said they would work something out. I bought the decals and they looked very nice on the box. While looking through family pictures, the childhood picture of my sisters and me sitting in our wagon was found. I decided updating the picture would be fun. We arranged to have a new picture taken with us kneeling in the remodeled wagon. Kneeling in the wagon is my oldest sister, Marjorie, born in 1936; my youngest sister, Bonnie, born in 1938; and me, Wes, born in 1937. Presently we are all in our 80s and doing well.
The wagon company had a large storage yard where millions of board-feet of oak, hickory, and other lumber were carefully cured under the watchful eye of expert wagon builders. The Moline Wagon Company in 1912 was renamed the John Deere Wagon Company and in 1913 was renamed again to the John Deere Wagon Works.
I have a good friend, Don McKinley, who has a nice showroom of old horse drawn machinery so I called and asked him if he had any information on the Moline Wagon Company and he sent me the above information. Thanks, Don!
My folks farmed in Iowa in the late 1930s and 1940s. My mother took a picture of my sisters, Marjorie and Bonnie, and me sitting in the wagon my family had purchased
I feel good to see the wagon looking so good and my sisters, too!
Submitted by, Wes Timmerman New Liberty, Iowa
• New aftermarket, rebuilt and used parts for JD A, B , D, G, H, M, R, 320,
• Used parts include: weights, 3-pts., toplinks, dual hydraulics, float ride seats, clutch parts, hubs, transmission gears, sheet metal, tires and rims, 720-730 ES parts, all-fuel manifolds, brake parts, square and round tube WFEs, heads, blocks and PTO parts.
• New parts include: manifolds, battery boxes, carburetor kits, air stacks, mufflers, grill screens, radiator cores, lights and overhaul kits.
• Rebuilt parts include: Taper-Loc flywheels, electric start conversion kits, float ride seats, starters, carburetors, cleaned and lined gas tanks. Also have crack checked heads and blocks.
Green Magazine index of articles 2010-current
1/10 Early styled B R adventure 4 NG switch V4
2/10 Motor cult. and C Elec start unstyled D Late A add ons NG wiring Consumer catalogs
3/10 .......................... 60 .............................. What year is your tractor .............. NG hydraulic coupler......................... Valve seats .................................... EZ rake
4/10 ......................... GP ............................... Two cylinder brake R&R ................ Steel hydraulic lines .................... Engine assembly ........................ JD calendars
5/10 All wheel drive (Dain) Penetrating oil test Runs in paint Seized engines L&G front blades
twine 8/15 .......... Lindeman crawler .................... The perfect furrow .............................. Buddy seat................................... Fuel gauge ............................ AB23 disk plow 9/15 M Aussie R Foot clutch conversion B three-point NG 10 weights 10/15 55 series EFI 4020 2010 analysis Pony repair NG 20 weights 11/15 31-39 D 730 turbo Alternator conversion Coulters NG 20 weights 2
12/15 ................. 70 diesel ................................ Heberer auction ......................... Plow gauge wheels ....................... AR restoration .............................. 80 vs 966 1/16 830 Test GP 830 power steering 80 belt pulley Carb problems 2/16 4010 F145 plow Pony test stand 80 belt pulley 2 Early tractor supplies
3/16 ..................Unstyled L ................................... Diesel L&G ........................ 1st number series gauges .................... Injector tips .............................. Plow decals 4/16 ....................... 2010 .............................. Massey Deere merger ..................... Auto fuel shut off ........................... Injector tips ......................... Remote cylinders
5/16 440 110 L&G 820- head gasket 50 carb Plow coulters 6/16 4000 Big 4 mower 4020 fuel gauge 820 head gasket Fuel tank repair 7/16 ........................... H ......................................... 4010 changes ........................ So you bought a plow ..................... Machine shop.......................... Photos of past 8/16 ........................ 820 ....................................... 4010 changes .................................... 620 wiring .............................. NG fenders on A ............................112L L&G 9/16 4240 Unstyled L Spin out rims 1st series PS Wooster show 10/16 60 40 utility 620 wiring 1st series PS, 2 Renaissance Tractor 11/16 40 combine One man parade Honing cylinders 20/30 remote valve Wiese Ind. 12/16 ..................E engine .................................. JDD company ............................ 20 series rockshaft .......................... Plow hitches ............................ Jorde Decals
1/17 3010 No. 26 loader 720 head gasket 20 series rockshaft No. 2 sheller 2/17 Early styled B Deere on barge 520 PTO clutch 620 wiring Free battery cover kit
5/17 4630 Cat. 1 plows 630 front weight bracket 4020 changes Dummy painting 6/17 620 Quick hitches 2010 shifter links 4020 changes White 60 7/17 2030 Early combine history Crawler finals 4020 changes Waterloo Boy
8/17 .................... D 28-30 ................................. 52 and 4B plows........................... 2010 power steer .................. Small engine ignition ................. Early combines 9/17 Styled G 101 Generator tester Low radiator G 1st tractor purchase 10/17 W power unit Oldest 55 combine Wobbly plow wheels Carb kits Aussie Ken 11/17 4430 Picking corn NG fuel tank Battery cable ends Early manuals 12/17 ...................... 840 .......................................6030 on tracks ........................ Small engine starters .................. Testing generators ......................... Plow days
4/18 ...................... Late B ................................. Expansion wheels ......................... 2520 PTO brake 2 ................................Starters ........................... Sheet metal basics
5/18 4520 Plow safety trip 730 power steering Duplex carb 45 combine rest. 6/18 40 2-1/2 Dains Electric power steering Duplex carb 2 Plow clevis
7/18 50 Brussels Sprout B Electric power steering 2 2 cylinder couplers Gen II couplers
8/18 .............. 7700 combine..........................One-half scale GP ........................Distributor tuneup .................... Generator cut out ......................... Disc plows
9/18 730 spark Froelich replica Brake rivets
cut out 2 Patio series toys 10/18 4020 Slant dash B 620 power steering B carburetor GP reunion 11/18 Early GP Pilot-Touch 620 power steering 2 RoosaMaster pump 800 two way plows 12/18
Date ......... Feature ................... Other feature ................ Restoration 1 .............. Restoration 2............ Miscellaneous
11/19 L/LA 4010 M radiator Deere dealerships 1938 BN
4/20 .................... Styled D .................................. NG disc plows ................................ Electrical basics ................. Ultrasonic parts cleaner ..........A parts man’s view
9/20 5020 Peanut combine Single stick 2 Carb solenoid Red 730 toy
10/20 435 Load and Depth Commutator cleaning 520 trans Cotton picker axles 11/20 AR to 620 Dreyfuss design 520 trans 2 830 power steering Field demos 12/20 ......................Lanz .................................... 1350/1450 plow ................................... Gen 2 nose ......................... 830 power steering 2 .......................... Big 4
5/21 2020 14T baler D water injector L&G spindle conversion Paper signs 6/21 730 diesel 90, 96 mowers PS vent Auto fuel shut off Resto Mods
7/21 ...................E engines ................................ Two way plows .................................. 4020 water pump......................Jumpy clutch .................... Walking plow paint 8/21 .......................... 50 ...................................... HD 2 way plows .................................... 520 PTO clutch .................. Battery disconnect .......................... CGR21
9/21 630 Martin Parts Pertronix ignition Starter repair Fuel system updates 10/21 55 combine M/MT plows Duplex carb repair 318 V8 1/64 toys 11/21 Unstyled G SP comb. develop. 620 clutch Fuel test kit Gyramor 12/21 ...................... 320 .......................................On-land plows ................................... Duplex carb tips ..................... Cheap hydr. oil ....................... Deere/Dodge
1/22 8000 series L attachments Brass carb repair Parts catalogs 400 snowmobile 2/22 H Vane cylinders Deluxe seat rebuild Valve seats Deere jackets
3/22 ................... 70 diesel .................................... Tractor Wars........................................ Fix,Part,Modify .................. Voltage Regulators ..................... Deere boxes 4/22 ........................ 830 ................................... New Way engines ...................................... Grill screen ............................Model C mag .................. 400/500 snowmobile
5/22 BR/BO New 48 D Low Rider plows DLTX main jet Power-Alls 6/22 1010 Salinas “B” Relining brakes 420C final drives 112 on steel 7/22 .......................... 60 ........................................ 4440 changes ........................................... 50 wiring ..................... 420C final drives, pt. 2 ................... Chad Little 8/22 ....................... 1520 ...................................... 4440 changes ...................................... Rebuild starter................... Restore 400 snomo ........... Modern Farm catalogs 9/22 Unstyled B Gray area tractors Charging mags Setting plows D plow day 10/22 330 Making B usable Restore 400 snomo, pt. 2 420 rockshaft leak JD caps
11/22 40 series open station Unstyled L Gen II gauge cluster Charging mag NOS parts 12/22 ..................... 4030 ........................................... Spoker H ............................................. DLTX 16 carb .............. AMT600 hydraulic pump ............ 340 snomobile
1/23 2 speed D Tyler/Germany Utility temp gauge 420C brake bands National Toy show 2/23 3 speed D D photos 30 combine repair Fixing rims Model D miniatures 3/23 .................... 8010/20 .................................... Caroline Imp ................................................ H 101 .........................................4010. ......................................... Ertl 60 4/23 ......................... GP. ........................................... Gen II Intro ............................................ 3010 clutch ..............................2510 repair ..................................... 955
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Not all issues listed on this page and the previous two are available for purchase See page 71 for current list of back issues which can be purchased from Green Magazine
OBSOLETE PARTS
CHECK YOUR PART NUMBERS against one of the largest inventories of obsolete and reproduction John Deere parts in the world www.theoldtractorcompany.com
Obsolete parts - The Old Tractor Company
The Old Tractor Company • Box 89 • Franktown, CO 80116
Public Auction: Online and Onsite of approx 100 + Collectible & Antique Tractors, Antique Farm Equipment, Trucks and more!
Saturday, March 29th @ 9 AM • 200 State Highway 34, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Over 50 years of gathering,and trading; most have been stored inside, many in as used/ parked condition, some restored, some needing restored; Approx 20+ tractors from the ‘60s through the ‘80s & newer From IH Cubs, IH 1 row high clear & JD Hi-Crops, AC D21s, to Standard tread muscle tractors, later model equipment includes tractors, skid loaders, planters and more!
