1940s John Deere H

[Baucom]

The JD H was built from 1939-1946. The B was a larger model entirely, built from 1935-1952. The H and L/LA series were both replaced by the JD M in 1947. They will do more drawbar work than their hp figures would suggest these days.

It was an early 40's tractor, I believe the "B" replaced it.

I remember when Dad bought an Athens bog harrow at an auction probably 20 yrs ago. He pulled it home with his Kubota L2850, went down to the garden and thew it in full disc, and the Kubota wouldn't pull it in 2wd. He engaged 4wd and it would pull it in 1st gear spinning all 4 wheels. Then he hooked it to his 36 JD B and it just chugged across the garden with it in 1st gear.

The hp figures for those old tractors might not be too impressive, but they were geared to pull. Still, I wouldn't want one as my only/main chore tractor, but they are fun to use sometimes.

 

[Beavis]

Thanks guys.......don't know that I need it, but will keep looking into it.

 

[LRTX1]

That would make an excellent tractor for a large garden 1 to 30 acres if you had all the attachments, plows, planters, cultivators etc. I would take one of those over any CUT on the market today for that intended purpose.

Does it have anything else that would come with it?

 

[davkir]

This is my neighbors H and it stills works for a living.

 

[LRTX1]

This is my neighbors H and it stills works for a living.

Wow, is that a private road? Sure doesnt seem like much right-of-way for a paved county/state road.

 

[Beavis]

I'd use it to ride around the farm instead of a four-wheeler. It's fun to drive and you can never beat that two-cylinder sound of an old John Deere.

That Putt-Putt sound will carry to the next county; the old folks would be enlightened to hear that!!!

Is that a Gas or Diesel sound? I remember we had an old John Deere (looked like an R or D) but I can't remember much about it except for the sound.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If you like that look try to find a A. They had about 30 HP. Do some research. There were square and round axle models also spoke and solid wheeled and styled and un-styled.

Chris

 

[Scotty370]

Here's some data: TractorData.com John Deere H tractor information
I just recently bought an "M"! Why? I don't know! I don't need it! But love the John Deere line, and heritage. I also remember that distinctive 'pop', of them under load when I was 10, and growing up on summer farms. It's "cool"! (Can a 62yo guy still say that word?) I paid $1600- for it. Complete, running, straight sheet metal, etc. When I went to the seller, I said "Why am I doing this?" I don't need it!" He replied, "If you only ever bought whatever you really needed, It would be a pretty boring life. Wouldn't it?" Well it's in my yard! If I can help with resources on parts manuals, etc, PM me! ~Scotty

PS- Doggone! I just read through those 'specs'!!! Kerosene fuel w/ spark plugs! Wow! PM me. If you don't buy it, I might! ~S

 

[dave1949]

Thanks guys.......don't know that I need it, but will keep looking into it.

Like Scotty370 said - what's 'need' got to do with it. Looks like a sweet old tractor.

I have no idea what model it was, but in the early 1950's the field next to our house was always worked with JD. Very mesmerizing for a youngster.
Dave.

 

[Wayne_H]

If it looks half as good as the one in the picture jump on it if the price is right. The engine could be worn out, but Deere sold these two cylinders machines as being more simple... Two pistons to replace instead of four like the red competition.

My B is rated only rated at 28 or so HP on the pulley, but it will outpull my 35 HP 4400 any day while running at 900 RPM. And, it does not have a water pump or thermostat. They understood the concept of keeping it simple.

I use it now to cut grass. It pulls a 15 foot wide gang mower all day long in fifth gear.

Attached is also the power test for the late modeled B's. Similar data is available for all the old machines. Remember, the two cylinders are like BMW and Harley motorcycles, lots of low end torque.

Wayne