All-Original 1991 John Deere 420 Garden Tractor with 150 Original Hours

Here's something you don't see everyday. I took this video at the Lebanon Valley Indoor Classic Tractor Expo in Lebanon, PA this weekend. This is a 1991 John Deere 420 in completely original condition, with only 147 total hours of run time on the unit and its 50" mower deck. This tractor has only been used a handful of times for mowing and has been stored inside its whole life. It still looks like it did when it left the factory in 1991 - all the original paint, decals, bolts, nuts, chrome hub caps, EVERYTHING on this tractor is original and in mint condition. The only thing not original is the ignition control module under the flywheel on the engine which had to be replaced from the tractor sitting so long. The tractor has an Onan P220G engine that runs great with the new ignition module installed. This was definitely one of the coolest tractors I saw at the show and I took this video after Tyler pulled it out of the showroom to load up on his trailer and head home.

[@jerrysgardentractorsengine2243]

It’s machines like this that really make you wonder why it was practically never used

[@MichaelTJD60]

Guy decided he didn't want to mow his own lawn anymore, so he hired a lawn care service and parked the tractor and loader in his basement for 20+ years.

[@jetenginethrust863]

Awesome Garden Tractor, thanks for sharing.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Thanks for watching!

[@modificationnation8554]

That is the cleanest 420 of ever seen in my life.

[@ThatMowerMan]

Man, I would die to have this.

[@jessemurray1757]

brings back memories of the late 80's/ early 90's. My aunt had one, my neighbor had the 430 diesel, my uncle had the 318 and we had the 210.

[@MichaelTJD60]

What a time to be alive. I wish I could go back in time to see what my 210 and 318 looked like when new.

[@electroluxlad]

What a masterpiece

[@dudleeon2wheels236]

Very nice!! I just bought an all original 1988 420 with only 125 hours on it out of CO. The low hour tractors are still out there.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Nice! Would love to see a video of it if you get a chance. You're definitely sitting on a gem there!

[@dudleeon2wheels236]

@MichaelTJD60 I haven't taken a video of it. I can send you a few pictures by email or text. Im looking for a solid 60 in mower deck if you know of one. This tractor was only used for plowing the owners driveway. Never had a mower deck.

[@MichaelTJD60]

@@dudleeon2wheels236 the 60" decks are pretty common and easy to find on Marketplace. Might be hard to find one with as few hours as the tractor, but there's probably one floating around out there somewhere. I know of an NOS 60" deck for a 755/855, but sadly it won't fit a 420.

[@dudleeon2wheels236]

@MichaelTJD60 Yeah, I've seen a lot of out there but mostly are in rough condition. I'm not in a hurry. I'm not going to use the tractor. Just want to set it up like the one.We had growing up on our dairy farm as a kid. I'll find a good solid deck and just restore it to original condition.

[@BenKempa]

This makes me think of how amazing it would be to have been able to walk into a JD dealer back in the day to a floor full of these 300 and 400 series tractors all shiny new,

[@MichaelTJD60]

Back in the mid-late 80's. What a time to be alive!

[@jdtractorman7445]

Me too.

[@benschlechter]

My uncle and cousins, both 2nd and 3rd generation JD dealors in South Florida were almost always stocked with 100, 200, 300 and 400 series lawn and garden tractors.

[@dantecoviello8505]

If only it was 35 years ago! This was the best body style for the Deere 200, 300, and 400 series IMO.

[@MichaelTJD60]

@@dantecoviello8505 Agreed. The open-frame 300 and 400 series were some of the best garden tractors Deere ever built IMO...they perfected most of the issues that the closed-frame 120-317 and 400 models had, and were much more refined.

[@michaelbenoit248]

I wish Deere still made these old tractors the way they did. I would have loved to walk into Deere & see my 212 all shiny & new. I love my K301. After you own one of these things it's hard to go back to the new stuff for the toughness, simplicity, reliability, & over all beast!

[@MichaelTJD60]

I wish I could go back in time and buy one of these things brand new. Buying the X570 new was a neat opportunity but buying a "new" older model would be even cooler. Can't beat the toughness of the old machines but I do enjoy using the X570 when I have a lot of work to do...it gets the job done much quicker and is more comfortable to use.

