John Deere JD40 4.70 star(s) (6)

John Deere 40
Model Year: 1953

I've owned it since 1985 and have used it to mow my two acres and plow my drive way. It always starts right up and has plenty of power to do the job. I also used it to pull the original apple orchard that was on my land. It has also pulled a few pine trees for me. Fun to drive and reliable!

Pros: Reliability.
Cons: Age.

John Deere 40
Model Year: 0

I have been in the process of restoring a 1953 John Deere 40. The tractor has never had a new coat of paint since new. I have completely dismantled the tractor and sand blasted each and every piece. Primed and painted individual pieces, reassembled the the tractor and then painted it again.

Pros: Great experience.
Cons: Did not take enough photos prior to dis assembly.

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1954 John Deere 40 Standard
Model Year: 1954

I purchased my 1954 JD 40S in 1992. Since that time I have replaced the clutch, had the engine completely rebuilt at a local machine shop, rebuilt the hydraulics, new tires and paint. I routinely use the tractor mainly for landscaping activities around our 5 acre home and some gardening. The best thing I ever did was converting to 12 volts using the kit provided by Genesee Products. I know some purist say 6 volts work fine...maybe so on a perfect day, but I want it to start in cold weather and have bright headlights at night and I accomplished these goals by converting to 12 volts. I highly recommend 2 cylinder John Deere tractors, but appreciate and like all old tractors. I hope to purchase a 40T with the narrow front/2 front wheels close together.

Pros: Extremely reliable.
Cons: Limited hydraulic gpm compared to modern tractors.

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John Deere 40S
Model Year: 1954

I purchased John Deere 40S, Serial # 69295 in 1992 for $1800. Over the years I have rebuilt the engine, replaced the cracked head, had a new steering shaft locally fabricated, rebuilt the hydraulic system, converted to 12 volts and painted the tractor. I use the tractor regularly to disk, plow and grade using a 5 ft scrape blade. I also use a 3 pt lifting boom frequently; really saves my back. I chose the 12 volt conversion kit from Genesee Products and highly recommend it. The alternator is small, an easy retrofit and works exceptionally. Now I can use the lights at night at idle speeds without worrying about pulling too much current and burning up the wiring harness. I also fabricated a step to make mounting the tractor easier. I love the tractor and will never sell it.

Pros: Reliability and simple to maintain.
Cons: Low hydraulic flow by today's standards.

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John Deere 40
Model Year: 1953

I wish they still made them this good! This thing is a like a tank!

Pros: I don't have to worry about scratches and low, low payments.
Cons: It's an antique. I really need to get another newer bigger tracto

Love my JD
Model Year: 1953

Love my JD

Pros: Best little tractor around.
Cons: None.