For updates and photos use www.Leamanauctions.com or Auctionzip.com ID# 3721; online by Proxibid.com & Equip Facts Leaman Auctions Ltd. • Ed @ 610-662-8149 or office 717-464-1128
Good Food, Ample Parking and comfort stations on site Preview: March 27, 28 after 10 AM • Any other dates and times require appointment! Ed Leaman • 717-464-1128 office; 610-662-8149 cell • TONY 732-672-0952
with white or black faces for most
models for the unstyled to the 30 series, Waterloo and Dubuque built models Made in the USA
• All gauges have real glass
• On hand, ready for shipping
• Painted, ready to install
• Gauges come with mounting clamp and hardware
• Faces made by Jorde Decals and have all details of the original gauges
• All gauges are calibrated
Wiring Harnesses - Cables - Switches
We build restoration quality wiring harnesses to fit these John Deere models and their variations:
Harnesses available for other models & brands See website for complete listing Due to numerous variations, call to order Shipping/handling not included Visa, MC & Discover accepted Prices subject to change without notice Circuit protection kits for Diesel tractors From $35 (2 cylinder) From $60 (New Gen)
Complete clutch rebuild kits and clutch lining kits
&
&
PARTS TRACTORS
1020 gas • LA ES • 50 w/801 hitch • G • Uns A, 730G, 5020, Unst G, 430T, 2510 gas, 730 LP, 2010D, 530, Late 520, ’39 B, BN, 40U, ’53 AO, ’41 H, ‘46 A, late A’s, ‘46 B, late Bs, slant dash B, unstyled B, sty. D, G, unstyled L, M, MT, R, 40T, 40U, 40W, 70D std., 70G, 420U, 420W, 440 w/reverser and power steering, 440 gas, early & late 50s, early 60, 60 w/power block, 620, 620 LP, 630, 630 single front, 70G, 720G, 720 LP, 720D pony, 730D, 730G, 820, 1010, 2010, 2010D, 2010RU, 2020, 3010D, 3020, 4020D.
Most of these tractors are parted out & on the shelf—ready for quick shipment!
Oversize pistons available again for many two cylinder tractors
James Jirava of Ogema, Minnesota sent us this photo of chopping hay on the family farm in about 1954.
Al Herink of Pewaukee, Wisconsin owns this 1947 John Deere “A.”
Leroy Keim owns this 1971 model 2020 with only about 2,000 hours.
Dustin Heitkamp of Minster, Ohio owns this 1959 model 530.
Hoffman of Merrill, Iowa owns this 1952 “B.”
Donald Skidmore of Knob Noster, Missouri built this scale model “N” Waterloo Boy in 1976. It is now owned by Gary Biewer.
Robert
The Two-Cylinder Club has worked with Ertl to produce unique 1/16th scale models of John Deere tractors for more than 30 years. For 2024, a special version of the model “R” tractor with a cab was produced to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the real tractor. It was available starting last fall and carries Ertl stock number 459450TP. This tractor comes in a fully enclosed cardboard carton (Photo 1). The graphics include green, yellow, and white striping, along with green, black, and white lettering. The top panel has the Two-Cylinder Club trademark along with a three-paragraph narrative explaining some of the history of the real tractor. This is printed both in
English and French. A full color picture of the model (Photo 2) is printed on each of the large side panels. Below the picture it is stated “Prototype Shown” although it appears to be very close to the production version. Each end panel simply identifies what is in the box and has a green and yellow John Deere trademark from the time when the real model “R” was introduced. The tractor is packaged inside the carton with a large clear-plastic sleeve as shown in Photo 3. This is made from a single piece of material that hinges on each end to wrap over the top of the cab and the front of the tractor. Thin plastic sheets were used to cover the roof of the cab and the top front of the tractor to prevent any
rubbing of the paint. The tractor was secured to the base of the sleeve with paper ties.
Photos 4 and 5 provide left and right side views of the model, respectively. I think that the cab gives this tractor a truly unique appearance. It is big, square, and really has no styling. But then again, any type of cab design back in the late 1940s and early 1950s consisted of a steel frame with windows. The intent was to shield the operator from dust, dirt, and the ele-
Photo 1 • Photo 2, below
Photo 3 • Photo 4, below
Photo 5 • Photo 6, below
ments, but there was no consideration given to “creature comforts.”
Looking back at Photo 5, you can see all of the lines from the real tractor’s sheet metal cast directly into the hood and front of this model. The vertical lines of the fluted front screen are included as well. Also note the horizontal indentations used to replicate the openings in the front of the air stack. The front of the tractor also includes a tiny silver and yellow John Deere medallion as shown in Photo 6.
The engine detail is very good and consists of many individually cast parts. Photo 7 shows the left side of the engine where you can see the base of the air cleaner canister, complete with the instructional decal printed in place. Also visible are the valve cover, head, and engine block. The upper radiator pipe and exhaust manifold are included as well. On the right side (Photo 8) are the generator and drive belt, the fuel filter assembly, and the pony or starting engine. In addition, the belt pulley with pulley brake and the crankcase oil fill are included. The belt pulley has the three cover mounting bolts cast directly in place and the pulley rotates when turned.
As I said earlier, the cab gives this tractor a truly unique look. It is
made of what appears to be a single die-cast plastic piece that is pinned to the tractor. The pins are behind the rear wheels so very little of them is visible. The windows are separate clear-plastic pieces that have either been pressed or glued into place. At the front of the cab, the rubber “gaskets” around the windows, and another between the bottom of the cab and the hood of the tractor are painted black. “Hardware” is cast into the sides of the cab above the windows, and across the rear, to represent that which would have held the roof to the sides on the real cab. Two forward-facing work lights are attached to the tops of the fenders and a rear-facing work light is attached to the left rear corner of the cab. Each has a black housing with a clear plastic
“lens” with a cross-hatched pattern. Photo 9 provides a rear view of the cab. A small rod across the back, just inside the roof, supports two yellow cloth “curtains” that act as a door to somewhat protect the operator from the elements. The rod allows the curtains to be slid in either direction. In Photo 10, you can see the operator’s station with the curtains flipped up onto the roof. In this picture, the cab frame that rests on the fenders is visible, along with the drawbar and PTO shaft. The seat has the John Deere name printed across the back of the backrest and the cushions are a soft black plastic material. The Powr-Trol control lever is attached to the right side of the seat pedestal and the clutch lever is visible ahead of it. As is the case with many of the miniatures that have cabs, it is very difficult to get a good picture of the interior. Photo 11 shows a portion of the controls and the dash area. All of the gauges feature black faces and rims with white lettering. The levers for the throttle, gear shift, diesel engine decompression, and pony motor clutch are also included and each of them actually moves. However, it is very difficult to reach into the cab to move them.
This tractor features die-cast metal rims with all of the “hardware” cast directly in place. On the front
Photo 7 • Photo 8, below
Photo 9 • Photo 10, below
Photo 11
wheels, it is possible to see the caps on the end of the hubs, along with the three mounting bolts and the recess where the grease fitting would be on the real tractor. Three individual diecast weights are provided on the rear wheels as shown in Photo 12. Also note the small black item toward the left “side” of the rim. This is actually a rubber piece used to replicate the tire valve stem. There is one of these on each wheel/tire combination. All four tires are made of a “rubber” material with 45 degree bar treads on the rear and three ribs on the front. The steering wheel controls the steering through a drag link, steering arm, and tie rod assembly. The front axle is able to oscillate as well.
As I was looking over this tractor for what I thought was the last time, I noticed a tiny spring just inside of the brake canister on the left side (Photo 13). That started me thinking about the brake pedals, and I found that they also move when pressed. This type of detail is usually reserved for Precision models, so I decided to take a closer look at the Precision Key series model “R” from way back in the 2009-2010 timeframe (Photo 14). It appears that
for the most part, the team at Ertl decided to “reuse” the Precision model “R” for this Two-Cylinder club model. They added the cab and included many of the same features, like the valve stems on the wheels and moving control levers. But, they left off some of the tiny details such as the fuel lines and electrical cables that the Precision model had. For example, Photo 15 provides another view of the right side of the engine on the Two-Cylinder model. Note the three tiny holes on top of the fuel filter assembly. Those are the holes where fuel lines were included on the Precision model “R.” Similarly, the spark plug wires for the pony engine and other cables or wires were left off this tractor but the holes used to mount them are still there. Another difference is the fact that the Precision tractor had a fuel cap that was added to the top of the fuel tank and on this new model it is cast in place. This new model also has a “John Deere Custom Powr-Trol” decal on the dash and an inscription “Collector Series Edition 8” cast into the bottom of the tractor that the Precision model “R” does not.
In overall terms, I think that this model “R” tractor with cab is nicely done. The fit, finish, and graphics are all very good. Two-Cylinder models have always had a tendency to be on the unique side and I suppose that gives collectors yet another reason to collect them. Given the similarities with the Precision model “R,” one has to wonder whether both are necessary in a collection. When you can find them, the Precision model “R” is usually about $175. This new model “R” with cab retails for around $150 with toy dealers and at John Deere dealerships. So, if you don’t have either one, the Two-Cylinder version can be more affordable. On the other hand, each of these tractors has their own special features so I think they work well together in a collection. Enjoy. Contact Bill Proft at N1366 Woodland Dr., Greenville, WI 54942 or email billproft@sbcglobal.net
Photo 14 • Photo 15, below
Photo 13
Photo 12
Hope you enjoy the following tractors from a variety of sales. Winter days make me wish for spring and summer. As I write this article, the temperature here yesterday started with a minus 26 Fahrenheit reading on the thermometer and today is supposed to reach 33 above! A 59 degree swing in one day! Oh, the joys of winter in Minnesota! Let’s dig in to some great tractors!
The Dan Cotton Auction in Arrington, Tennessee conducted by Aumann Auctions really had many, many Dubuque tractors with several bringing some great bids! The first one I will mention is a 330V Southern Special tractor, serial number 0330S-331082 (with John Deere duplicate plate). Check out the wheels and tires! All new 11.2 by 34 rear tires as well as 6.00-16 fronts. Let’s add rear wheel weights and front wheel weights! The tractor has three-point with top link and of course PTO, drawbar, and lights. It is believed to be one of 24 built—and also the last one built. As you may expect, it brought a nice price: $27,300.
Not far behind is a a 430H gas.
This one is the first 430 Hi-Crop produced. Serial number on this one is 140071. The tractor came out of California. Only 180 model 430H gas tractors were produced. This original 430 is in running and driving condition and has cultivator brackets and front weights. It features 11.2 by 38 rear tires as well as 6.50 by 16 fronts. Another good selling bid—this one $20,055!
How about another 430H gas tractor? This one has serial number 146998, three-point with top link and is nicely restored. Power steering, front stack weights and new seat cushion are also included on this one. Again, this Hi-Crop has 12.4 by 38 rear tires and
7.50 by 16 fronts and wheel weights. This 430H was not far behind the one we mentioned earlier! SOLD: $19,110.
