John Deere A B G side-by-side comparison and start up!

[@FinleyCompton-b6y]

The early John Deere Model A, and G had a petcock below each cylinder which had to be opened in order to reduce compression for easier starting of Tractors which had to be hand cranked with a Flywheel. Then the petcocks were closed after the Tractor was started. Our family continued that practice even on Tractors with electric starters.

[@TractorHoarders]

That’s a great reminder. I did not grow up in the habit of opening the petcock on my electric start models but it certainly makes sense.

[@AidenBaker-12]

Yep just like mine

[@rjwalker]

Nice vid. Electric starts are nice. I remember cranking the old G by hand back in the 60s.

[@DanielFarmChannel]

I wanted to do a video similar to this if I ever got all 3 of mine back together. You beat me to it. You went more in depth than I was thinking but I think that was very beneficial. Well done sir! When I work on my G and I go back to the B I think "look at that dinky little engine".

[@TractorHoarders]

This was something I was wanting to do for a while too! Great minds! haha. Definitely still put together your version. Always fun to see how different people can tell the same story in different ways. You're right about the size difference. I thought the same thing about the B engine after looking at the G. lol. Thanks Dan!

[@JohnDeereA219]

The big thing on a G that takes them to the next level is to ditch the all fuel manifold and put aluminum "high compression" pistons on them so they're more in tune for pump gas.

[@kenthawkins2418]

Hans, My Dad REALLY enjoyed this vid,( and the vid on the "G"). He's always been a BIG fan of the '48 "B". Back in 1954, when he returned from Korea, he was really looking forward to driving it again....but...Grandad had sold it while he was in the Army. While they also owned a John Deere "M"....the "B" was always his favorite! It was a great all-round tractor. Thanks for the old tractor news reels too!

[@TractorHoarders]

Hi Kent! I love that your dad enjoyed it. My B is also a 1948. I'll make a video of that tractor (on my to-do list) and tell your dad hello! :) I have never operated an M, but find them interesting. We have some local tractor clubs here where a few guys like to tractor pull with Ms. The B really is a great all-around tractor, and fuel efficient too!

[@patrickcreath217]

Best tractor video I've seen. Thanks! My cousin's 730D is awesome. I love to watch it pull his 4 bottom plow and disk harrow in his big garden.

[@TractorHoarders]

Thank you! I’d like to make another similar video like this and touch on anything I may have missed. I love 730Ds also! Such powerful tractors for their time. I’d like watching that too.

[@rubbabubba6489]

Thanks for the video, I love old tractors, had an 8n and a 4020 back when but no longer

[@troybriannatyler4962]

Love your videos. I have a 52 G, 47 styled D, 42 H, 50 farmall M, 55 720, 52 wide front B , 37 d on all steel. I’m in the process of redoing my G. My grandpa bought it 30 years ago and always barn kept. I just pulled it out of barn and cleaned points plugs and carb and fired right up. Paint is in good shape but I want to fully redo it

[@TractorHoarders]

Thanks Troy! You have an amazing collection! Do you have a favorite one? Sounds like that G is in real good shape. It’s awesome that you got it brought back to life fairly easily like that.

[@troybriannatyler4962]

@@TractorHoarders it’d be a pretty close tie between the d and the g. Both such aggressive sounding and looking tractors. Also have a 1904 12-36hp port Huron steam engine and a 1/4 scale 65 hp case steam engine

[@muffy4300]

looking good !

[@Slugg-O]

My favorite tractors! I'm not sure of the model but we had one with narrow front wheels when I was a kid and I was always looking for a reason to plow something. I also remember the torque.The power was amazing.

[@TractorHoarders]

I love the torque these old two cylinders make. I really enjoy plowing with them too.

[@Slugg-O]

@@TractorHoarders Those engines would turn real slow to a point and then the tires would spin. I don't think I ever stalled one.

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Hi Hans! I saw a couple JD H’s at Smoky Mountain Flywheelers Tractor Show. Didn’t realize how small they are compared to other models. Don’t worry, you will get your H when the time is right. Enjoyed the comparison video. 🇺🇸🚜👍

[@TractorHoarders]

Hey Hyatt! Glad to hear that you did end out making it to the Smoky Mountain Flywheelers show. How was it? Was there a good turn out? You're right, I'll get an H for the collection someday when the time is right. Thanks!

[@tractorhyatt7044]

@@TractorHoarders The show in Sevierville was awesome! They had about 100-150 vintage tractors. Not as big of show as those threshing shows in the Midwest, but it was a lot of fun. Always nice chatting with fellow antique tractor enthusiasts. We stayed in Gatlinburg, and as you know it was pretty crowded and crazy with people and traffic. Still had a blast though!

