John Deere 420
Power
20 hp
Production
1983-1991
Engine
2-cylinder
Transmission
Sundstrand Series 15 Model 90
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 420 Garden Tractor
The John Deere 420 is a garden tractor manufactured in Horicon, Wisconsin, between 1983 and 1991. Positioned as a robust utility machine for property maintenance, it was designed to accommodate a variety of implements and a 50 or 60-inch mower deck.
Engine and Power
The tractor is powered by an air-cooled, 2-cylinder, horizontal-shaft opposed-twin engine. With a displacement of 781 cc (47.7 ci), the unit generates 20 horsepower (14.9 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. Starting from the 1987 model year, the P220G engine replaced the earlier B48G model.
Transmission and Drive
The machine utilizes a shaft-driven Sundstrand Series 15 Model 90 hydrostatic transmission. It provides infinite forward and reverse speed control across two operational ranges, allowing for precise maneuverability. Traction is delivered via a two-wheel-drive system, supported by a mechanical rear differential lock to improve grip in challenging conditions.
Hydraulics and Power Take-Off
The 420 is equipped with independent front and rear power take-offs, both utilizing electric clutches. The front PTO features a pulley system, while the rear PTO operates at a standard 2000 RPM. A rear hitch system provides a lift capacity of 640 lbs (290 kg), controlled by a directional hydraulic system.
Chassis and Operator Controls
Built on a 52-inch (132 cm) wheelbase, the tractor features power steering to reduce operator fatigue and mechanical drum brakes on the differential for reliable stopping power. The operator station is of the open type, and the machine can be fitted with either agricultural or turf-specific tires depending on the terrain requirements.
Conclusion
The John Deere 420 is a heavy-duty garden tractor suited for demanding landscaping, property maintenance, and light agricultural tasks. Its combination of hydrostatic transmission, power steering, and versatile PTO options makes it a durable choice for users requiring high operational flexibility.
Videos
Production Information of John Deere, 420
- Garden tractor
- Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | $7,700 (1992 ) |
| Original price | $6,489 (1983 ) |
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 420
| Wheelbase | 52 inches [132 cm] |
|---|---|
| Front tread | 36 inches [91 cm] |
| Height | 47.5 inches [120 cm] |
| Length | 77 inches [195 cm] |
| Rear tread | 32/38.6 inches [81/98 cm] |
| Width | 51.5 inches [130 cm] |
| Ag front | 4.80x4.00-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 26x12.00-12 |
| Ag rear | 23x10.50-12 |
| Lawn/turf front | 18x8.50-8 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 420
- The P220G replaced the B48G in the John Deere 420 during the 1987 model year, starting at tractor serial number 420001.
- Air-cooled horizontal-shaft opposed-twin
- Image courtesy of Terry Russell
- 2-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 1.75 qts [1.7 L] |
|---|---|
| Power | 20 hp [14.9 kW] |
| Displacement | 781 cc [47.7 ci] |
| Displacement(optional) | Champion RS14YC |
| Sparkplug | NGK BPR5EFS |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.2580x2.875 inches [83 x 73 mm] |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 420
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Sundstrand Series 15 Model 90 |
|---|---|
| Oil type | JD Hy-Gard |
| Oil capacity | 7.5 qts [7.1 L] |
| Type | Shaft-driven hydrostatic |
| Type(optional) | JD Hy-Gard |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse (2-range) |
Transmission variants 2
| 6 | Differential lock |
|---|---|
| 4 | Right brake |
| 3 | Left brake |
| 1 | Throttle |
| 5 | Range shift |
| 2 | Forward/reverse |
Transmission variants 3
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 420
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Differential mechanical drum brakes
- Power steering
| Differential lock | Mechanical rear |
|---|
Power Information of John Deere, 420
| Rear PTO(optional) | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electric |
| Front PTO | Independent |
| Clutch | Electric |
| Front PTO Type | Pulley |
| Rear PTO Type | 2000 |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 420
| Rear Type(optional) | 0 |
|---|---|
| Control | Directional control |
| Rear lift | 640 lbs [290 kg] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 420
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery Group | BCI 22F |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 20 |
Where it sits
With 20 HP, the John Deere 420 sits just below 430 (31 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 12th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 420 have?
The John Deere 420 delivers 20 HP.
What years was the John Deere 420 produced?
The John Deere 420 was produced in 1983-1991.
What engine does the John Deere 420 have?
The John Deere 420 is powered by a 2-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 420 use?
The John Deere 420 uses a Sundstrand Series 15 Model 90 transmission.
Is the John Deere 420 4WD?
The John Deere 420 is available in 2WD.