John Deere 420: Part 1

Picked up a new to me John Deere 420 garden tractor

[@bbkmods]

I'm a big fan of your videos. I'm glad to see you doing some videos on the 420. I found a quick hitch for my 420, and it's great.

[@mmrbeef]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy the videos. I'd love to find a QH for the 420 to try out the 60HD Broom! Now that would be entertaining.

[@jsmith5913]

Videos I would love to see from the 420- Video explaining and showing the install of the pto. Also an in depth explanation on what makes it different then ptos on newer machines and an overview on the implements available for it and the difference between newer implements as well. An in depth comparison of the 318 and 420 transaxle. Explanation of how the diff lock works, what to look for from the transaxle when purchasing, etc.(maybe a peek inside the rear diff, but I know that's a lot to ask) An overview on all the parts that the 318 and 420 have in common and the ones they don't. Maybe an explanation on why those parts are different, etc Differences between the P220 and the P218 How to safely steer and move a machine that doesn't run maybe? And like you said in the video, a size comparison. Love your channel! Look forward to more videos!

[@mmrbeef]

Thanks for all the great ideas for videos! I will certainly try to make some of those.

[@fordman77881]

How u like the 420 I just picked one up today to add to my collection of 210,2-214s,2-314s,322and now the 420

[@noahlechner1036]

I’ve been eating for you to buy a 420. I bout one a couple years ago after I sold my 316. It currently has rear hydraulics kit, 3-point hitch, rear pto, rear light kit, oem battery tender, 50” deck, front and rear weight brackets, and a 48” snow blower

[@mmrbeef]

Sounds like a nice 420!

[@Mark-dk4ck]

In your opinion what would be a fair market price for a 420 in this condition. No attachments or bagger just the tractor and deck?

[@mchl8]

I have watched a few of your vids at this point i like them. Ill tell you i have the rare shortly lived 330. Barebone machine i love the thing. Im thinkin upcomming of a rear pto and the 3 point hitch system. As im lookin into things a 540 pto is a lot better then the 2000. But ill have to deal with it. If you can throw some insight id love to read and how to find these kits.

[@jmgredgreen4x428]

Your new John Deere 420 looks awesome! About four months ago I installed a front pto kit for my John Deere X575 and I have been looking for a used John Deere 47 or a 54 inch snow blower for it. Also did you get a John Deere 47 snow blower for your John Deere X748 yet?

[@mmrbeef]

Still don't have a 47 or 54 for the X748. I focused my efforts this past summer on a blower for the 4066R (no go) and a 60" blower for the 1445 (check). If the opportunity arises I will get a blower for the X748..... It's just not high on the priority list.

[@MichaelTJD60]

Looks like a good winter project. Pretty clean tractor overall. I've thought about getting one of those MCS units, but with the FA210D pony engine instead of the rear PTO drive. I'd probably modify it to fit a 3-point hitch. I think the hydraulic dump version of the MCS is 3-point compatible.

[@mmrbeef]

I'd love to find a hydro dump unit....

[@MrAnon-em4xg]

This guy has one for $600 near Davidson, NC. acdalehopkins at Hotmail is what he listed for contact info.

[@MrAnon-em4xg]

or if you are a member of Weekend Freedom Machines you can see his listing with photos. :)

[@dave434]

92? :)

[@robertduncan2742]

I have a 420, do you have bushing numbers for the rod underneath for the forward creeping issue that's caused

[@klikliks_service]

Check jdparts.com

[@jakesaffert8767]

I currently have a 420 and I’m thinking to upgrade. Which series are better than others. Diesel would be nice, but isn’t necessary. Thanks

[@mmrbeef]

If you are looking to upgrade the next logical step to me would be either a 445 or 455. I honestly don't have a lot of issues with any of the three big evolution - 420/430, 425, 445, 455, and the X4/5-5 and X7--. Personally for me if I am using it as a daily worker it will be diesel. The fuel storage and power are the big reasons for me having diesels.

[@Jarrett_-xz7nb]

How do you find these things like this lol

[@chrisstevens9323]

I love my 318 but I really want a 420 or a newer 425 445 or a 455.

[@mmrbeef]

They all have their good points! If I was shopping for a worker I think I would be looking for a 445 or 455 (depending on your fuel choice).

[@chrisstevens9323]

@@mmrbeef looking to mow with it and also snowblow and use a blade to move gravel some in the driveway. Also I want all shaft drive and a 2 stage blower. I have a 49 blower for my 318 and this will be the first winter with it at a new house. Bring on the snow.