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

Man I miss being out there. Those three look great together. Now you just need an H, M, and a D, and you'll have the whole lineup!

[@TractorHoarders]

I'm looking forward to the next time! You're always welcome to come out. There's plenty more fun to be had out there! I want to get tires for my plows and get those all in working order so I can try them all out. They really don't need much work --- just need to do it and get it done. I would enjoy filling out the lineup someday... if I went as far as getting a H, M, & D, I'd probably be obligated to get an L.

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

@@TractorHoarders forgot about the L! Would be a nice little cactus cutter for you! Ha ha! I hope I can make it out again next year. Would love to come out in the winter and hit the slopes again. Been about 20+ years since I did that!

[@Rebel9668]

We had an "A" growing up and most of the time the battery was dead so we always hand cranked it. It had a magneto so no key. No flywheel cover either as we had to hand crank it. Felt the teeth grab a few times, LOL! I think ours was a 1939 with a styled front end. Steel seat. Battery behind the small gas tank (6v). We also had a '41 "H". The "A" had a 3 point hitch, the "H" was strictly pull type. We used the A for plowing, mowing, bailing, bush hogging and pulling tree stumps, etc. We used the H for raking, discing, harrowing, etc. We could plow with the H but it only had a single bottom plow so we seldom used it for that.

[@TractorHoarders]

Sounds like some good memories! I really enjoy this series of tractors. I would like to add an H to my collection some day. Sounds like your A got used for about everything!

[@lwilliam22]

Thanks learned a lot. Was wanting to know about the b as I am bidding on one at a auction thanks and good job

[@TractorHoarders]

Thank you! The B is a great tractor. I am very fond of mine. It’s very capable and fuel efficient.

[@CannonMusic05]

I’m looking at purchasing a 1941 John Deere B it does not run but it does have a lot of engine work done to it for higher compression. I cannot wait to get it and restore it. I love these old tractors.

[@TractorHoarders]

Hopefully it’s not too involved. Maybe a carb clean and fresh gas and see what happens! It’s nice when the engine internals should be in good shape.

[@CannonMusic05]

Now that I’m thinking about it, I believe the guy told me that it runs for a few minutes and then stalls so I’m thinking the carb needs cleaned and it could possibly have bad spark but we’ll see

[@TractorHoarders]

@@CannonMusic05 some of the first things I’d check based on that are 1) make sure that fuel will run constantly from the tank to the carburetor with a pencil sized stream for a few minutes…. If not, you have have a rust clog somewhere. As for spark, that could be the symptom of needing a coil too.

[@CannonMusic05]

@@TractorHoarders thank you for the advice. I appreciate it.

[@stevemccoy8138]

Love those old tractors. 😊

[@TractorHoarders]

Thanks, me too!

[@CC-hl5zj]

There's just something about these tractors that puts a smile on most peoples faces when they see them going! I've just started my JD collection with a 1949 A...can't wait to get more! Thank you for sharing. Is that Greenhorn Mountain in the background?

[@johndeereboy1945]

All three of your tractors are "late styled", representing the final updates to the Letter Series before John Deere moved on to their number series. Your G is most representative of what all three would look like in their "early styled" configuration, aside from the cushioned seat. When the styled models came out, they all had steel pan seats and were hand start, like the unstyled models. As time went on, they began to be fitted with early electric starters(almost exactly like your G for all models). It wasn't until the late styled models came out that electric start and the cushioned seat was factory standard, hence the complete flywheel cover. The G was given factory standard electric start and the cushioned seat, but did not receive the cosmetic updates like its smaller cousins. In my personal opinion, the early styled models that came with electric start, or were converted to electric start, are my favorite, mostly because of the more rounded looking front frame, completely covered flywheel, partially covered clutch/belt pulley, and fenders(which I concede are all major safety improvements) on the later models Disclaimer: if I got any details wrong, feel free to correct me

[@TractorHoarders]

Excellent information and overview! Thank you for sharing!

[@tylerlaw9694]

Love watching your videos I subscribed last night and am looking for my first project as I am 15 and wanting to learn is there a 2 cylinder John Deere you suggest more for a starter tractor than others

[@TractorHoarders]

Hi Tyler, thanks bud! For a good tractor to start with, I’d recommend a John Deere B. Of the two cylinders, the B is probably the highest selling which means there are plenty of parts available for reasonable prices if you need them. When you get into less common tractors, the cost gets a lot higher. I’d also buy a running B with good tires. It’s a lot cheaper that way. You may find a cheaper deal on a non running tractor but by the time you get it fixed, it’ll cost more than buying one that is already working.