[@michaelbenoit248]

@@MichaelTJD60, that's true. If I could go back in time I would buy a 73 JD110, 82 JD212, & a JD430 diesel. Maybe a few other tractors but mostly those three. Along with a Cub Cadet 149, & 1973 case 222. The case 222 has a top speed of 10mph, hy-drive. It's pretty cool.

[@steiger256]

Definitely a rare find with that low of hours. Collectors dream.

[@michaelbenoit248]

Not just that, but the paint is immaculate. the paint on the frame looks like the paint I just put on my 212 about a few months ago.

[@Fordfarmer9700]

Man thats a damn nice tractor! I bought a 416H wheel horse with 43.6 original hours on it. The guy blew up the onan in it (busted the sleeves and everything) so I got a new block and rods rebuilt it all and use it regularly now has 130 hours on it. I'm not one to let a tractor sit though because they made them to be used and that exactly what I do. That Deere right there I wouldn't use much because of how clean it is and coolness factor.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Amen, I always put my tractors to work, I hate letting them sit. I would use this for pulling things around the yard and maybe mowing a small patch of grass every once in a while.

[@patrickwheatley6156]

Wow! That's gorgeous. I have a 240 I'm working on restoring. Great tractors.

[@Farmtractor]

That’s incredible! Amazing!

[@jdtractorman7445]

Nice tractor for sure. I still think tractors from that era are some of the best JD ever built. I see it even has the nice suspension seat too, I have that on my tractor and it is sweet.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Agreed. With the exception of the 425-455 and some X series models, most of the new Deere tractors today will not stand the test of time like these old machines have. Although Deere does put out some decent quality newer equipment today like my X570.

[@wilsonlyons8203]

I have a 420 with a 60” deck and 2 stage blower and blade, it is beautiful...

[@dannythedeerenut3897]

the jump on that damn deck though!

[@machone7580]

Very nice 420!!

[@f.davidbush9093]

Looks like mine the day I brought it home in 92. Mine also has the 50" deck and the deluxe seat base like yours. Mine has the tilt dump grass collection system and a 54" snow blade. Been a very dependable tractor very little problems. Just replaced it with 1025R and the 420 now lives with my son.. Love the 420/430's.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Thanks for the comment, nice to hear from an original owner. I had a 316 that looked as nice as this 420 (the 316 is in some of my past videos). I don't have it anymore but I would like to find a nice 318 or 420 one day.

[@GlynRobinson]

this is AWESOME!!!

[@brandonsequipmentvideos6177]

Looks like it operates really well.

[@JunkyardTailgate]

Very nice machine!

[@jimm1028]

If that 420 was mine , I'd be afraid to use it. It's too immaculate!

[@MichaelTJD60]

Yeah me too, and I'm the kind of person that hates letting tractors sit and look pretty. The owner told me he's mowed with it a handful of times just to keep it busy but otherwise it's hardly been used.

[@robertaustin1945]

That thing will cut grass like a mother

[@Scienceburritto]

What. A. Gem. That's an incredible thing to see

[@MichaelTJD60]

For sure!

[@benraifsnider8182]

Yeah it's a nice tractor I saw it at the show yesterday

[@robertaustin1945]

What a classic beast

[@jdtractor7525]

That thing is beautiful. Almost too nice to use! The hubcaps are perfect though.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Yeah they add a nice touch.

[@JoshKilen]

very nice tractor

[@Powerstroke97F350]

Nice looking John Deere, looks like new. I could have went there. Bet it was a good show.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Yeah it was a pretty nice show for being in the middle of winter in a small venue. I've never seen so many rare garden tractors in one place.

[@jakobshinn3032]

Looks sweet! I have a 78 400 that I will never get rid of, all original. I’ve used it to mow my yard every time it’s needed it. The deck is worn out and makes the worst noise though.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Definitely keep that old 400 going! I'm sure your deck could use new bearings, they typically last 30-40 years before wearing out.

[@gmtrucks1207]

I saw a nice jd 430 in perfect shape with the hubcaps and a plow

[@MichaelTJD60]

The hubcaps are worth a good chunk of change if they are in good condition and not rusted out. Well, I guess the same goes for the tractor and plow too. lol

[@brystonfranke1691]

nice.

