JD Model A General Info

WranglerBowman · Jul 7, 2011

I picked up what I was told was a 1940 Model A the other day. I believe it's at least a 41, just from doing some research online I don't see how it could be a 40. The tractor had been in a family since they drove it home new so the info has been passed on through generations. The JD dealer told me the tractor is a 1946! I'm trying to find out some info on this thing so I know for sure. The serial number is 560817. It hasn't been run in 12 years but the engine wasn't seized so I bought it for the price of scrap and want to bring it back to life. Can people please give me some info on when the tractor was made? Common problems with A's? Issues they've run into? I plan to do a 3pt hitch conversion and make it a 12V. I've attached a pic just so people can see what I'm working with. Thanks!

RippySkippy · Jul 7, 2011

According to this page, it is indeed from '46. I don't claim data integrity for the site ...just sharing the link. It's confirmed on this site too, so must be close...

Poke around on that site a bit...tons of "old iron" wisdom....

Have fun with it...gems from yesteryear. Love the old 2 cylinder tractors....

WranglerBowman · Jul 11, 2011

Thanks Skippy, I had seen tractor data before but people kept telling me otherwise for the year. I'm convinced it's a 46 though. Yesterdays Tractor I hadn't seen before, and there sure is a ton of "old iron" wisdom. I appreciate the reply.

jusalooking · Jul 21, 2011

i have had A,s for yrs, Yes it problay is a 46, they called them ones long hoods because of where the battery is , i have a 44 with the battery under the seat, Most times where your battery is it is all rusted out, Is it a one stick or two stick trans ? Put a one wire alternator on it, You can get kits everywhere, try E Bay or Green Magazine, You will have around a Thousand in the 3 pt, There is all kind of places to send your mag to get fresken up and even your carb if you don,t want to, like i said Green Magazine has everything you will need, i bought my 1st JD A, a 37 when i was 12 yrs old in 1970, still have it plus many more

WranglerBowman · Aug 30, 2011

Thanks for the input...I'm really excited about this tractor! Anyone know where I could buy a cheap parts manual? The cheapest I've been able to find is $44. i was also wondering if anyone has any insight for me on tryin to remove the old exhaust manifold and studs so I can put a new one on. i think it's the orginal manifold and studs on there now and there ist just about nothing left but paper then rust manifold and unrecognizable studs. Been spraying everything with Deep Creep and bolts around the tractor are slowly coming loose.

jusalooking · Aug 30, 2011

Good luck getting the bolts out, There have been times where i have had to break the old manifold with a hammer, then drill the bolts out, Ebay is the best place to get repair manuals, You might try Antigue Tractors online tho, Good luck and have fun

WranglerBowman · Aug 31, 2011

I didn't want to do that and then have all the rust chips fall into the intake and then have to take everything apart...thinkin of trying to grind it off right where the bolts meet the block

jusalooking · Aug 31, 2011

i know it is just a nasty job, i have a 44 A and a 57 620 that i use all the time that both have gasket problems, This winter i have to get both in the shop and get fixed, Hopefully the 620 won,t be to bad but the A is going to be a problem