I told you there were a lot of Dubuque tractors at this sale so let’s keep going! The following tractor is another Southern Special. This 330V,
serial number 33028, runs, drives and has three-point, cultivator brackets, 11.2 by 34 rear tires, and is thought to be the second 330V built. The gavel fell at $16,380 on this one!
Here we have a 430V, serial number 140559. It has some original panels and some that are painted
and is missing the tach. It does have three-point, fenders, PTO with cover, and new seat cushions. Only 63 model 430V tractors were built. You could have brought this one home if you outbid the leader at $13,125!
One more is a model “MI,” serial number 10566, with 9-24 rears, 5.00-15 fronts, an older repaint, runs and drives. There were 1,032 of these “MIs” built. Someone stole this one for $1,732.50.
The fun tractors at the Dan Cotton Auction didn’t stop here. How
about a 530 John Deere all-fuel? Serial number 5301555 is a very nicely restored tractor with power steering, a three piece front weight set, threepoint with top link, and an adjustable wide front. Only 85 model 530 all-fuels were produced and only 54 stayed in the U.S. With those stats, this one brought in $19,005.
Let’s take a look at a 1938 un-
styled model “G.” This “G,” serial number 2268 was repainted, with a grill screen, narrow front, PTO, and Wico magneto. It has 12.4 by 36 rears and was originally a low radiator tractor. This nice “G” sold for $6,195.
I’ve got one last tractor to report on from the Cotton sale and it’s a pretty
cool looking tractor. This is a 4030 John Deere gas open station tractor. Serial number on this one is 4030W 003546R. Like I said, this is an open station tractor with a narrow front. The tractor has been repainted and has a three-point with a top link, fenders and lights with 16.9 by 34 Goodyear rears and 6.50 by 15 fronts. The selling price on this honey was $10,500.
I did run into another 4030. This one a 1973 model with a diesel engine, Quad-Range transmission and no cab. The tractor has 4,744 actual hours, three-point, two remotes, and newer 15.5.by 38 rear tires, and newer 7.540 by 16 front tires. Add three front
weights, newer steps—this 4030 sold for $13,500 at a live and online Estate Farm Equipment Auction conducted by Jack Nitz & Associates in Dodge, Nebraska.
I often think of the excitement of the late ’50s and the 30 series of two cylinder tractors. I found this auction from Correctionville, Iowa listed under Paulsen Auctions, LLC. When I got into the auction information, it then said Hallberg Auction LLC. Either way, there was a nice 1958 730 John Deere diesel electric start with three-point hitch. The tractor also had fenders and three piece front weights and the tach
reads 627 (?). A nice looking tractor and a nice price at $14,000.
If you know me, you know I love the big standards so this 830 turned my head. It is a 1959 model, serial number 3125. The 830 has no PTO but dual hydraulics and the biggest benefit—a running pony motor!
Not a bad deal at $12,500.
Polk Auction brought us the Mel Smith Collection Auction from Beachfront, Mississippi. This sale had a couple more of my favorites. First, the 820, serial number 8200447, with pony start and single hydraulics. A nice running 820 went to some happy buyer for a price of $6,000.
Now an 830, serial number 8303898, also with pony start, dual hydraulics, PTO, repainted, and one set of rear weights. You could have gotten into this running 830 for a bid of $8,500.
The Correctionville, Iowa sale gave us a couple more nice tractors. I wish I had this one to use on my farm! It is a 1970 3020 John Deere gas tractor. The tach on this one shows 6,444 hours plus diff. lock, dual PTO, and
three-point: SOLD for $14,750.
One more little Dubuque tractor, a 330 standard, serial number 330664, with three-point and a final bid of $11,200 brought it home.
We close out this month’s auction fun with a few more that came from the Mel Smith Collection Auction in Beachfront, Mississippi. After reading nice “G” article by Benjamin Hain in the January issue of Green Magazine,
I had to take a closer look at this 1943 hand start “GM.” Equipped with 13.6 by 38 tires, flat back, and an older repaint, this fun tractor sold for a bid of $5,250.
Another fun one was a John Deere 4010 LP standard! This 4010, serial number 15669, had new 18.4 by 34 Firestone tires as well as new front tires. This low production tractor was repainted and brought a top bid of $9,000.
In the homestretch, we will finish with a couple of John Deere crawlers
that were sold at the same sale. The first one was a 420 with five rollers and a factory blade. The crawler was advertised that it had been running and needed a battery. The 420 crawler sold for an even $5,000!
Lastly we’ll move up to a 430 crawler. This nice little crawler was repainted and also had five rollers with a factory blade, and hydraulic reverser. This one made a bid of $6,750!
Whew! Another bunch of goodies this month! It sure is fun to hit a variety of tractors on these separate sales. Hope you enjoyed the list and a big thank you to all the callers this month, asking questions and clueing me in on upcoming sales. It is very much appreciated! If you have a question or a lead, let me know. My email is mickelsonauctions@gmail.com. Happy auctioning!
Email Eric W. Mickelson at mickelsonauctions@gmail.com
I have been going through some vintage literature and thought I might share a few with you. We are going to jump around a bit as I took the photos as I came across them.
I have always found the cover of this brochure to be odd, especially for Deere. There is absolutely zero indica-
tion that this is an advertisement for a tractor. The use of twins is different, too, as is the proud papa popping his button (Photo 1).
Inside it is back to business as usual—the model 70 gasoline and diesel tractors are the subject. And not just any model 70, they are 70 standard tread tractors. This time, papa is popping two buttons he is so proud of the new model 70 standard tractors. The availability of the new Deere power steering is front and center also (Photo 2).
The cover of this brochure states that these “tractor headaches” are something you will not have to deal with again if you own a model 50, 60 or 70 tractor (Photo 3).
Effortless farming has arrived with your new John Deere tractors. Features such as power steering, modern engines, Powr-Trol, live power shaft, three-point hitch, Roll-O-Matic, quick change wheel tread and new standards in comfort all combine to
make farming as easy as possible (Photo 4).
Most brochures are made to be easily opened by unfolding them or turning a page. Some, like this 20 series brochure, are quite large. They open and spread out into a large poster. This measured about 18 inches by 24 inches
Photo 1 • Photo 2, below
Photo 3 • Photo 4, below
when opened (Photo 5).
The all new model 520, 620, 720 and 820 are listed. Also included is the eight models of the new model 420 tractor (Photo 6).
Photos 7 and 8 are of brochures that, at first glance, appear to be identical. They are both advertising the new 1957 model 20 series tractors (Photo 7).
Photo 8 looks to be the same. Photo 7 had a small label at the top saying “July-August, 1956. Calgary, Winnipeg, Manitoba” and the Photo 7 brochure was brochure number
H-19. This brochure, in Photo 8, had a label at the top that said “July-August, 1956. Minneapolis, Omaha.” This brochure was brochure number H-19.
Here is the inside of the brochure shown in Photo 7. It features a 420 crawler tractor (Photo 9).
The inside of the brochure shown in Photo 8 shows the model 420 wheel tractor. So this is where the difference comes in. Different markets required different tractors and for these two brochures, one was intended for the Canadian markets while the other was for the United States. Similar differences are found in other brochures with southern variations being common for equipment intended for the south. It makes the collecting game all that much more difficult, doesn’t it? To start with, not only are there thousands of pieces of literature but now the collector has to deal with variations! It is challenging to say the least. I imagine the previous owner of these brochures is the one who applied the labels; I am certainly glad he did! (See Photo 10.)
Photo 11 tells the farmer that
“there’s every reason why your next tractor should be a John Deere.” I am certain John Deere thought this, but I am not sure that every farmer did. This brochure covered the styled model “AR” and the “R” diesel tractor—two completely different tractors that shared a common design look. I personally had both of these models and liked them both. My styled “AR” I eventually put on full steel, which made it look quite different but made it pretty much useless for anything at a show. I liked it though and it was one of the best running tractors I ever had.
The inside advertised the “AR” as a three-plow tractor while the model “R” was a four to five plow tractor. Deere had most markets covered with these two models of standard tread tractors. Features of these tractors were listed at the bottom of the page (Photo 12).
Photo 13 is for something totally
Photo 5 • Photo 6, below
Photo 7 • Photo 8, below
Photo 9 • Photo 10, below
Photo 11 • Photo 12, below
foreign to us Colorado boys—rice equipment. Once again, the models “AR” and “R” are advertised but this time for rice use. A combine is also shown.
The models “AR” and “R” are shown but this time, the rear tires have been reworked into rice tires by the art department. This was quite common during these times when something unusual or different was needed. Rather than have a totally new picture taken, the art department would simply change and rework the existing picture into whatever was needed. The resulting pictures are normally fairly easy to pick out due to the methods available back then and the somewhat crude results. Today, with Photoshop and the vast array of graphics programs as well as computers that are available, it would be much simpler and more difficult to detect. As I said, since I am in Colorado, we never had rice equipment of course (Photo 14).
This brochure is only in fair condition, even the paper is worn almost smooth (Photo 15). It is for the No. 20 two row corn picker and it is pulled by a model “D” tractor on full steel. Two rows, that is nowhere near the capacity of today’s 12 or 16 row heads but it was certainly a step up at this time. The printing date is 1931—93 years ago. It will not be long until it is a century old!
The No. 10 one row picker is also listed in this brochure. This machine is pulled by a model “GP” tractor on steel (Photo 16).
Photo 17 is a full page ad for models 520, 620 and 720 tractors. These ads always had the form you could clip and send to John Deere to receive free literature on the equipment shown on the page.
And here is an ad for the 530, 630, and 730 tractors (Photo 18).
And later yet, here is an ad from 1961 for the 2010, 3010, and 4010 tractors (Photo 19).
Now we jump all the way into the 1980s. The reason I included this one was when I first saw it, besides the totally awesome fashions displayed by the models, is it triggered my memory. So, off I went on a hunt (Photo 20).
I was right; I had seen that hoodie before. It was one I had worn back in the day. This is a picture from the article on the different coats I had worn that I wrote a few years ago. It is wrinkled somewhat but survives (Photo 21).
The design is unmistakable on this one. Not only does
Photo 13 • Photo 14, below
Photo 15 • Photo 16, below
Photo 18
Photo 17
it have a stripe, but it has the old two legged deer logo and the “Nothing Runs Like A Deere” tagline (Photo 22).