[@tylerlaw9694]

@@TractorHoarders Good to know thank you so much and keep up the good work

[@DanielFarmChannel]

@@tylerlaw9694 I agree with Hans. B's were so popular that parts are readily available for them. Plus, there is a service manual for the B that is literally hundreds of pages. It tells you step by step how to fix anything on the tractor. Once you do a B you find, like Hans said, most of the letter series are very similar, just a matter of size. There are also lots of videos to support B's on KZbin. I have my own channel but @OneminuteFarming did an absolutely wonderful series on a mid-styled B. Good luck. You will find the tractor community is very supportive and always willing to help out. And like Hans said, buy it running and with OK tires. You can drop big money in tires and/or rims alone. That is my big regret on my B. I could have had 4 of them by now for the money I have in one that was total junk when I started.

[@levismith8245]

I’m 19 and my first tractor is a 1952 John Deere B with a three point hitch and is so much fun

[@DanielFarmChannel]

@@levismith8245 Nice! Is it late enough of a 52 to have a water pump? That is great if it does. The thermo siphon system was just sub par on the letter series. And with a 3pt too! Everyone and their mother, including me, wants a 3pt, but the price of the set can be steep, especially for a true John Deere 800 or 801 set up. However, you can quickly spend that amount on these tractors anyways. Enjoy it. Once you have one it can become an addiction.

[@darrowlinn7407]

Thanks for your video, I am a John Deere fan. I have one really nice A and I want a G Like you said they really have a lot of torque.

[@TractorHoarders]

Thanks for the comment. They are torque monsters! I like to keep an eye on Marketplace for tractors. Maybe you can find a G on there.

[@92buckinbroncomann]

Awesome comparison! Thanks.

[@TractorHoarders]

Glad you enjoyed! I'm planning to make a Part 2.

[@riverrat48]

If there's no switch to turn on/off the mags on the B how do you stop the engine? Just pull out the choke or turn off the gas?

[@davidgrant2008]

I did , good video thank you for putting it up.

[@allenmaddux7611]

I have a 49 b model I think it needs carburetor work been trying to get it started, the past 5 months.

[@BIBSTERSrepairshop]

Really good video as an Oliver and Farmall mainly guy the two cylinder stuff is really interesting

[@TractorHoarders]

Howdy Bibster! Thank you for that, I appreciate it. I enjoy all tractors. My core collection are these two cylinders, but I also have a Farmall H and M (more videos coming of those soon). I have a friend with an Oliver 60. I would like to acquire an Oliver 70 or 77 at some point in the future. I think it would fit in with what I've already got. Thanks for commenting. I like to keep in touch with my viewers and learn about you too. I'll be checking out your channel.

[@BIBSTERSrepairshop]

@@TractorHoarders I picked up a 60 and a pair of 70s last year almost got one to a pull yesterday.

[@jamesrice6096]

I've a 49 B. I wish I had a rollomatic front end. Don't know if it got swapped for an older one or just didn't come with one.

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Nice collection there Hans.

[@TractorHoarders]

Thanks Gary! I would enjoy restoring these three at some point in the future. I always enjoy seeing your immaculate 520s.

[@randybreuer1685]

We had both M and a G , the M was more fuel efficient than a G and ran smoother. The G is still my favorite, but it would out pull the M’s

[@levismith8245]

My 1952 John Deere B has a mag converted to work as a distributor with a 12v coil

[@TractorHoarders]

Hey Levi! That's pretty interesting! I saw a Farmall H, recently, that had a similar modification done. I had never seen that before and didn't realize you could even do that. haha.

[@1rlsllc]

I'm new to tractors, my only real experience is with a Ford 8N. I'm thinking about getting a B to tinker with. How would you say the B would compare to the 8N? I only use it to grade the drive, remove snow and light pulling like dragging limbs or disabled vehicle projects. Thanks.

[@TractorHoarders]

The Ford N series are very handy little tractors that are useful for a lot of things. The B is heavier and can pull more if you were doing plowing. B’s were really just pulling machines. If you add a 3 point hitch to a B it becomes a lot more versatile. They’re pretty good on fuel too.

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

Thanks for the vid. As a city kid, this was educational. I love old machines of all kinds. I have seen several videos about old JDs, but none explained the differences...and the fact the letters don't go in order of size. Some day... In the mean time, I will have to play with the Belarus.

