John Deere A Tractor Data And Specs: A Comprehensive Overview
The John Deere A tractor is a key part of the famed Two-Cylinder Letter Series. It’s famous for being strong and flexible for row-crop farming. First seen in 1934, this tractor was built to take on the McCormick’s Farmall series. It balanced power with versatility, becoming a regular feature on many American farms. This piece gives a thorough look at the John Deere A tractor’s specs. Special tables give a clear view of its technical skills, making sure you have all the details easily available.
Overview of John Deere A Tractor
John Deere A, built for farmers, had an adaptable design for diverse farm tasks. From when it first came out until the 1950s, when they switched to model numbers, the A tractor changed a lot. They added style upgrades and electric start-up, making it more useful and attractive. Here, we will look at the main features with simple, easy-to-understand charts. These charts quickly show what the tractor can do and give information about its history and technical aspects.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Introduction | 1934 |
| Model Discontinuation | Early 1950s (replaced by John Deere 60 series) |
| Engine Type | Two-cylinder, horizontal, all-fuel (distillate, gasoline, kerosene) |
| Displacement | 321 cubic inches |
| Bore x Stroke | 5.5 x 7 inches |
| Horsepower (Drawbar) | 17.8 hp |
| Horsepower (Belt) | 26.7 hp |
| RPM | 900 at full load |
| Cooling System | Water-cooled with radiator |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 gallons |
| Transmission Type | Sliding gear, 4 forward and 1 reverse speed |
| Clutch | Single-plate, dry disc |
| Final Drive | Spur gear |
| Differential Lock | Mechanical, manually operated |
| Drawbar | Adjustable, standard non-lift |
| PTO (Power Take-Off) | 540 rpm, no live PTO |
| Length | Approximately 124 inches |
| Width | Approximately 62 inches (with standard tires) |
| Height | Approximately 72 inches to the top of the steering wheel |
| Wheelbase | 82.5 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 16 inches |
| Weight | Around 4,500 lbs (varies with configuration) |
| Tire Size (Front) | 5.50-16 |
| Tire Size (Rear) | 11.25-24 |
| Hydraulic System | Open center, 6 gpm pump flow at 1500 rpm |
| Hydraulic Lift Capacity | Approximately 2,000 lbs at the hitch |
| Electrical System | 6 volts, generator for charging, electric start from 1947 |
| Variants | AN (Single Front Wheel), AW (Wide Front), AO (Orchard), AI (Industrial) |
| Notable Features | Adjustable steel pan seat, manual steering, mechanical disc brakes |
| Legacy | Significant for its role in row-crop farming, durability, and versatility |
Engine Specifications
Let’s look at the heart of the John Deere A tractor, its engine. This engine is famous for being sturdy and efficient. One important thing here? It could use all types of fuel. That helped farmers because they could choose their fuel depending on what they could get and how much it cost.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Two-cylinder, horizontal, all-fuel (distillate, gasoline, kerosene) |
| Displacement | 321 cubic inches |
| Bore x Stroke | 5.5 x 7 inches |
| Horsepower (Drawbar) | 17.8 hp |
| Horsepower (Belt) | 26.7 hp |
| RPM | 900 at full load |
| Cooling System | Water-cooled with a radiator |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13 gallons |
Transmission and Drive
What about the transmission in the John Deere A? It was made to fit the real needs of a farm. It had enough gears for different tasks. They could use it for plowing or for going down the road. That made it very useful.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Transmission Type | Sliding gear, 4 forward and 1 reverse speed |
| Clutch | Single-plate, dry disc |
| Final Drive | Spur gear |
| Differential Lock | Mechanical, manually operated |
| Drawbar | Adjustable, standard non-lift |
| PTO (Power Take-Off) | 540 rpm, live PTO not available until later models |
Dimensions and Weight
Next, we need to look at the size and weight of the John Deere A. You have to know those things to figure out how well it could move around and if it could carry different types of tools.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 124 inches |
| Width | Approximately 62 inches (with standard tires) |
| Height | Approximately 72 inches to the top of the steering wheel |
| Wheelbase | 82.5 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 16 inches |
| Weight | Around 4,500 lbs (varies with configuration) |
| Tire Size (Front) | 5.50-16 |
| Tire Size (Rear) | 11.25-24 |
Hydraulic System
The John Deere A had a basic hydraulic system. Maybe it was simple, but it worked. It helped farmers use different tools without too much trouble.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic Type | Open center |
| Pump Flow | 6 gpm (gallons per minute) at 1500 rpm |
| Hydraulic Ports | Single remote with one set of outlets |
| Lift Capacity | Approximately 2,000 lbs at the hitch |
Electrical System
In 1947, there was a big change. They added an electric starter. This made it easier for farmers to use the tractor every day.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 6 volts |
| Alternator | Not standard; generator used for charging |
| Lighting | Optional; often included with later models |
| Starting | Initially hand crank; electric start available from 1947 |
Special Versions and Variants
All these different versions show something. John Deere wanted to make sure the A tractor could do different jobs. They weren’t just making one size fits all.