It is hard to see in this picture, but age is catching up with it. The ink in the stripes and logo is starting to deteriorate and crack. This is fairly common with older screenprinted
coats, T shirts and hats (Photo 23). Well, at least my memory is still somewhat functional. I knew I had seen that hoodie somewhere and I was right. I also enjoy looking through the old literature. It can easily take up an evening just reading through an old catalog. Not everything I have is John Deere but most of it is. One of my favorite non-Deere pieces is a letterhead from a dynamite company. Why? you ask. I suppose it is because of the colorful graphics. Someday I may share it in an article. Once again, and I have said this often, it is staggering how many different pieces of literature Deere has printed. Staggering and, frankly, overwhelming. There are some literature collectors with exceptionally large collections and even they have many pieces they will likely never have in their collections. That is what keeps it interesting and enjoyable. Until next time!
Write Greg Stephen at The Old Tractor Company, Box 89, Franktown, CO 80116; phone 231-846-8243 or email deeredr@hotmail.com
Photo 21 • Photo 22, below
Photo 19 • Photo 20, below
Photo 23
December and January in east central Wisconsin have been cool, quiet and almost without snow as I prepare this article in mid-January. Easy going so far and it makes it hard for me to spend all day in the shop with the lights and heat on, when it is mid 20s for temps, sunny and very light breezes. Beautiful days such as these need to be appreciated on the outside with outside activities.
There’s this huge blue spruce tree along my driveway to the shop that I planted as a little seedling some 55 years ago. It has been a pleasure watching it grow to an estimated 40 feet tall; I have enjoyed its beauty and the shade it offered in late afternoon to our door yard. But time moves on. The tree was dying from the bottom and interfering with our dusk to dawn yard light that is close by now, but had been standing far off when I first planted the blue spruce. It is time to say goodbye to old blue spruce and take it down before Mother Nature takes her down in the “wrong” direction. This old landmark will need to be strategically cut and pulled over with a very LONG cable to convince it to come down in an exact location so as not destroy the dusk to dawn light and pole, and certainly to avoid hitting our 500-gallon propane tank that is so very near to the tree, and then there is, of course, the house. This is not a job for the faint of heart or let’s just try it and see where it lands; the tree also had only one way that it could be cut and dropped because of
the way that it was leaning and those items that needed to remain intact as it came down.
I got together with my “partner,” Darren; you know, he’s the guy that I have been speaking of in my past few articles. I brainstormed with him about cutting and pulling the tree over. We both had our ideas about how to take the 40 foot spruce down and which direction would be best for it to fall. Bottom line–I had planned for it to be coming down to either the direct north or south; the direction I had decided would be to the north…it would drop on the gravel in the dooryard between my shop and the house with about 40 feet between them. After a lengthy discussion, Darren’s advice was to drop the tree south directly past the dusk to dawn light and pole, and the propane tank with NO room for error since both those items we had to avoid were barely as far apart as the tree was wide.
Darren’s reasoning for taking it down in this direction was because
of the way the tree was leaning. If it was notched and pulled in the direction of that rather restricted opening, we would be using the tree’s upper weight as an advantage, rather than overcoming it to pull it over in the other direction to the north, a better idea for sure. As I mentioned, you don’t get a second chance at this; either you get it right the first time or there will be some collateral damage. It was hard for old Doc to agree to dropping the tree through a narrow margin rather than pulling it over to a more open yard.
A friendly discussion continued as we concluded; even though there was a much wider path falling it to the north, we would be pulling it over the opposite way of its weight and the way it was leaning. That could ultimately cause the tree to “twist” over the cut wedge and fall where it wanted instead of where it was intended. That could either mean a damaged house or one side of the shop. Taking it down to the south and using the weight of the upper part of the tree as an advantage WAS a better bet, even if it had to fall EXACTLY where it was meant to. I finally relented and gave in to Darren’s suggested method.
A sling strap was wrapped around the tree about 25 feet up, and the John Deere 4010 was hooked up to straps and chains in order to get about 60 feet away from the tree and to the SOUTH. Darren cut the wedge, I had the 4010 running and in second gear with the chains snugged. He “back cut” the wedge and gave me
Photo 1
the “go ahead” signal. I think that my heart rate was off the charts as I let the clutch out and heard one heck of a gigantic crash (Photo 1). Looking back, I was more than delighted to see the big blue spruce on the ground right where we planned, missing the light pole and the LP tank with NO room to spare. I now know that it WAS the correct way to go…once again, my many thanks to Darren. Two heads ARE better than one!
Now it was time to relax and high five with a “Mr. Miller” champagne of bottled beers. Our blue spruce was very heavily blessed with upper branches, but I wanted to use part of its lower (huge) trunk to be sawed into some two by fours and two by sixes for future use. After cutting off branches from the lower 20 feet of the trunk, we decided to have a “log pulling contest” …that is, which tractor handles the job better—a John Deere 4010 or an IH 706. As you can see from our pictures (Photos 2 and 3), the 4010 won by
half a log. Remember at the start of this article, I stated that I planted the tree as a seedling 55 years ago when I bought the place. Goodbye old blue; I will miss you but it was time for you to go. ALL living things, at some point, have an end.
Let’s move on to some other John Deere action from the inside—changing an engine block on a 620. I must admit that it has “been a spell” since I last engaged in such a project and back then it was on a ’49 “A.” Maybe it’s my age, arthritis, or dementia, but I can’t remember having such a struggle as this to change a two-cylinder block. My intent for you readers is not to bore you with every detail, but rather to bring to light some of the glitches that I ran into, and how I dealt with them. There must be a lot of folks removing their two-cylinder blocks around the country these days, because there are many vendors selling oversized piston and ring sets. Therefore, there’s a need for the block to be removed for the rebore procedure. Here’s hoping that these words won’t BORE you… pun intended.
There are two ways that one can attack this job and of course it’s your choice how you proceed. Getting the pistons and connecting rods out of the block requires working through the odd shaped crankcase cover hole to get the caps off and push the assemblies out. One can make it a lot easier though by removing the hydraulic system pump and its steel lines to gain access to the rod caps. That sounds like an easy thing but it actually gets “involved” with the effort needed; lots of O-rings will be needed to put it all back in place. The other method is to leave the pump and lines in place (Photo 4) and work around them. This is also easier said than done because you will find that just the right sockets and extensions will be needed, the crankshaft will have to be in just the
right position to get the rod caps off, and then push the pistons out the front.
After the caps were off, I did use the wooden block method to push the pistons out as recommended in the repair manual. It just involves a block of wood placed between the rod and the crankshaft, then turning the crankshaft to push the piston out. I found that once the head of the piston was sticking out of the deck of the block, the pistons could be pulled out from the front. I DO recommend wrapping the exposed rod bolts with something in order to keep them from “dinging” the crankshaft as all of this activity is going on. I used two pieces of loom wrap…that worked well (Photo 5). With that done, all you should have to do is remove all those big nuts that hold the block to the crankcase and it falls off, right? Not so! The block attaching nuts are tucked into casting pockets. I could not find any way to get a socket, much less a breaker bar on them (Photo 6). I thought about shortening up one socket, but there would still be no room for the braker bar; these nuts are torqued at 275-foot pounds. I suppose that a long combo
Photo 2 • Photo 3, below
Photo 4
Photo 5
Photo 6
wrench (Photo 7) is what I need, but the Snap-On tool that I needed worked on a few but was too bulky around the stem and the angle wasn’t right to get at them either.
Let’s try the other toolbox that has mainly old Craftsman tools in it. This one-inch wrench was a little longer on the handle, thinner on the neck, and the socket head was at an angle to the stem (Photo 8). I had a perfect fit now and with the help of a length of pipe, all those block nuts were off in a jiffy. And oh, yes—don’t forget to remove the two long bolts that come up from the bottom of the frame into the lower block (Photo 9). Good grief, you would think that this engine was built for 500 horsepower instead of 56. With all of the above out of the way, now the block still seems to be stuck tight to the crankcase because it just will not come loose. A quick check around to make sure that all of the attaching bolts and nuts are out. The only place to get a “toe-hold” to physically pry the block forward is through the two holes cut in the frame to expose the nuts on the side of the block (Photo 10). Using a long prybar, I could get a good forward pry on the block from either side, but try as
I might, the block refused to release from the crankcase gasket.
After some huffing and puffing, I had to gather some reinforcements. What do I do now? How about a hydraulic expanding body tool against the bolt heads on top of the crankcase and against the top of the block’s water outlet casting (Photo 11)? The hydraulic tool says, “Caution; do not exceed 1,000 pounds of force or damage will occur.” Damage to what…the block, the tool, or ME? The tool did fit and stayed in place. It pumped up until its relief went off, but there was still no separation of the block from the crankcase. It doesn’t say anything of a “situation” like this in the manual. Well, one final assault with pressure on the top of the block from the body tool and prying at the same time on the side with the prybar setup and FINALLY we have lift-off (Photo 12).
Sometimes old gaskets such as this become “welded” to the two surfaces that they are meant to seal; that is how it was here. Patience and persistence—two essential ingredients needed when working on old tractors. Now the cylinder block can be moved forward off of the crankcase studs and with the help of my “apprentice” Dar-
ren, it can be lifted out of the right side of the tractor’s frame.
Setting the old (take-out) block alongside the new block, and getting a good comparison look, I now notice a small but important detail that must be tended to in order for the new pistons and rings to install into the new block. As you can see in Photo 13, the old block has a very distinct chamfer at the very top of the cylinders. The rebored block has a very SHARP 90 degree edge at this point, probably the result of boring and honing the block. The small chamfer on the old block would allow the piston rings to enter the cylinders without catching and breaking a ring. Remember that there are six high-tension piston rings on each piston. One will certainly need a good ring compressor, but without a small chamfer on the cylinder, the chances of catching a ring and breaking it when assembling would be greatly increased.
Breaking a piston ring has two consequences and they are both BAD. One, you break a ring while assembling and you will hear or notice it as the piston is entering the cylinder. Now you must purchase a complete new set of piston rings for the engine
Photo 9 • Photo 10, below
Photo 7 • Photo 8, below
Photo 11 • Photo 12, below
because there is no such thing as someone, somewhere having one ring for an over-bored piston on a 620 John Deere. Ring sets are expensive, postage is costly and you have just set your project way back.
The second result of breaking a ring and not noticing it or ignoring it will result in the engine’s poor performance on ONE cylinder. Lack of compression and oil control issues will result, and as the engine runs, the broken ring will cut a groove in the new cylinder wall. Think of how catastrophic that would be with a new bored block as in this 620.
