Earliest JD 4WD compact tractor?
- Thread starter KenWI
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FordTruckGuy
Bronze Member
I am not sure of this, but wouldn't it have to be the Yanmar collaboration as the beginning of Deere's foray into CUTs. In that case, the first model 950 came out in 1977, I think.
That is my guess.
That is my guess.
rockyridgefarm
Elite Member
Deere's very first tractor was the AWD. It was done in house, but was a little pricey, so they went outside for the Waterloo. So they started back then as 4WD.
EquipmentJunkie
Platinum Member
The 850 and 950 were the first compact utility tractors introduced by Deere. I have some brochures from both 1977 and 1978 that feature the 850 & 950, but neither were initially available with mechanical front wheel drive (MFD). That option must have come a couple of years later. FordTruckGuy is correct in that these initial compacts were a partnership with Yanmar and Deere.
I have a Grounds Care Purchasing Guide from 1983 which includes the greatly expanded compact tractor line. The line now includes the 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, & 1250. All of these tractors were available with MFD.
The research that I did indicates that most of these additional models were introduced around 1980 or 1981.
I hope that this answers your questions.
I have a Grounds Care Purchasing Guide from 1983 which includes the greatly expanded compact tractor line. The line now includes the 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, & 1250. All of these tractors were available with MFD.
The research that I did indicates that most of these additional models were introduced around 1980 or 1981.
I hope that this answers your questions.
The 850 and 950 were offered from 1978 to 1989. MFWD and power steering were available as options from the beginning. There's an article in the February 2005 issue of "Green Power" that covers these two models extensively.
The tractor rocky was reffering to was the 1918 "All Wheel Drive" or the "Dain". It was the first tractor marketed under the John Deere name and had an asking price of $1650 (about $20,000 of today's dollars). With most of the competition selling for $700, it didn't do well and was dropped.
The tractor rocky was reffering to was the 1918 "All Wheel Drive" or the "Dain". It was the first tractor marketed under the John Deere name and had an asking price of $1650 (about $20,000 of today's dollars). With most of the competition selling for $700, it didn't do well and was dropped.