[@profaneslave]

Why, why can't they make em like this anymore? My 320 has 1640 hours on it & I love it.

[@MichaelTJD60]

I wish they could make em this tough. But they would cost as much as a new 3 or 4 series utility tractor.

[@gardentractors1751]

I want that machine! You better link that to MTF!

[@andrewmullin3625]

It's actually pretty sad that not much people took good care of these. That thing looks like it would have at dealer back in '91, just plain beautiful, and it sounds so perfect.

[@MichaelTJD60]

For what these things cost new (about $10,000 back then), you'd think people would take better care of their equipment like the previous owner of this tractor did.

[@andrewmullin3625]

Ain't that the truth. I wonder what the 316 and 318 costed back in the day?

[@MichaelTJD60]

A base model 316 with no attachments cost anywhere from $3500-$6000 depending on year, and a 318 about $4000-6500 depending on the year. The online blue book used to show all the prices but not anymore.

[@andrewmullin3625]

Wow! They hold there value pretty danm good then. Ya' know how my 316 has the weird noise coming from the engine, well that knocking /ticking noise gets much louder when I get done mowing the lawn. You got any idea why that is? I know she needs a rebuild but I still am curious as to what is causing it to do that.

[@MichaelTJD60]

I wonder if it's the valve seat or valve guide coming loose when it gets hot.

[@greenyellafella3777]

not sure where you're from, where was this show? I'd happily add all three of those tractors to my heard thanks for posting and making me want to start hunting a 420

[@MichaelTJD60]

South central PA, not too far from Harrisburg. You'll have to go to Long Island, NY to get those three!

[@717_goons3]

Hey Michael also what oil did you use in your p218 for winter running ? Getting ready for a change and wanted to check what you used

[@MichaelTJD60]

Shell Rotella 15w40 diesel oil is best for winter. A lot of people recommend 10w30 but all 3 of my Onan's hated 10w30, they smoked and burned a lot of it when I ran that stuff.

[@717_goons3]

just picked up 2 quarts and a wix filter, and some seafoam. i will probably make a video of it tommorow so show how the seafoam works on it haha

[@MichaelTJD60]

you will thank yourself for running seafoam through it lol

[@717_goons3]

MichaelTJD60 well I just did it haha and man I've never seen so much smoke with sea foam, but I've also never seen an onan run that good afterwards😂 so well worth it, video is being uploaded now

[@joshwagner6285]

Now if you could find a 430 with that many hours :). Our 430 is a first year (1984) and all original never been repainted. The meter reads 400 something odd hours but I think the meters broke though so we don't know. our 322 is up around 700 but it's suffering from peeling paint and hopefully it'll get repainted this summer.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Oh I'm sure they are out there! Probably sitting in the weeds rusting away somewhere. This 420 being a real late one wasn't badly affected by the run of bad powder coating.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Now that I think about it this guy does have a 430 with 240 original hours in his collection as well.

[@dhenschel4]

All those tractors are in nice condition, the 420 should be in the JD history museum if there is one around. But sounds like there is a sympathetic hydraulic demand while it was idling 2:55 to 3:15 ish, or is that typical for this tractor?

[@MichaelTJD60]

The pump was whining a bit louder than they usually do at idle. If you look closely at around 0:37, the hydro fluid level in the sightglass was below the proper level, so that could have been the reason.

[@dhenschel4]

@@MichaelTJD60 Great call on the sightglass - the owner took such great care of the machine, but not checking fluid levels. Hopefully caught that b4 any failures.

[@717_goons3]

Hey Michael, so I haven't gone and picked it up yet, I am tommorow. But i just bought an all original p218g 316 with 600 hours on it, complete tractor for $500. It runs great but when you crank it after 3 seconds of cranking it blows the fuse, runs fine but just can't crank long... any ideas ?

[@MichaelTJD60]

Sounds like you got a pretty nice deal. I wonder if there's a short in the wiring harness somewhere. Since it has the P218 with electronic ignition it probably wouldn't hurt to install a starter improvement kit which you can get for about $30.

