An overview of the model’s 20 year history
IN THE SHOP with Rachel
By Rachel Gingell
Farms.com
The John Deere A is one of the most iconic tractors ever produced. With a nearly 20-year production run, these tractors are some of the most well-known pieces of farm machinery across North America. These days, the John Deere A is a hot collector item (especially the earlier models).
Two different versions of the John Deere A were produced from 1934 to 1952. The differences are easy to spot, if you know what you’re looking for.
The unstyled John Deere A was manufactured from 1934 to 1938. The open fan shaft is the most obvious characteristic. This version of the tractor is the most desirable to collectors. If you have one sitting in a fencerow, pull it out and make some money. (Or restore it and have some fun yourself!)
In 1939, John Deere gave the tractor a cosmetic upgrade, with a streamlined hood and an enclosed fan shaft. The upgrades were more than cosmetic, though - in the next year, the tractor would also transition to a larger engine. The engine moved the tractor from 18 horsepower (drawbar, unstyled version) to 34 horsepower (drawbar, styled version). By 1941, the transmission was upgraded from a 4-speed to a 6-speed transmission.
All of these tractors share a rugged, easy-to-understand design. The model lasted 20 years for a reason!
The closest competitor (in my opinion) to a John Deere A is the Farmall H. One big difference in these two tractors is the clutch: the JD A uses a hand clutch and the Farmall H uses a foot clutch. I prefer a foot clutch for ease of use, but a hand clutch is a lot easier to maintain. (A foot clutch means that you need to split the tractor in half to make repairs.)
John Deere A
Photo: TractorData.com
John Deere has stood behind these tractors - you can still get brand-new parts for the John Deere A at your local John Deere dealership. With more than 300,000 produced, salvage and aftermarket parts are readily available as well.
The classic 2-cylinder engine gives that familiar poppin’ sound. It has a practical purpose, too - the 2-cylinder engine design really reduces wear.
The John Deere A puts out lots of torque with just 970 RPMs - today’s cars idle at that number. This reduced wear on the engine makes for a very durable tractor. You’ll find some of these tractors still working hard today with their original crank and rods! The 2-cylinder engine is also a more fuel efficient design.
If you’re in the market for a John Deere A, you’ll probably want to look for one with an electric start. (They didn’t all come with an electrical system.) Unless you’re a collector who wants the hand-crank for nostalgia, be sure you’re getting one with a starter button.
While I wouldn’t want to do all of my farming with the John Deere A, it’s a great supplement to your regular tractor arsenal. It’s reliable enough to use for basic farm chores (like pulling a wagon, raking hay, or blading the driveway) and fun enough to take to the local parade or tractor show.