| Variant | Details |
|---|---|
| AN (Single Front Wheel) | Designed for row crop work with a single front wheel for better maneuverability |
| AW (Wide Front) | Offered wider stability for certain field operations |
| AO (Orchard) | Lower profile and narrower for orchard work |
| AI (Industrial) | Rugged modifications for non-farm industrial tasks |
Additional Features
These things all show that the John Deere A was built for work, not for show. It was made to last through the day-to-day work on a farm.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Seat | Adjustable steel pan seat for operator comfort |
| Steering | Manual steering, with power steering not available until later models |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc brakes on rear wheels |
| Instrumentation | Basic: ammeter, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge |
Legacy and Impact
The John Deere A has a significant place in agriculture’s past. It’s the model for what a reliable, flexible row-crop tractor should be. From its original model to a leading choice in John Deere’s range, it showcases the brand’s drive for new ideas and tuning into farmers’ needs.
To conclude, the features of the John Deere A reveal a machine crafted for mid-20th-century farming demands, focusing heavily on durability, adaptability, and easy use. Whether you’re a history buff, collector, or someone curious about farming machine development, knowing the John Deere A’s specs are your window into a time when every piece of gear was crucial for farm productivity.
Keep in mind, this comprehensive overview gives valuable insight into the John Deere A, but its real worth is seen in the fields where it worked for years. It remains a celebrated model in John Deere’s vast history.
FAQ
What year was the John Deere A tractor made?
- The John Deere A tractor was introduced in 1934 and was manufactured until it was replaced by the John Deere 60 series in the early 1950s.
How much horsepower does a John Deere A have?
- The John Deere A tractor has approximately 17.8 horsepower at the drawbar and 26.7 horsepower at the belt.
What type of engine does the John Deere A have?
- It features a two-cylinder, horizontal, all-fuel engine capable of running on distillate, gasoline, or kerosene.
Can the John Deere A use a live PTO?
- No, the original John Deere A tractor does not have a live PTO. Live PTO functionality was introduced in later John Deere models.
What are the different variants of the John Deere A tractor?
- There are several variants including:
- AN (Single Front Wheel) for row crop work.
- AW (Wide Front) for better stability.
- AO (Orchard) for lower profile orchard work.
- AI (Industrial) for non-farm tasks.
How heavy is a John Deere A tractor?
- The weight of a John Deere A tractor varies with configuration, but it typically weighs around 4,500 pounds.
What is the fuel capacity of a John Deere A?
- The fuel tank capacity of the John Deere A is approximately 13 gallons.
Does the John Deere A have electric start?
- Initially, the John Deere A used a hand crank for starting. Electric start was introduced as an option from 1947 onwards.
How many gears does a John Deere A have?
- It has a sliding gear transmission with 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed.
What was the price of a John Deere A tractor when it was new?
- The original price varied, but in the late 1930s, a new John Deere A could cost around $1,200 to $1,500, depending on the configuration and options.
Can you still get parts for a John Deere A tractor?
- Yes, many parts for the John Deere A are still available through John Deere dealers, specialty tractor parts suppliers, or from salvage operations.
What kind of work was the John Deere A best suited for?
- The John Deere A was primarily designed for row-crop farming, including plowing, cultivating, planting, and harvesting. Its adaptability made it suitable for a variety of farm tasks.
How do you identify a John Deere A tractor?
- Look for the classic John Deere green color, the distinctive two-cylinder engine, the serial number location which is on the engine block, and the styling changes over its production years (unstyled vs. styled models).