[@717_goons3]

MichaelTJD60 that's what I'll check for first, I'll post a video of it once I bring it home here in the next day or so, and I hope it turns out well, it has the replacement 48" deck as well

[@MichaelTJD60]

If the engine has been maintained and runs good it's definitely worth the money. The 48" deck adds a bit to the value too.

[@717_goons3]

MichaelTJD60 so a little update before I post a video, I got the 316 home and I gave it some gas down the carb and it fired right up, no smoke at all and that's the first start in a year... it runs great and there isn't an electrical issue it's just the starter improvement kit stops the cranking if it doesn't fire after 10 seconds or so, but anyway, the fuel line is like plastic and no gas is getting from the tank to the pump... bad fuel lines i traced it down to but do you know approx how much line I should pick up? Thanks

[@ClydsdaleVI]

What did it sell for?

[@MichaelTJD60]

It wasn't for sale, just there on display.

[@PhatboyHD88]

What was the story with that 420 ? Who's was it ? Is it up for sale ? And if so where is it ,,ya have a number for them ,,,

[@MichaelTJD60]

I don't know who originally owned it but it came with a collection system and a 44 loader and a few other attachments. Used a handful of times and then stored in the guy's basement under a tarp, I guess he decided to hire landscapers instead. Then a few years ago the guy called up this kid Tyler who collects garden tractors on Long Island, and he jumped on the deal immediately. Not for sale, I wish it was though.

[@717_goons3]

Hey mike, not sure if your still looking for a 316-18 but in my area there's an abundance for reallllll cheap on Craigslist right now, all newer with the p218 and have decks, and some with snow blowers. Also an 87 318 for $500, just thought I'd let you know since you were looking for another

[@MichaelTJD60]

Thanks for letting me know! I'm not really in the position to buy one right now but if the right deal comes by I might consider. Spring is the best time of year for buying and selling them too. Do you have a link to the $500 one?

[@MichaelTJD60]

Oops nevermind I found it. Looks like a bit of a project. I actually just found a very late one for $700 that I might make an offer on.

[@717_goons3]

MichaelTJD60 yeah the 318 is, I texted the guy and it actually has 2800 hours and still runs he said haha, my jaw dropped at that number but hey, it's an onan! And I saw the $700 316 as well it's in nice shape too, I'll find some of the other ones and try to get you a link or two

[@mowerman7629]

that a diesel?

[@noahlechner1036]

What a nice machine, I’ve got a 1992 420 with 260 hours. Where is that collector from

[@MichaelTJD60]

Long Island, NY

[@noahlechner1036]

MichaelTJD60 thanks, do you know if your gonna be going to nay plow days?

[@MichaelTJD60]

@@noahlechner1036 was just at one last weekend. Have to upload a video of it.

[@noahlechner1036]

Id love to buy this, ive got a 1992 420 with 260 hours and a 44 loader all original factory set up

[@MichaelTJD60]

I've seen your pictures of it on Facebook, it's a sharp tractor for sure. This one also had a 44 loader ordered with it new, but I doubt it will ever get put on the tractor again.

[@noahlechner1036]

MichaelTJD60 thats super cool that one was order with one too. I wanna bring it up to a plow day. I’ve never been to one. Are you going to anymore this year?

[@MichaelTJD60]

@@noahlechner1036 Yes, planning to go to one in Ohio towards the end of this month (if I can get my plow tractor fixed).

[@noahlechner1036]

@@MichaelTJD60 hmm I’ll see if I can make it up to that one, not to bad of a drive from Virginia tho. Do you have to fix the 212?

[@gardentractors1751]

BUY IT NOW MIKE! I would love to own that machine do you think they will trade a 332 for it?

[@MichaelTJD60]

I doubt it, he already has three or four 332's.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Besides, considering its condition, I would probably value the tractor at close to what it was worth new - around $10,000.

[@gardentractors1751]

Oh well its too nice to use anyway's, Still think you should buy it though thats the perfect tractor for you!

[@MichaelTJD60]

I had never seen a 420 in person until today but now I definitely will consider a 420 when I get back in the market again.

[@gardentractors1751]

My friend has a 420 with the 3pt hitch and rear pto and 48" mechanical tiller I've driven it and its a sweet machine, I was considering buying it from him but I think i'm going to hold out for a 430 with a loader or 755 with a loader.

