John Deere 420C tractor

John Deere 420C

Power

32 hp[B] hp

Production

1956-1958

Engine

Gasoline, 2-cylinder 4-valve

Transmission

Unsynchronized gear

From the same series:

Introduction

John Deere 420C Crawler Tractor

The John Deere 420C is an agricultural crawler tractor produced in Dubuque, Iowa, USA, between 1956 and 1958. It belongs to the 400 series of specialized tractors, designed for traction and stability in varied field conditions.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by a 2-cylinder, 4-valve gasoline engine with a displacement of 113 cubic inches (1.9 liters). It features liquid cooling and an oil bath air cleaner to maintain performance. The engine operates at a rated speed of 1850 RPM, delivering 32 horsepower.

Transmission and Drive

The 420C utilizes an unsynchronized gear transmission manufactured by John Deere. Two configurations were offered: a 4-speed or a 5-speed unit, both providing one reverse gear. As a crawler, it relies on 10-inch tracks for propulsion, with steering managed by mechanical disc clutches and mechanical band brakes.

Hydraulics and PTO

The machine is equipped with a live rear power take-off (PTO) operating at 560 RPM. An optional category I rear hitch is available for implement attachment. The electrical system operates on a 6-volt positive ground circuit.

Conclusion

With a weight ranging from 4140 to 4700 pounds and a total production of 17,882 units, the John Deere 420C serves as a compact, stable platform for agricultural applications requiring specialized traction that wheel-based tractors cannot provide.

Production Information of John Deere, 420C

  • Original price was $2,350 in 1956
  • Agricultural Crawler tractor
  • Built in Dubuque, Iowa, USA
ManufacturerJohn Deere
Total built17,882

Engine Specifications of John Deere, 420C

  • Liquid-cooled
  • Gasoline
  • 2-cylinder 4-valve
Oil capacity5 qts [4.7 L]
Displacement113 ci [1.9 L]
Compression7.2:1
Bore/Stroke4.25x4.00 inches [108 x 102 mm]
Coolant capacity11 qts [10.4 L]
Starter volts6
Rated RPM1850
Air cleanerOil bath

Transmission Information of John Deere, 420C

Transmission variants 1

ManufacturerJohn Deere
TypeUnsynchronized gear
Gears4 forward and 1 reverse

Transmission variants 2

ManufacturerJohn Deere
TypeUnsynchronized gear
Gears5 forward and 1 reverse
  • 4-speed unsynchronized gear
  • 5-speed unsynchronized gear

Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 420C

  • Open operator station.
  • Mechanical band brakes
DriveCrawler
SteeringMechanical disc clutches

Power Information of John Deere, 420C

Rear PTOLive
Rear PTO Type560

Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 420C

Rear Type(optional)I

Electrical System of John Deere, 420C

GroundPositive
Battery volts6

Where it sits

With 32 hp[B] HP, the John Deere 420C sits just below 40C (38 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 40th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the John Deere 420C have?

The John Deere 420C delivers 32 hp[B] HP.

What years was the John Deere 420C produced?

The John Deere 420C was produced in 1956-1958.

What engine does the John Deere 420C have?

The John Deere 420C is powered by a Gasoline, 2-cylinder 4-valve engine.

What transmission does the John Deere 420C use?

The John Deere 420C uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.

Compare the John Deere 420C with another model