John Deere JD420 4.80 star(s) (6)

Workhorse Of A Tractor
Model Year: 1989

Implements can be a challenge to find, but in terms of reliability, it is better than my previous 318. I have owned Simplicity, Cub Cadets, and Toros. This machine has outlived them all and is still going strong.

Pros: Reliable, heavyweight
Cons: Plan to travel to find implements

Total Reliability Here
Model Year: 1989

The 420 is the bigger brother to the infamous 318. This tractor rises above every other piece of machinery I have ever owned. It always starts, is always ready to work, and never fails year after year. It has great attachments and is a serious workhorse. I would never buy a new John Deere tractor as they fail in comparison.

Pros: Bullet proof reliability, in a league if its own
Cons: Implements getting more difficult to find

Restoration Project
Model Year: 1985

I have been working on this for a long time. It is almost there. I am having problems with the body under neath the seat.

Pros: Will be a wonderful machine.
Cons: Just can't find time to work on it.

I Own 2 420's
Model Year: 1985

I own a 1985 and a 1991. The 1991 has a 44 loader on it full time, the 1985 has a 47 snowblower in the winter and a mower deck in the summer. Also have a Loadlifter for the 3 point hitch with forks to pick up pallets, large rocks, etc. Move a rock on the 3 point hitch that the loader could not lift. Had a 318, but prefer the bigger tractor. It reminds me of the 4020 we had on the farm when I was younger. The tractor has all the power needed for any job in the suburban landscape. Love the roar of the Onan engine when the snowblower is full of snow and the governor opens up. It has many dealer and after-market attachments that make it useful for many jobs. I will fabricate a foot pedal control for the hydro-stat for the loader tractor. Controlling the loader with the left hand leaves the right hand to try to steer and run the hydro-stat lever. Using the left foot to run the transmission will leave the right foot for the brakes and the right hand on the steering wheel.

Pros: Well built, powerful, many useful attachments.
Cons: Larger tractors mean more expensive parts and attachments, and larger storage space.

Two 420's and One 430 So Far
Model Year: 1984

I bought my first one over 3 years ago and more of them as time has gone on. I now own a total of 3 420's of which one is going to be a parts tractor and 2 430's of which I have one going. The 430 that is running has a 44 loader on it and I have not had much seat time since getting it going but love it just the same. My first 430 has been through heck and back and just keeps on going. The only thing I wish they had was 4 wheel drive or MFWD. They are built like tanks and are way more robust than anything you can buy today. The one weak thing I have noticed from reading all the reviews and comments is that the Onan engine is very expensive to repair but have not had any repairs myself to compare. Lots of power out of them and the Yanmar diesel. The hydrostat is a perfect combo for these.

Pros: Great tractors for an acreage.
Cons: JD running out af parts.

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I'm Happy
Model Year: 1991

Bought a used 420. It was delivered yesterday. Today I changed the oil and cleared the driveway. A twenty year old tractor in sub-zero temperatures. I kind of expected to have some trouble with the hydraulics or starting or something, but nope - It performed flawlessly. It's easy to operate, lifts a fair bit of snow. Runs perfectly. My only complaint is that the oil drain plug is difficult to get at, but I'll add an extension the next time I change oil, and it will solve that problem.

Pros: Excellent handling, powerful, easy to operate.
Cons: Bad location for oil drain plug.