Introduction
John Deere A: Row-Crop Tractor (1934-1952)
The John Deere A is a landmark row-crop tractor produced between 1934 and 1952 in Waterloo, Iowa. As the successor to the GP model, it holds historical significance as the first tractor from the manufacturer to be factory-equipped with rubber tires, establishing a new standard for field versatility.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, horizontal 2-cylinder, 4-valve engine with a displacement of 5.1 liters (309 ci). Operating at a rated speed of 975 RPM, the engine features a compression ratio of 4.45:1 and is designed for all-fuel operation. It utilizes a manual hand-crank starter system.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Power is delivered through an unsynchronized gear transmission offering 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse gear. The drivetrain includes a dry disc clutch and a mechanical two-wheel drive system, providing basic traction for row-crop operations.
Mechanical and Operator Station
The tractor features manual steering and differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes. The operator station is an open design, equipped with a steel pan seat. The machine is compatible with various implements via a 540 RPM rear power take-off (PTO).
Dimensions and Variants
With a total weight of 1,715 kg (3,783 lbs) and a length of 314 cm (124 inches), the model A was produced in several configurations, including row-crop, orchard (AO), industrial (AI), and narrow-front (AN) variants to suit specific agricultural requirements.
Conclusion
With 300,000 units manufactured, the John Deere A remains a cornerstone of mid-20th-century agriculture. Its design versatility and transition to rubber tires make it a significant model for collectors and historians of agricultural machinery.
John Deere A Manuals & Documentation
Download the manuals and documentation available for the John Deere A: repair and workshop manuals, operator's handbooks, spare-parts catalogs and technical leaflets — free PDF files.
Archive documentation provided for reference, hosted by Tractor-Info.
Production Information of John Deere, A
- The A was John Deere's first true row-crop tractor, replacing the GP. There were several variants of the A. The A was the row-crop model. The AR was a standard (or fixed) tread model. The AO was an orchard model, with no exhaust stack and shielded fenders. There was also the AI industrial model, the AN with narrow front, the AW wide front, and the high-crop ANH and AWH. The model A was the first Deere tractor to come from the factory with rubber tires.
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Total built | 300,000 |
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, A
| Length | 124 inches [314 cm] |
|---|---|
| Length(optional) | 63.875 inches [162 cm] |
| Height | 60 inches [152 cm] |
| Width | 83 inches [210 cm] |
| Weight | 3783 lbs [1715 kg] |
| Weight(optional) | 86.325 inches [219 cm] |
| Ag front | 24x4 steel |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 9/10/11.25x36 |
| Ag rear | 50x6 steel |
| Ag front | 5.50x16 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, A
- John Deere
- Liquid-cooled horizontal
- All fuel
- 2-cylinder 4-valve
| Intake valve clearance | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
|---|---|
| Point gap | 0.021 inches [0.533 mm] |
| Compression | 4.45:1 |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Firing order | 1-2 |
| Starter type | Manual |
| Rated RPM | 975 |
| Displacement | 309 ci [5.1 L] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Bore/Stroke | 5.50x6.50 inches [140 x 165 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | .030 inches [0.762 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 38 qts [36.0 L] |
| Oil capacity | 9.25 qts [8.8 L] |
Hot
Hot
Hand-crank of tractor flywheel.
Transmission Information of John Deere, A
Transmission variants 1
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, A
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station with steel pan seat.
- Manual steering
- Differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes
Power Information of John Deere, A
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Where it sits
With 26 hp[P] HP, the John Deere A sits between B (16 HP) and 60 (41 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 30th percentile of 1930s models in our database (235 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere A have?
The John Deere A delivers 26 hp[P] HP.
What years was the John Deere A produced?
The John Deere A was produced in 1934-1952.
What engine does the John Deere A have?
The John Deere A is powered by a 2-cylinder 4-valve engine.
What transmission does the John Deere A use?
The John Deere A uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.
How much does the John Deere A weigh?
The John Deere A weighs 3783 lbs [1715 kg].
Is the John Deere A 4WD?
The John Deere A is available in 2WD.