[@nmoralez87]

I have a question.... I just recently purchased a JD 420. I’m new to the garden tractor world. The 420 has a front bucket, rear PTO. And 3 point blade. No lawnmower deck. It is an Awesome machine. My question with the rear PTO can I run a “brush hog” ?

[@mmrbeef]

The rear PTO can turn a brush hog, however, the rear PTO on these machines is a 2000 rpm output. You will need to find a Deere branded or Woods (I think) branded rear mower that turns are 2000 rpm PTO.

[@nmoralez87]

mmrbeef thank you for the input. I’ll definitely be on the hunt for that.

[@greenyellafella3777]

Nice 420 I have one I need to get put back together but two days a week being home and all the other projects I have started just doesn't allow for much to get done,and this Saturday I'm going to go get an older restoration '45 A tractor, I'll get caught up one day. Thanks

[@mmrbeef]

I keep saying the same thing... Catch up one day....

[@mackendw]

where do you source parts for the 420....typically? I see the john deere parts catalog for this tractor is either not working properly or has scrubbed the details from their search facility.

[@mmrbeef]

What parts are you looking for? I normally source them from Deere, some aftermarket sites, or used through eBay or Facebook. I doubled checked and PC1925 is still useable and the common parts are still available. partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/navigation/equipment/64825

[@mackendw]

@@mmrbeef that is weird. I used the JD parts lookup extensively when doing the 210 rebuild. I just put in the 420 in search and it was bring me up the tractor and on the left side of the window it listed the parts explosion but when you selected anything the right side of the window was "unavailable". Your link provided works.

[@mackendw]

@@mmrbeef specifically, the hydrostat orange knob for the high/low speed shifter. the former owner used a golf ball as the knob. looks funky. the engine works pretty good, starts up smooth and doesn't smoke. he said the top end was done "a while back..." so not sure how many hours are on the current build. I'll redo the engine when time permits down the road. Just checking where is a good place to get the parts reasonably priced. I'd have to pimp out the wife to buy from onanparts.com...

[@mackendw]

question for ya mrbeef: what is the diameter of the gas cap lense on the JD 420?

[@mmrbeef]

Just the plastic part or the whole cap? The whole cap is a common L&G tank cap. The plastic part I have no idea.

[@mackendw]

@@mmrbeef just the plastic insert over the dial guage. a guy in the mid-west sells replacement pieces you insert vs buying a whole new guage. just wanted to make sure that it'll fit.

[@66Oliver]

I am going to look at a 420 eventually (hopefully within the month). I inquired about the one you have now a while back. Just seemed to high of price for me though. Good to see where it went though. The 420 I’m looking into is the $1k 420 - looks to be a wonderful machine.

[@mmrbeef]

Hmmmm I'm guessing I didn't pay the full price then. I have no idea what the original asking price was. I was just there visiting and picking up some other items. Next this I know I own a lot more stuff. Haha. I'd say I paid fair market value for this time of year for it.

[@66Oliver]

mmrbeef I think the offer on Marketplace was around $2,250, if that sound close.

[@mmrbeef]

I'm thinking its a different unit... I didn't pay that with the MCS even.

[@66Oliver]

mmrbeef Hmm, yeah might be right, I’ll have to check tomorrow.

[@dennisjd63]

I was wondering if u could post or message me how to change oil on 455 with yanmar. The 420 looks nice. I’m still a 318 fan and ur the man for those

[@mmrbeef]

This might help some. I think I might have covered a 455 oil change in the 455 series I did back in April and May. manuals.deere.com/cceomview/OMM144040_E0/Output/OMM144040_E08.html#24938

[@tylerbraaksma271]

nice 420

[@mmrbeef]

Thanks!

[@ronaldschoolcraft8654]

Mine doesn't sit all winter...

[@adaboy04]

Have you ever had a 400? Thoughts?

[@mmrbeef]

I have not owned a 400.... That is only because I've never had the opportunity. If given the chance at the right time I'd buy one to play with. Overall they are good units. Biggest issue is that most of the attachments only fit a 400....

[@darthvader4hire]

i like mine, bought it mostly to pull plows and stuff, it will out pull my diesel. the 400 is fairly abundant here compared to 420/430. it also is a mowing beast!

[@spencer1096]

Is the old 318 gone?

[@mmrbeef]

Which 318? The one that was in the 318 project videos from this summer is gone. My 318 I still have.

[@spencer1096]

The project 318

[@mmrbeef]

The project 318 I sold in Sept at some point... Can't exactly remember when.