[@rileelang11]

Is that your new main mower

[@MichaelTJD60]

I wish.

[@williamriley2528]

"Like a Virgin for the very first time..."

[@paulg444]

What does a tractor like that sell for ?

[@MichaelTJD60]

I wouldn't let it go for less than $7500-8000 if it were mine. Keep in mind a 420 cost around $10000 new.

[@mowerman7629]

im thinking about getting them John Deere s240 or the x350 help me out guys

[@mowerman7629]

that your friends tractor

[@MichaelTJD60]

I would at least look at an X370 or larger. The two models you mentioned aren't much different aside from the frame. Plus they both use the same cheap K46 transaxle.

[@mowerman7629]

well the 42. will fit better into most backyards

[@mowerman7629]

the craftsman one yard I do I gotta back out of the gate

[@MichaelTJD60]

You can order any model with a 42" deck if needed. The X370 has hydraulic lift and power steering and comes standard with a 42" deck.

[@TheSteelman66]

why does everybody in these videos insist on racing that throttle before engaging the deck , Don't get it,

[@MichaelTJD60]

It was only about half-throttle. The deck on the 420 is shaft driven so I'd imagine it would probably stall the engine if he tried to engage it at low idle.

[@mrbubetube]

how much did that tractor cost in 1991? anybody know? All I can remember is I never even thought about buying a John Deere back then because they were way too expensive. In fact, I never even knew anyone who owned a John Deere. Most everyone had a Craftsman or a LawnBoy.

[@MichaelTJD60]

A 420 with no attachments sold for $7500 in 1991. Add in the cost of the mower deck ($700 or so), and the chrome hubcaps (another $150), so it's about an $8400-8500 tractor after taxes and delivery costs. That amount of money today can get you a loaded X500 series but won't even get you the base model of the X700 series. This particular 420 was also ordered new with a loader, bagger, and snow blade from what I've been told, so with all those options it probably cost around $12,000 total.

[@mrbubetube]

$7500 for a fucking lawn tractor? Damn, no wonder I couldn't buy one. that was the price of a car back then!

[@MichaelTJD60]

It might come off as a ridiculous amount of money, but remember for that kind of money you're buying a heavy duty "super garden tractor" and not just a typical consumer grade riding mower. People bought these machines to do commercial grade work or maintain a large piece of property. They're basically small compact tractors. And they come with a ton of attachments that would probably tear a regular riding mower in half. The frame rails on these have a taller channel than the frame rails on a pickup truck.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Not to mention, thousands of these old garden tractors are still being used today like they were 30 years ago because they just don't quit. Most new machines don't last very long unless you put a lot of maintenance and care into them.

[@mrbubetube]

ya, I've heard that John Deere doesn't build their lawn tractors to last anymore unless you buy the X700 series. hell, the E100 series uses plastic transmissions. all that horsepower driving a plastic transmission, like that's not deliberately built to fail. and their snow blower attachments use plastic impellers.

[@andrewmullin3625]

Looked like it was low on trans fluid at 2:24.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Good eye. I bet that's the original fluid too.

[@andrewmullin3625]

@@MichaelTJD60 WOW! If so, that's awesome. Isn't it gonna cause damage running it that low?

[@MichaelTJD60]

Not immediately. The fluid will still circulate, but not fast enough to keep the pump, trans, and other hydro parts cool.

[@andrewmullin3625]

@@MichaelTJD60 ah I see

[@markgish1666]

Them have a bad engine. Valve seats come loose on right side. Check it out before its to late.

[@MichaelTJD60]

The Onans are a 3000-hour engine with proper maintenance. When you don't keep the cooling fins clean and don't run them wide open under a load, they overheat and cause the intake valve seats to loosen up. As long as you don't let them run hot, it's not an issue - I've had about 10 tractors with Onan engines and never had a valve seat come loose on any of them.

[@chuckstewart7331]

Look no plastic hood, no pos Chinese Briggs and Stratton engine ! Oh John deer has fallen far .....

[@MichaelTJD60]

No they haven't. A true heavy-duty John Deere lawn and garden tractor today costs the same amount of money as this 420 cost when it was new 30 years ago...adjusted for inflation, of course.