[@TractorHoarders]

I’ve never got to operate a Belarus. Glad this was useful for the differences. I plan to do another following video based on some of the questions I’ve received.

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

@@TractorHoarders I have operated it very little, but have replaced about 75% of the wiring. It has lots of cool features that work without a computer. Automatic 4WD etc. Model year 88, but I am sure much of the tech in it is from the 50s. I worked on old stuff, so I recognize a few things. Cool tractor though. Pretty sure this one is actually a Fiat. They sold the molds after they were done making them. Trivia: The Minsk factory (MTZ) that this one came from is the largest tractor plant in the world.

[@markkatemcghee2381]

Nice job thanks for posing this

[@TractorHoarders]

Glad you enjoyed it. I’d like to make another for any information I may have missed the first time.

[@grumpy1962R]

I found an ad on Facebook marketplace where a man has a 1949 with the rear hydraulics and the three-point stub sticking out either side under the seat. Can I put that on my 41?

[@charliej8791]

appreciate the schoolin buddy,good stuff!

[@TractorHoarders]

Glad you enjoyed it! After getting some more questions on this video, I’m planning to make another with more information.

[@gordonwilkinson4389]

Awesome line up

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Great video. Like seeing the differences. You didn’t say what size motors were in the B and A. Or I missed that. And what are the differences in weight. I’m kinda nutty that way. I like to know as much as I can. My Buddy has an M. You need one of those. Or a MT. I own a 1951 tea20 Ferguson. I Sure like old tractors.

[@TractorHoarders]

Hi Noel! No, you're correct, I did not speak to the displacement all all the tractors. Here are some added facts for you for the late styled models: John Deere B: 1250 engine RPM = 27.5 HP at the belt pulley, 3.1L / 190.4 CI, burns 2.5 gallons per hour, maximum drawbar pull = 3447 lbs John Deere A: 975 engine RPM = 38 HP at the belt pulley, 5.3 L / 321 CI, burns 3.7 gallons per hour, maximum drawbar pull = 4045 lbs John Deere G: 975 engine RPM = 38 HP at the belt pulley, 6.8L / 412.5 CI, burns 3.9 gallons per hour, maximum drawbar pull = 4394 lbs I wouldn't mind adding an M or MT to my collection someday. I like the Ferguson tractors too. I don't have a Ferguson, but I have a Ford 2N found in some of my other videos. I like pretty much all old tractors too! I may make a part 2 to this video to hit on more details like what you asked about. Thanks for commenting.

[@orest2828]

Any thoughts on Deutz tractors? Thanks,Orest.

[@TractorHoarders]

I think Deutz tractors are pretty good in general. I had a Deutz lawn tractor once, but I know that doesn't really count. :)

[@ThatMowerMan]

As an Ohio tractor collector, I’m looking at a John Deere 630. How many plow bottom could that pull?

[@TractorHoarders]

The JD 630 was most frequently paired with a 3 bottom plow. I've heard 3x14s are pretty easy, and 3x16s gets a little more difficult. In some light soil conditions, you might be able to pull a 4 bottom.

[@buroakridgehomestead5995]

So when is the shed coming?! Need more tractors… ;-) Also, when you bush hog, do you have a bracket on the front to hold some weights or does it not get too back end heavy..?

[@TractorHoarders]

Haha! Always need more tractors! I have something in the works on possible shed space; I hope it becomes reality. Still working on it, and will share the news if it becomes a thing. I primarily use the bush hog on my Farmall M, and JD B. The M has plenty of front weight with the loader, but surprisingly, the B doesn't do bad! I do not add weight to the front, and I even run it up and down my hills with no issue (carefully). I may move the B's three point hitch to one of the other JDs, just to try it out, but if the B has no issues, they should probably be fine too. Another point of consideration is my bush hog is only 5 ft. If I get a larger one, I probably wouldn't want it on the B without adding front weight.

[@davidpermann3142]

What size are the front tires on your B? I like your collection! My line up is two B's, a 1941 and a 1950, and my power horse is a 1960 model 630.

[@TractorHoarders]

Thanks! Without looking, I think they’re 5.50-15. Nice line up! The 630 is a beast for sure! I wouldn’t mind getting into the numbered series at some point.

[@OzziesOddities]

Look at that lineup!

[@TractorHoarders]

I’m getting the gang back together and will hopefully have a video with them all again soon.

[@OzziesOddities]

Look forward to it. Looks like a lot of good videos to catch up on too.