The fix for this missing chamfer was simple—using a long-necked air tool and a ball stone (Photo 14), I broke the sharp edge and put a taper on it. Next, I used an 80-grit flap wheel (Photo 15) to further smooth out the newly cut chamfer. With that, the new cylinder block was put back in to the 620’s frame (Photo 16) and will soon be slid into place. I only intend to do this job once, and it is going to be RIGHT the first time. Doing engine
work is enjoyable and interesting, but doing it over the second time, or as I call it “back-wrenching,” is frustrating to say the least. To quote an ap-
Photo 16, below
propriate phrase from a favorite old rock band the Eagles: “Take it easy.” Until we meet again, may God bless.
This column is written by Ron and Jo Anne O’Neill.
Photo 13
Photo 14
Photo 15
A recent post online asked a question about the history of Tractor Cards. Seeing as how I was the inventor of the genre, I decided that they might make a good idea for a quick story.
Depending on who you believe, baseball cards began sometime between 1865 and 1887, but the hobby of collecting them reached its peak somewhere around 1990. Cards that had been worth just a few dollars earlier were now selling for thousands. The number of collector card shows increased rapidly as did the companies producing cards. Soon you could find collector cards for everything from the TV show Saved By the Bell, to serial killers.
So, at some point in 1990, I noticed that so far, there were no trading cards with tractors. Somehow I had gotten a set of cards in the mail called “Unbeatables.” This company based in Rye Brook, New York specialized in limited runs of custom cards. You could get a few cards made with your little leaguer, your company’s top salesperson or even your champion herd sire. I sent a few tractor photos in—remember this was in the predigital era—and a few weeks later, got back my first set
Our first ad for Tractor Cards from the January 1991 issue.
of cards. A new niche hobby was born!
We placed our first ad in the January 1991 issue of this magazine. Early sets still had the “Unbeatables” logo in the upper left corner, but as demand increased, we eventually found a different printer, who could make the cards cheaper. To diversify, we even started producing cards with non-John Deere tractors on them.
For a while, the tractor card hobby was active enough that even Deere and Company got into the act. Some of their cards even pictured a famous person, like pitcher Nolan Ryan or then Dallas Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek with their Deere tractor.
A few years after we started, for reasons that I don’t exactly remember three decades later, we decided to sell the tractor card business. The new owners carried on for several more years, but they and Deere eventually stopped production, and this part of the hobby faded away.
One of the first Tractor Cards with the “Unbeatables” logo in the corner.
Right: One of the newer cards. A brief description of the tractor and the owner’s name was listed on the back. I looked this one up, and he is still a subscriber.
Left: This uncut sheet of the Deere cards hangs in the Green Magazine offices. It was sent to me by Ralph Hughes, former editor of Furrow Magazine and a sometimes writer for Green Magazine.
More animal, lawn mower and tractor adventures
As I write this article at the end of January, the weather has been drier in our area. Summer in our area is traditionally wet, so moisture is expected. We live in an area of Australia that I would call foothills. To the south of our town, there are several mountains and a mountain range that sits on the border to the state of New South Wales. Many times, when stormy weather is forecasted, I watch the weather radar on my phone. I can see storms coming our way from the west, and split and go around each side of our town. I am not a meteorologist, but I would say that the mountain ranges play a part in the wind currents which move the storms on their paths.
We had an animal adventure again in the past month on our property. Australia features all kinds of wild and unusual animals. A couple of years ago, we spotted a goanna behind the house creeping across the lawn. A goanna is a creature from the lizard family. I was working from home a couple of weeks ago, and Janis yelled to me from the kitchen, “Ken, come in here NOW!” When I got to the kitchen, she pointed outside to the yard behind the house. There was a large goanna standing there and checking out the area. It would have been three feet long from its nose to the end of its tail! These creatures are not something you want to tangle with, as their bite can cause terrible infections. As with most animals, if you do not provoke or corner them, there will not be an issue. I grabbed Janis’ phone and went
outside to take a video. It saw me and decided to head the other direction. I watched as it reached the edge of our fenced dog run. It was able to slip through the chain link fence, but it had to drag its back legs to fit through
the wire opening. It headed off into the back yard and I have not seen it since. Janis saw it since that day when she was turning in our driveway. The goanna was crossing the street and heading for our neighbor’s pasture, probably looking for its next meal. It was quite an experience to see this creature so close to the house, and it verified that all screen doors need to be kept closed!
My job as a training instructor has not been busy to this point in the year. This time of year is spent preparing subject matter for courses that will be presented through the year. In December, I was assigned 50 online and in class training courses through “John Deere University,” which is John Deere’s online training site. These courses were for motor graders, wheel loaders, skid steer
loaders, AMS (GPS farming), air seeding and CAN bus electronics. I have completed the courses, which were all very good. I checked my status on John Deere University. In the years that I have been a technician and training instructor, I have completed 378 courses in Canada and Australia to date. Credits are given for each course completed. Due to reaching the credit criterias, I have achieved “Master Technician” status in both countries as well. I am proud of my achievements to this point.
I do not advertise this, but I do repair a few lawn mowers and garden tools for friends and neighbors. These machines can be as challenging as a large four wheel drive tractor or combine to find the problems. I was given the repairs for two mowers from my friend, Dylan, who has a lawn mowing business. The first one was a Husqvarna tractor model that was not driving correctly, and the seat was crooked. When it arrived, I realized why. The rear drive axle is mounted on two pieces of the main frame of the tractor. The one side, the frame and axle had broken free from fatigue and it was just sitting there. The other side was cracked badly and barely hanging together. I had to drop the axle and weld angle iron steel pieces onto the frame to remount the axle. It is fixed better than new and back into operation.
Dylan also has a Gravely zero turn mower, which are now part of the Ariens company. It was being used
by employees at his mowing business. Dylan got on one day to use it and the mower deck was making a lot of noise. He dropped it off to see what I could do. I turned on the mower deck, and there was excessive noise from that area. On further inspection, all three mower deck spindles had bearings that were worn out. The blades were also completely shot. After disassembling the mower deck, the spindles appeared to be a one-piece unit with the pulley welded on. When looking for parts, I checked with Dylan as to where he has purchased the mower. He replied from Facebook—hmm, this might be a challenge to find parts.
A Google search turned up no one in Australia who sold the spindles for the mower. I did find a company in Victoria that sold the mower blades, so I ordered these from them. On further inspection on the spindles, the washer on the bottom had two drilled holes and looked like it would come off to access the bearings. I decided that instead of just going at the washers, I checked for a YouTube video first. There was a video showing how to dismantle these spindles. The bottom washer is threaded on, so I fabricated a wrench from flat steel and a bushing to fit over the thread to keep the wrench square.
I also drilled and installed two bolts in the wrench where the holes are drilled in the washer. I heated the washers with a torch to loosen the threads, and then the wrench worked perfectly to remove the threaded washer. The bottom bearing on all three spindles was shot with their balls missing. The bearings are a standard size sealed unit that my local industrial shop sells. With a bit of work everything was back together.
The idler pulleys on the top also had poor bearings. These look like the ones John Deere uses, but a slightly smaller diameter. I was able to buy two of the pulleys from two different mower shops in town as neither shop had two available. The moral of this story is that it took parts from four different suppliers to get this mower back in operation; if it had been a John Deere mower, I could have easily bought all the parts in one location.
I have been working on my 1968 model John Deere 5020 and doing some much needed repairs. The first part that needed attention was the battery cables. When the tractor started, the undersized cables would jump when the starter was engaged. This is caused by too small of diameter of cable for the current needed to be suppled. The cables were 50 square
millimeters. This is the metric size used in Australia which converts to 1/O cable. It is a good size cable, but not big enough for a 24 volt starting system. I buy cable from the local auto electrician and make up my own cables to length. The battery cable I used is called 70 square millimeters, which converts to 2/O cable. I was working at the cables and went to move the PTO lever. The lever was very stiff, which I had forgotten about. The lever had been stiff for a while and the PTO has not worked, I thought due to the cable not moving. After some checking, I diagnosed the engaging cable had become frayed inside the sheath. The only thing to do was replace the cable. I ordered a new cable and installed it.
I started the tractor and engaged the PTO; it would not turn on. There is a disconnect for the PTO on the platform floor. I flipped it the opposite way and then started the tractor again to check the PTO operation; it still did not work. I checked the operator’s manual to make sure I had the disconnect in the correct direction. The manual stated that the disconnect lever is in the locked position when the beveled edge of the lever is up. I verified that this lever was sitting correctly and retested the PTO, but it still did not operate. I am positive the PTO did work, I have not used it, but I know it used to spin. I will need to investigate this further later.
While replacing the cables, I decided to add a battery isolator/ disconnect to the tractor. This is a good update to do on all tractors as
5020 battery box removed to access PTO cable.
Hydraulic drive coupler bushings worn out.
Coupler halves cleaned up - new bushings and worn out bushings.
Below: Water pump pulley off.
battery shorts and electrical issues can be magnified if the batteries are left connected. I wanted the battery isolator in an easy to reach spot, and did not want to drill any holes to mount the switch plate. I worked out a spot at the back of the tractor where there were already empty holes in the platform. The mounting plate was cut and modified to fit the holes in the platform. With that all back together, I tested the starting of the tractor. Now, the new cables do not jump when I am starting the tractor.
For a while when the tractor was running, there was a knocking noise at the front of the engine. I narrowed this noise down to the hydraulic coupler drive and the rubber bushings. To access the coupler easier, I decided to go at it this way. The water pump was still as it has been since I have owned it. The fan belts were shot and needing replacement and radiator had never been out of the tractor since I owned it. I decided to pull the cooling system components to refurbish as well as this makes access to the hydraulic pump drive coupler very easy.
Once I had the brown water coolant drained, the hoses and radiator were removed. I disassembled the hydraulic pump coupler halves and was shocked what I saw. The rubber
Old seal and new seal , blue seal installer tool supplied with the kit.
bushings were completely shot and in many pieces. These were the worst ones I have seen. After cleaning up the coupler and installing the new rubber bushings, I installed the new fan belts. This bushing repair is always the best time to update fan belts, as the coupler must be removed to change the belts.
The water pump repair went well. The bearing spun fine but had some play and was noisy due to wear. I do not disassemble the water pump as the manual says. The way I do it is to use a puller to remove the pulley from the bearing shaft, then flip the water pump and push the other end of the bearing shaft off the impeller and out the top of the pump housing. I use a round steel bushing to hold the pump housing and push the bearing through the inside of that bushing. The bearing usually makes a loud “bang” when it starts to move in the press. By disassembling the way the manual says, you are to push the bearing towards the impeller. There is nothing holding the center part to the pump housing, and that force has cracked and destroyed many housings on people over the years.