[@janbill79]

looks like you have some very nice looking quick starting, letter series J. D's I bought my first one this year, didn't know anything about them, being a letter series farmall guy, I grew up with farmalls like a lot of farmers kids did. I should of watched this video if it was out. but used reads and pictures on google searches. the first thing I noticed, there( the letter series J.D's) are in ant order thats what made it so hard for me. Now I know . But earlier on couldn't get over they did random order H being little A being medium/sorts big G being the largest and the one I don't have memorized the M john deere. and after you get all that squared away then you have to memorize what tractor is the equivalant of the 50 and 60 ect. If you know that it's prety easy to figure in the 20 and 30 series comparable. I also found the engines really different than the tipical. then I found aanother tractor that has really different engines also Minneapolis Moline's. Did all your's start on 6volt systems?

[@TractorHoarders]

My B started out as 6 volt, but both my A and G are 12 volt. They look factory but I am not totally sure. I think by 1950 they started going to 12 on some tractors.

[@jodyreeder4820]

I read that the narrow front was what was before combines, don't know what if true.

[@TractorHoarders]

I’ve never heard that, but I’d say it must be true. The narrow front started and was common in the 30s. At that point tractors were replacing horses to pull plows and combines hadn’t been invented yet.

[@leviknutson5198]

Hey I noticed the extra pullley on the bottom of the A is that power steering?

[@TractorHoarders]

Hey Levi, good eye. It’s a water pump. They can be found on the later models, usually 1950 or after.

[@HarlowBAshur]

Water pumps were needed on the very late model As because of copper shortages during the Korean War. The radiators had been switched to steel and were no longer effective enough with just thermo-siphon flow.

[@stumpy2816]

👍👍

[@Nsaishie]

Brother are you in Colorado? I swear that back drop scenery behind you looks like the area just a few miles from my house. I am looking at buying a model A from a guy around Castle Rock. Nice video and info.

[@TractorHoarders]

Yes sir. I have two settings on this channel. Castle Rock and a place between Fountain and Pueblo.

[@Nsaishie]

@@TractorHoarders Well holy smokes i'm east of Pueblo. If I can get my model A we'll have to meet up and bullshit about tractors of course lol. Cheers

[@TractorHoarders]

@@Nsaishie sounds great! My email is in the About section of the channel. Feel free to reach out.

[@davidsorenson5233]

At tractor pulls the farmal M seems to always out pull the JD A

[@TractorHoarders]

The M is a big strong tractor. Mine is not healthy so it’d be great comparing two healthy tractors.

[@teresadroessler9872]

Your G probably doesn't have 2 reverses like the 70 does,does it kick out of high like my 49 A?

[@TractorHoarders]

Mine does since it has the high/low stick. Every gear has 2. Is that what you mean? I have never operated a 70 but have interest in getting a 70D someday. On this tractor I haven’t had it kick out, but my B will kick out of 3rd.

[@teresadroessler9872]

I used to have a 70d, but traded it for a 4020 ,my 70 did have 2 reverses and high reverse was fast

[@andrewklahold2880]

The cyclone B had more power then the A, but I can't remember what is different in the cyclone B

[@brettmclain6638]

So what do you do if my B is locked up and won't turn over.

[@TractorHoarders]

I’d take the spark plugs out and open up the petcocks and try again. If it still is locked, you’ll have to pull off the valve cover and inspect, and then pull off the head and inspect the cylinders.

[@deerhunter7482]

Death traps but safe for yard art !

[@terryraymond7984]

I had never seen a G seems very much like the JD 60

[@TractorHoarders]

The A is the predecessor to the 60 and the G is the predecessor to the 70

[@ericbrown375]

The G is bigger and will out pull the m Love the 70 diesel it’s a hoss

[@TractorHoarders]

That’s what I’m thinking too!! I haven’t yet ventured to the numbered series, but I’d love to join that club with a 70 Diesel! Maybe someday.

[@tonywebb3484]

Those Pistons are like 5 gal buckets going up and down. Lol

[@TractorHoarders]

Yep!! 😁😁

[@josiahboll5193]

There’s a reason why the m has the loader

[@JohnSmith-fs4dx]

So is the G the largest or most powerful of the three?

[@TractorHoarders]

Yes it is. The A and the G are pretty close though.

[@krisn8820]

The storage has a g spot.

[@TractorHoarders]

Man, if it’s there, I guess I need to find it 😂

[@existentialfehd8382]

Can check my g out and off for the win.

[@joshuaturula9692]

You forgot the R

[@earthbreaker]

I have an H that can sit along side that B.

[@HarlowBAshur]

Come back when you've got yourself an H.

[@TractorHoarders]

One of these days!!