I painted the water pump, fan, shroud and radiator when reinstalling as the tractor’s paint is not original and the green paint looks a lot better than old rusty paint. The radiator and cooling system were thoroughly flushed. Everything went back together fine including all new coolant hoses.
New seal installed
Below: Left view of reinstalled radiator.
I refilled the cooling system with John Deere coolant to keep the rust at bay. The air hoses from the intake manifold to the air cleaner were also replaced, as the old original ones had become very hard. I have the tractor all back together now, but I have noticed that the charging system is not working. For a while now, the generator light has not come on when starting the tractor. I have checked the bulb and that all seems fine. I will need to investigate the 24 volt charging system. The batteries were starting the tractor, but both separately only registered 12.45 volts on my meter, which meant they were at a discharged level. I have fully charged both batteries but have not started the tractor again to test the system; I will update as I go.
That’s all for this month. Stay tuned for more tractor and animal adventures as there is always something happening here. I hope everyone is enjoying their old fashioned winter in the northern hemisphere; it has been quite harsh in my former province of Ontario. Until next time, cheers, mates! Contact Ken Nicklas by email at kenanicklas@gmail.com
As happens now and again, we have a winner from months ago. In the January 2024 issue, we looked for a No. 4 Tractor Cultivator, a machine we would probably call a “ripper” today. Better late than never, Dan Heiman of
Carroll, Iowa sent us a photo of his No. 4 and tells us that his father used to use it to relieve compaction on the edges of fields. Even though it only has one shank, their 3020 had all it could do to pull it. Dan gets one year added to his subscription.
In the January 2025 issue, we began our search for a model “Y” disc. I believe this to be another case of an implement that might seem rare because it wasn’t used in my area, but in the grand scheme of things was fairly common.
Lee White of Madison, Alabama was the first to get a photo to us. He gets one year added to his subscription.
Same last name but a different guy and different state. Mike White from Tennessee sent us this photo of his “Y.”
Here is Chris Grabowski with his “Y.”
We also received photos from Carl Schaefer, William Richards, and Mark Ugo.
While they were never exactly labeled “John Deere,” a little over a hundred years ago several of the
Deere Branch Houses offered for sale a contraption called “The Hero Smut Cleaner.” Now as your mom would say, “Let’s get our minds out of the gutter” and talk about this. Smut in this case is a fungus that infects plants and affect their ability to reproduce. The Hero Smut Cleaner would apparently plunge the seed, either wheat, flax or oats, in a solution of water and formaldehyde, which would kill the fungal spores. $1.70 of formaldehyde was enough to treat enough seed to sow 160 acres. As if that wasn’t enough, it was said to run so easily that a 10-year-old boy could crank it.
Do you have a Hero Smut Cleaner? If so, be the first to get a photo of it to us and we will add one year to your subscription.
Lundell Tractor J d l aW n & g a R den
LUNDELL TRACTOR
6583 310th Street • Kiron, iA 51448
Daytime: 712-675-4341
Evenings: 712-675-4339
Fax: 712-675-4301
For Sale
New radiator core w/gaskets. Riley Part #R2175. Replaces JD AA396R. Fits A up to SN 476999, AO, AR up to SN 259999. Ph. 570-551-0791. PA
Cab for 80-830 series two-cylinder tractors, original cab still on an 830, in storage 45-50 years. Make offer. Ph. 610-932-0600. SE PA
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claSSiFied & diSplay ad inFo
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PAUL’S ROD & BEARING
Paul's Rod & Bearing
Specializing in
JD babbitt bearings
Let us repour your rod & mains for models A, B, D, G, H, L & LA Ph. 816-587-4747
Since 1952
6212 N.W. Bell Road Parkville, MO 64152
M/MT1 plow, M6/MT6 disk plow. Call after 6 PM Central time, ph. 608-548-3020. WI
Original 2510 and 2520 rear engine side panels. Round spoke wheels for A, B, and G. Left fender for JD H. Ph. 920-987-5358. WI
JD 4200 series cultivator, fits JD 40, 420, 430 and 435. $250. Ph. 541-910-5180. OR
1956 70 LP standard, SN 7035946. Tractor has issues. $2500. Phone only. Ph. 501454-3565. AR
diSplay ad RateS
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Quarter page: 3-1/2” x 4-1/2” ... $250
Includes full color • Limit 200 words
Business card: 2” x 3-1/2” .......... $125 Includes full color • Limit 100 words
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Full color, add $25 per photo
Limit 20 words per column inch
Used John Deere two-cylinder tractor parts. Wide variety. Also, some New Generation parts. 30 years’ experience. Call or text Darwin Gingerich, 620-386-0071. KS
John Deere garden tractor No. 322. No hood, no tin. Sell off trailer. $750. Ph. 712230-0060. Northwest Iowa.
Two rear weights for a 5020, 6030 or 7020 tractor, 1550 lbs each, $1500 Canadian. Ph. 519-535-5506. ON, Canada. C3X
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by Classic Iron Head
Any model letter or number custom embroidered on a hat of your choosing and delivered to your door for $25!
Hat choices include green all-cloth, green cloth front/black mesh back, green cloth front/white mesh back, black all-cloth, and black cloth front/black mesh back
Personalization is also available if you would like to add your name to the hat side or back. These hats are good conversation starters with those who are interested in classic iron. Order one today! www.classicironhead.com
Ph 330-554-9531
John Deere 330, like new and has been stored for 10 or more years. It has power steering, full 3-point, weights, and excellent tires. $16,000. Please call. Do not text. Ph. 330-806-0145. OH
Reproduced aluminum WARNING PLATES for 3-pt. Quick Hitches. Motorola alternator and amp regulator plates, 35-55-72 amp. Hydraulic cylinder stop pins with chains, spring steel clip, like original, three sizes – 3/8,” 7/16” and ½.” Ph. 712-6608447 cell. IA B3X
3020 propane, side console, 4721 hours. Complete new engine overhaul. One of 126 built. Asking $14,489. Ph. 405-574-5413. Southwest Oklahoma.
1944 John Deere B. Complete rebuild in 2004. Always garaged. SN 159693. Includes steps and cover. $7000. Call 217-821-1496.
730 std, pony motor. SN 7301263. PTO and hyd, both pony and diesel engine gone through. Fluids changed. Great tires, rear 18X30, front 6X18. Also ‘41 H, SN 30336, good tires, fluids changed, new brakes, PTO, straight tin, needs paint. $2650 OBO. Ph. 712-330-4896. IA
New Generation fuel gauges for 10 and early 20 series tractors, negative or positive ground, comes with new fuel tank sending unit, $160 for set. All our New Generation gauges fit in dash without modifications to the clamp bracket. Also have temperature and pressure gauges for same tractors. EverGreen Restoration, 715-520-7876; www. evergreengauges.com. WI C3X
New, used & reproduction
Crawler parts: Lavoy Wilcox
JD CRAWLER PARTS
Steering clutch parts, brake bands, bearings, final drive gears, engine kits, carb kits, radiators, fans, water pumps, battery sheet metal, seat cushions, gauges, light switches and more www.jdcrawlers.com
Lavoy Wilcox • Horace, ND
Phone 701-361-1006 • 8-5 CST No Sunday Calls
New Generation seat extended brackets, 4 inches longer than stock, not painted, 4 piece set, $125. ALSO: Axle wedge removal tool, 530-4620, three sizes, $270 each. Brett, 402429-5311. NE C3X
1973 4230, Syncro-Range transmission, $14,500. Ph. 618-927-7410. IL
Fuel gauges for John Deere 2 cylinders with original face. Six or 12 volt positive and negative ground comes with new fuel tank sending unit. $135 for the set. See our ¼ page display ad for other gauges. EverGreen Restoration, 715-520-7876; www.evergreengauges. com WI A3X
Dillner's Tractors Excellent reproduction
ALSO: New Generation tool boxes
• GP, D & LA brake linings
• Carburetor rebuilding
• H773R dust shields
• Clutch brake pads
• Governor springs BOB DILLNER
973 Corley Rd. • Manns Choice, PA 15550 814-733-4397 www.dillnerstractors.com CALL or see website for more info A thru 730D
6414 John Deere, complete rebuild. Everything new inside. No shortcuts. Radiator, clutch, safety switches, enclosure. Surplus to our needs. $12,500. Shipping can be arranged. Ph. 479-462-4880. AR
John Deere 301A loader from a 301A tractor in good to fair condition. With mounts. Possibly a 148 loader? May fit other models. $3600. Ph. 417-576-1386. Southwest Missouri.
John Deere patio mowers. Blue hood, restored tractor. Red hood, restored. Blue hood, runs, unrestored. Green 110 and 112. Ph. 419-234-1962. OH
Buddy seat! For 20 and 30 series two cylinders. Will fit float ride seat or bat box. Looks like the original buddy seat! $495 plus S/H, includes cushions. Ph. 260-901-3076. Callaway Restorations, IN. B3X
John Deere 630, all original, PS, LPTO, flat top fenders, 3-pt. excellent tires, no dents, runs great. $8500. Please call. Do not text. Ph. 330-806-0145. OH
ELECTRIC STARTER KIT for R, includes 12 volt starter, bracket with battery box, breather, water manifold, water pipe. Alternator with top and bottom brackets, mounting hardware and battery cables. $1595. Free shipping. Ph. 717-445-9465. PA A3X
28 inch factory round spoke wheels with six bolt hubs sand blasted and primed for GP, BO, BR, $700. Also two hole corn sheller, $500. Ph. 570-966-1567 PA C3X
John Deere tractor repairs and restorations – all two cylinders and New Generation tractors. Pickup and delivery available. 4177 White Oak Road, Paradise, PA 17562. Ph. 717-687-3761. K6X
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Piston ring sets: A, B, D, G, GP, H. D 6-1/2” std., .045, .090. D 6-3/4” std., .045, .090, .125. G 6-1/8” std., .045, .090, .125. Piston kits for most two cylinder JD. ALSO AVAILABLE: Two cylinder tractor parts; valves, guides and valve springs; 2 and 4 cylinder pony motor parts; injector tubes OEM, AF3190R; brass push rod tubes, $28; oversized wrist pins. H&J Machining, 701-652-3289 (NDE3X alt), www.handjmachining.com or racinghenry@hotmail.com
1967 4020 gas, Hiniker cab, good tin, call for details. Ph. 602-448-7604. AZ B3X
Currently parting out styled and unstyled A, AR, styled and unstyled B, styled and unstyled D, H, R, 40, 50, 60, 70 gas, 80, 420, 720, 820, 840, 1010, 2010, 3010, 4010, 3020, 4020 and 2030. Countryside Tractor, 618-731-6625. IL B3X
84 year old John Deere AR. Restored, electric start. $3500. Ph. 636-296-3112. MO C3X
R42893 Fastener Pin for Battery Box = $36 Dave Haala: dave@haala.com or 507-920-9181
JD 4600, 5 hrs. on major engine overhaul, HST, runs and drives good, unknown hours, $12,500; X724, 1300 hrs, 54” deck, runs and drives good, $4000. V4 pony motor, runs good, has some work done to it, $750. Crankshaft for late 4020 gas, cast #R40730 $600. Parting out 3010D, 70D and 620. Ph. 641-228-4282. IA B2X
We have parts for your 45 combine! www.45combineparts.com. Ph. 417-2592520. MO A6X
Side console
New engine rebuilt kit
New injection pump
Trans went through and checked out good
Power Beyond Block
Above average condition
Collect it
Parade it
Work it
or OBO
New parts include battery box, seat, metal belly pans, light brackets and more The Ridenours Trenton, OH Ph. 513-988-0390
Visit our website: www.antiquejohndeere.com
Canopies for JD 3020, 4020, etc. Powder coated yellow. $1135. Quantity discounts. Ships truck freight. Nelson Horning, 585526-6705. NY C12X
New and used parts for JD two cylinder tractors and crawlers and some NOS parts. Models A, B, D, G, H, LA, M, 40, 50, 60, 70, 70D, 440, 520, 620, 720D, 530, 630, 730, etc. A&L Parts, 315-536-0543. NY C12X
PARTS AND DECKS for older Deeres. 110, 140, 200s, 300s, 400s and over 150 lawn tractors for sale. Ph. 219-942-2242, website: tractorsalesandparts.com. IN B6X
1950 styled AR, many unstyled G parts. 70 diesel just fresh in! Parting out: 70 gas burner, 630, good tin; styled G, also H. Parts for unstyled A, B, GP, D. Styled A, B, D, G, 50, 60, 520 and 620. Some R parts. Call Larry Frederick, 308-520-7416. NE L6X
1969 John Deere 140 H3 Patio orange. Excellent condition. With mower deck, but deck needs to be restored. $4500. Ph. 814-766-3910. PA C2X
Gear reduction starter built for 3010 JD through xx60 series. Adaptable to some 8000 series JD tractors and some JD loaders. Starts easier. About $100 cheaper than OEM. No core charge. Call 218-234-6500. NE C3X
1952 AR JD tractor, runs nice, like new tires, older restoration but looks new. $5000 firm. Ph. 260-593-3887. IN C3X
Berry Cam Service: For your 2, 4 and 6 cylinder camshafts, stock or antique pullers. Ph. 320-395-2377. Location: 2466 Gabler Ave SE, Buffalo, MN 55313. A6X
Rare 1969 4020 console gas, power shift, 1 of approximately 180 manufactured. In original working condition. $20,000 OBO. Ph. 641-919-8216 IA
THREE PIECE FRONT WEIGHTS for JD 520-730. Good reproduction. U.S. made. $1000. Also numbers 4, 5 and 6 are available, $350 each. Detwiler Tractor Parts, Spencer, WI. Call 715-659-4174, 715-6594252 or 715-659-4525 (office) 9-5 M-F. B6X
JD 730 diesel, electric start, flat fenders, 3-point, always kept inside, new tires, real nice, $14,600. Also JD 450-C dozer and loader and other equipment. Call 24-7. Ph. 724-445-3336 or 724-822-2350. PA B3X
Just in: Many, many mags and carburetors from big estate sale, including historical mags you won’t find anywhere else. Call for info. Over 30 years’ experience. Call EZ Tractor Shop, ask for Eldon, 785-3325482. KS C3X
Recovering original tractor steering wheels for 14, 15 and 17” three spoke flat or round wheels, $95; 19” four spoke wheels, $110. Please send your core or call for information. EverGreen Restoration, W7619 Walnut Dr., Spooner, WI 54801. Ph. 715-520-7876. Made in USA. WI L3X
For sale: 820 block, head, pistons; R head, R pony motor magneto; and No. 3 carburetor. Ph. 785-821-2600. KS C3X
Carburetor, water pump, distributor rebuilding. Farmers Service Incorporated. Ph. 330-482-4180, www.farmersserviceinc. com OH L6X
New and used JD two cylinder parts. Specializing in H, M, MT, 40, 420, 430, GP, 800 and 801 3-points and parts. Also: See my eBay store for specials and NOS parts. Some NOS parts, many reproduction parts. Dave Cook Tractor Parts, 715-373-2092. Morning calls are BEST. WI B6X
Automatic release brake locks for two cylinders. Parts: 420W, 50 and 630 RC; 520-630 LP and A-730: air stacks, 3-points. Hose and breakaway kits for dual hydraulics 520-730;: also Behlen overdrives, round spokes and lugs. 800/801 hitches and parts. Aftermarket parts. 3-16s 825 rollover plow; 820, 825 rollover plows and plow parts. Marlin Smith, Pine Valley Farm Equipment. Ph. 712-579-9922. IA C3X
DUBUQUE TRACTOR PARTS - top links, hood bolts, wheel bolts, front and rear, PTO shields, tie rod tubes. Ph. 217-502-4504, email shinola@royell.org IL L6X
WIRING HARNESSES, battery cables and spark plug wires made to order for restoration or repair. Covering models from the 1930s to the 1980s. Electrical parts including: switches, regulators, lights, relays, alternators. Wiring harness repair/ rebuild service. Worldwide shipping. See our display ad in this issue. Call or email for a free catalog. Agri-Services, 13899 North Road, Alden, NY 14004. Ph. Website: www. wiringharnesses.com. Email: agriserv@ rochester.rr.com. A3X
JD 50, front weights, wide front, 3-pt, power steering, runs good $5100. Also, JD 60, aftermarket 3-pt, new rear tires, fenders, JD 530 LP, WF, 3-pt, flat top fenders, power adjust wheels, dual hydraulics, original paint, $9100. Also two 630 JD LPs, $8000 for both! 1936 unstyled A, round spokes wheels, $3600. Ph. 586-530-4657. MI
New parts for L, LA and LI. Bases, propeller shaft guards and shield assemblies. Leave message and phone number, will call you back. Ron Brungart, cell 570-6604573. PA A3X
John Deere 530, flat top fenders. PS, LPTO, 3-pt, deluxe seat, excellent tires. $8500. Please call. Do not text. Ph. 330-806-0145. OH
Scott’s Tractor Restoration, 14025 Haumesser Road, Shabbona, IL 60550. We offer complete restoration and mechanical repair on all makes and models of tractors. Showroom quality. Ph. 815-7620851, website: www.scottstractorrestoration.com or email: twocylindersh@aol. com. A12X
Carr’s Repair: JD R and 730/830D overbore piston kits. Ph. 807-487-2548. International Falls, MN. No Sunday calls. Website: www. carrsrepairvintageparts.com (C3X)
New and used John Deere small square baler parts. Knotter rebuilding service. Our free catalog makes it easy to figure out what your baler needs. Call Finger Lakes Equipment, 585-526-6705. NY C12X
FOR SALE: Hubs for taper-lock JD flywheels. Also new old stock JD tractors
and machinery bearings and high-speed gears for tractor rides. Ph. 701-942-3102. ND C3X
Taper-Loc flywheels. We manufacture and sell the original Allen Machine Works flywheels and supply hubs for the same. Also rebuild options available. Ph. 717445-9465. PA A3X
Large inventory of good used two cylinder parts. Call for parts needed - casting numbers and/or parts numbers appreciated when you call. Detwiler Tractor Parts, Spencer, WI. Ph. 715-659-4174 or 715-659-4252 weekdays 9-5. C6X
Electric starter kit for 70/720/730. Includes 12 volt starter, bracket, alternator and brackets, engine cover, breather standpipe, plug and caps for water ports, $1280. Kit for 80/820/830, $1350. Battery box now available. Free shipping. Also battery cable kit now available. Ph. 717445-9465. PA A3X
Toys, Books & Manuals
John Deere operators’ manuals: 4010, 4000, 4020, 3010, 3020, 2520, 2510, 1010, 2010, 4620, good used, $20. Very good used original, $30. Service manuals: 3020, 4020, 4620, 4640, 2155, 2570, 2020, 2630, 4520, 1020, 830, $35 to $90 each. Some parts catalogs available. Can ship. Call Nelson, 585-526-6705. NY C3X
JD 70/hay rake, R diesel, JD throw bale wagon, 1/28th scale NIB. JD 4440, G/WF, 60/NF, unstyled A, spreader, wagon/hay bales, 14T baler, 2 tandem discs, 4 bottom plow, turbo combine, 4 wagons. Ph. 925250-0376. CA
TRACTOR MANUALS AND LITERATURE, large selection, ag, industrial, L&G. Jim Robinett, 5141 Kimball Road, Ontario, OR 97914. Ph. 206-713-3441, send email: tractrmnul@aol.com. OR C12X
Wanted & Announcements
Wanted: Looking for John Deere 900 HC with cultivator, low hours, good shape. Ph. 847-464-5492, leave message for Mike. Northern IL
Wanted: Want to buy a parade ready 1934 JD A. Ph. 641-373-0401. IA
Wanted: Looking for a set of rear tractor rims for a JD 830, 18 X 34 or 20X34, single bevel. Ph. 586-530-4657. MI
Wanted: Original patio red seat. Ph. 419234-1962. OH
Wanted: JD G .125 oversize 9:1 plus compression ratio pistons and Murphy single port head. Ph. 307-546-2228. WY
Wanted: Waterloo Boy model R in good condition. Also wanted: John Deere Backbone of Agriculture Henry Big Boy .45LC rifle, artist proof. Ph. 613-229-5788. Canada. C2X
Wanted: Still looking for JD 3300 combine. Would consider gas or diesel. Contact: Kevin Bos, 309-945-8117 or kevin@ bosfarmrepair.com
Wanted: 1969 to 1972 4020, propane or diesel, Power Shift. Ph. 620-923-3364. KS A3X
2-Cylinder Plus Tractor Salvage, 12
Agri-Services, 35
A&L Parts, 12
Auction: Annual Spring
Collector Auction, 9
Auction: Bob Rieck, 3
Auction: Bruce & Dot Brooks, 16
Auction: Collection Reduction, 12
Auction: Online & Onsite, 33
Auction: Richard and Cecelia Carnes, 7
Bi-County Classic Tractor Cruise, 17
Book bundle: Green Magazine, 2
Book: Mr. Thinker’s John Deere Almanac, Fourth Edition, 74
Book: The Green Experience, 34
Book: The John Deere Unstyled Letter Series, 67
Brillman Company, 69
Central Fuel Injection Service, 65
Countryside Tractor, 35
Crawler parts: Lavoy Wilcox, 62
Decals: QuipCal.com, 64
Dennis Polk, 8
Detwiler Tractor Parts, 17
Dillner's Tractors, 62
Dubuque top links - Bill Miller, 33
EverGreen Restoration, 34
Fabricated tractor parts: Dave Haala, 63
For Sale: ’69 3020 diesel, 63
Fisk Carburetor and Ignition, 12
For sale: John Deere H, 60
Garry Power, 61
Green Magazine back issues, 71
Green Magazine Bookstore, 70 GreenMagazine.com, 68 Iron Bull Mfg., 35
John Reed Antique Tractor Parts, 64
Jorde’s Decals, 35
K&K Antique Tractors, 8 & 67
L and LA parts - Ron Brungart, 65 Lakeside Service & Supply, 63
Lind Bros Tractor and Parts, 29 Lundell Tractor, 60
Martin Parts & Repair, 36 Martin Repair, 34
McDonald Carb & Ignition, 65
M&D Reproduction Parts, 62
Medallion AR77663 - K&K Antique Tractors, 67
Obsolete parts - The Old Tractor Company, 33
Paul's Rod & Bearing, 60
Plow parts - Tyler Buchheit, 29
Renaissance Tractor, 63
Ridenours - L parts, 64
Scenic View Engine, 8
Show: Classic Green Reunion 2025, 37
Show: Greater Minnesota Field Days and Swap Meet, 17
Show: New York State Expo XVI, 17 SMV emblem support bracketK&K Antique Tractors, 8
Steiner Tractor Parts, 75
TP Tools & Equipment, 13 Tractor Hats, 61
A Specialized Look Into The Unstyled Model B: The Handbook of the John Deere Model B 1934-1938 This book should be on the “must read” list of any unstyled “B” owner. Offers the same type of info as the unstyled “A” book (at right). Written by experts who have collected and restored the unstyled version of Deere’s most popular tractor, 84 pages, 11x8-1/2,” soft cover. GM8B - $39.95 US, $47.95 C, $52.95 F
Bookstore
The place to go for accurate and informative books
A Specialized Look Into The Unstyled Model A: The Handbook of the John Deere A 1934-1938 Now in its fourth printing, no other book goes into so much detail on a single model of tractor. Shows illustrations of nearly every change made in the parts that make up the unstyled “A.”
Written by Wes Malcolm, 95 pages, 11x81/2,” soft cover. GM7A - $39.95 US, $47.95 C, $52.95 F
THE GREEN EXPERIENCE
The John Deere Unstyled Letter Series Covers the JD unstyled GP, D, B, A, L, G, AR, AO, AI, BO, BR, BI, BO Lindeman, DI, 62, Y, W, AOS, Waterloo Boys and predecessors. Production numbers, year/SN breaks, original prices, matched working equipment, magnetos, carbs, wheels, history. 8-1/2 x 11,” soft cover, 160 pages. GM10: $24.00 US/C, $31.00 F NOW ON SALE! $18.00 US, $30.00 C/F
Articles first seen in Green Magazine 1984-2000
Mr. Thinker’s John Deere Almanac, Fourth Edition All the same info found in earlier editions plus now Dan Brotzman’s New Gen and Gen II SN guide. For all models built from 1918 to 1972: history, SN/year breaks, accurate production numbers (no 820 three cylinder, 1020, 1520, 2020), notes on some significant changes, charts on tractor fluid capacities, cubic inches, compression ratios, torque specs, list of plow beam numbers. Info on proper colors of mufflers, axles, horse drawn equipment, fuels/lubricants, E/W stationary engines, L&G tractors. Chart on heights, weights and top speeds; SN/year charts for models 45 through 105 combines; tractor/loader application chart; SN/year charts for all tractors built from 1973 to 1990; and production numbers for models 4030 and 4230. 8-1/2”x5-1/2,” soft cover, black/white. MRT4 - $19.95 US, $28.00 C, $36.00 F
Approximately 96 pages of the best articles taken from Green Magazine’s first 15 years. Every member of the family will enjoy this book of restorations gone awry, trips that didn’t go as planned, cherished memories and sometimes profound situations. Not a technical or historical book, but a book about the lives and experiences of those who enjoy John Deere tractors. 11”x8-1/2,” about 96 pages, soft cover. GREX - $20.00 US, $30.00 Canada, $40.00 Foreign
The John Deere Hi-Crop Book This book provides serial number lists for JD models A, G, 60, 70, 620, 720, 430, 630, 730, 2010, 2510, 4010, 2520, 3020 and 4020. Verify Hi-Crop serial numbers, build dates and shipping locations in a pocket-sized book that’s easy to carry anywhere. Production summaries of two cylinder Hi-Crop tractors provided, as well as Hi-Crop totals by state and more. 72 pages, 5.5 x 8.5,” paperback, limited quantity. Order GMHC - $19.95 US, $26.95 C/F
A Tractor Goes Farming Author Roy Harrington (co-author of John Deere Tractors & Equipment, Vol. 2) has put together a book that places the child in the driver's seat of a variety of tractor makes and models. Short sentences that kids will be able to read alone or with help and full color photos to please everyone. 32 pages, 7 x 8-1/2, hardbound. AS6T - $10.95 US, $16.95 C/F
Grandpa’s John Deere Tractors This book for kids tells the history of Deere and Company starting with John Deere and his steel plow. Then in 48 pages with 50 color photos, it talks about how farming and JD tractors have changed. Best for kids 5 to 10 years. 7 x 8-1/2, hardbound, written by Roy Harrington. AS8K - $13.95 US, $19.95 C/F
How John Deere Tractors and Implements
Work Kids are always asking questions, especially about big machines. This book will give kids the answers they crave as they step into the field with impressive John Deere tractors and implements. Ages 8 to adult. 8-1/2 x 11, hardbound, 48 pages. AS9H - $14.95 US, $21.95 C/F
Dear Mr. Thinker,
Why didn’t John Deere use the “D” engine in the John Deere “G”?
C.P., Pennsylvania
They probably could have used some components, but not much more than the block, pistons, rods and perhaps some crankshaft components. Even the block is questionable because the “D” block was designed to carry the weight of tractor while the one on the “G” is not. The width of the “D” engine is also up to three inches wider. That may not sound like much but on a row crop tractor every inch counts. Yes, it probably could have been done, but in the long run, starting from scratch made a better tractor. A better question might be—why didn’t Deere ax the “D” in 1938 and instead offer a “GR”? MT
Mr. Thinker,
Were there any Lanz Bulldog tractors sold new in the U.S. or are there any in the U.S. among collectors?
Also, what do you know about the MIV transmission John Deere tested with? Are any still in existence? What model did they test with and how did the MIV work?
Also, do piston rings rotate when an engine is running?
T.H., Iowa
To the best of Mr. Thinker’s knowledge, no Bulldogs were sold new in the U.S. Hard to see them competing with the Waterloo-built Deeres. Yes, there have been a
handful of imported into the U.S. since. Here is a D2416 owned by Chris Boyens.
The MIV transmissions were tested in 4010s. The simplest way to describe them is that they were like a variable speed transmission used in older combines, except they used a smooth steel chain rather than a belt. The engineers were happy with them, as were the farmers who tested them; however, they were never offered as an option because of the estimated high cost of production and possible short wear life. If any still exist, they are buried deep.
While we all are careful to stagger the ring gaps when rebuilding an engine, the rings are going to rotate. Some studies say they move at about 1 RPM when at an engine speed of 1000 RPM. MT
Mr. Thinker,
For the F145 semi mount plow, did JD make a crossbar for two cylinder and one for New Generation? Parts book online only shows one crossbar.
M.M., Kansas
Mr. Thinker consulted with one of the world’s leading experts on plows, who told him that the short arm was not factory but rather probably some farmer had an idea of how to avoid having to move wheels on their tractor. Only regular Category 2 hitch bars were available along with Category 3 bars on the larger (five and six bottom) model F145 series plows. MT
Mr. Thinker,
I just finished rebuilding the steering cylinders on my 440A cable skidder. The right cylinder is a normal two way. I get that. The left cylinder is the mystery; it’s one way with no provision on the “backside” for anything to escape or enter. THAT the system works, I cannot doubt. HOW the system works is what I would
like to know. Also, did they use this system elsewhere (on the 7020, maybe)? Thank you.
P.N., Wisconsin
Yes, your 440A cable skidder is the same system that Deere used on the 7020 and 7520. Without writing a small book how Deere uses trapped oil at the rear of the right hand double acting steering cylinder to operate the two-way synchronizing valve in the steering valve, let’s just say when the left hand single acting cylinder receives oil pressure, the left cylinder extends, causing the tractor to pivot to the right. At the same time, oil that is trapped at the rear of the right hand double acting steering cylinder opens a check valve in the steering valve, allowing oil to flow to the front of the right hand steering cylinder, thus the right hand cylinder retracts, helping the left cylinder turn the tractor to the right.
For a left turn, pressurized oil is directed to the front of the right hand double acting steering cylinder, pivoting the tractor to the left. So the question then is—what is happening at the single acting left steering cylinder? Return oil from the right steering cylinder opens a check valve in the steering valve, allowing oil from the left steering cylinder to return to the main reservoir.
So, bottom line, during a right hand turn, both steering cylinders help pivot the tractor. During a left turn, only the right steering cylinder pivots the tractor while oil from the left steering cylinder returns to sump. At first glance, this seems like an odd way to steer a tractor. The beauty of this system is that it’s a self-bleeding system, keeping air out of the steering system. MT
Dear Mr. Thinker, Did any “L” series tractors come from the factory on steel wheels?
I.M., Ohio
The closest thing to steel wheels that Deere offered for the “L” series tractors were the “Mud Lug Wheels” that were used along with tires. Mr. Thinker has seen an “L” or two over the years with steel wheels adapted from some other tractor or machine. MT
This photo was taken on a July evening before a family picture was taken with these tractors, said Josh Bos of Waupun, Wisconsin. The 1969 model 2520 with 8,400 original hours along with the 2009 model 8130 used to plant corn are just a couple of the many Deeres used on the Bos farm.
