John Deere 420 vs 425 Garden Tractors

Just a brief comparison between these two types of machines.

[@applefordguy76]

I restored 2 318's this year and will be rebuilding a b43g soon.. Your vids are very informative and thanks for taking the time to make them!!

[@MichaelTJD60]

I've been told the 425 and 445 were originally supposed to have Onan engines until the EPA stepped in. Deere was having good luck with Kawasaki engines in their smaller lawn & garden tractors at that point, so that's what they chose for the 425-445. The only thing I have against the 4x5 series compared to the X4x5-X5x5 series would be the plastic panels....seems much more convenient to have the hood, grill, and side panels incorporated into one piece as on the X series. I priced out a new replacement X series hood vs. replacement 4x5 hood, grill, and side panels, and they end up costing roughly the same.

[@Natethanastysnake666]

Watched a couple of your videos now, subbed 👍🏼

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

A good informative video. U have a nice collection of John Deere Garden tractors.

[@mmrbeef]

Thanks!

[@robertduncan2742]

I really like my 420 once added a engine 23 vanguard after pulling the gx670 honda to repair. Added a used cab and added foot plates to cover open areas. I want to pick up a used rear with pump in case issues arise. She plows like a dream, have a 318 blade extras but thinking of getting a 318 to fix but was told to get a 425 but dont like water cooled. I should make foot box warmer. Great reviews on everything you have its helped continue doing great films sir

[@brianr1812]

I want to give this multiple thumbs up.

[@ChevykRyan]

Great video! I currently have the whole 4x5 series collection. Except for the 415 (European model) love these machines.

[@mmrbeef]

Thanks. I'd love to import a 415!

[@austinschad1773]

you should compare the 420 with an older 400 and compare those to the 425

[@artszabo1015]

Thank you very much. I thoroughly enjoy your videos.

[@artszabo1015]

Ha! Here I am three years later watched this video again and enjoyed it just as much as the first time. Mr. Beef's videos are like the John Deeres - they never get too old!! Art from Ohio

[@AustenARW]

Great comparison! They both certainly have a different feel behind the wheel. The older style don't have a flat section of fender pan between your legs, its raised, so it makes you feel more "in" the tractor versus the later style that's flat making you feel more "on top" if you will. The later flat style also certainly make ingress and egress easier as well. Both have light steering, but the nod goes to the 'one finger' steering feel on the early ones reminding you of the feel behind the wheel of a 60s/70s American car. Both tractors certainly have their place.

[@mmrbeef]

Thanks, they do both have their place. In fact I think in my mind (being a diesel fan) if I had to choose between a 430 and 455 it would be a harder choice than some folks think it would be.

[@jeremymcauliff8485]

Nice video and explanation. I had a 322 (fell off a trailer= total loss) and now have an X540. My parents had a 425 and now have a 420. They should have kept the 425, but that's their business...not mine. You can certainly see the progression in size/capability from the 322 up to the 420. Huge difference when it comes to adding a front snowblower.

[@mechanicallycreative9788]

The 445 is my choice. The wide ass 12x26 rear tires and some wheel weights and the thing can sidehill like a god.

[@johnpyle8027]

I think you said a while back that you didn't have a 430 diesel anymore but wanted one again. I would love to hear more about them. I bought one a few months ago to do mainly turf work with. I am going to put a loader on the front and a box blade on the back. I gave up trying to find a complete PTO for a tiller. Anyway, I would like to hear more on the 430. Mine seems to be unstoppable!

[@f.davidbush9093]

The 420 was the best l&g tractor. I just replaced my 92 420 in 2016 with a 1025. I had the 50 deck and the 54" snow blade. I loved the hand control hydro. The only problem I had was the front lower pulley I stripped out two of them. I mowed 4 acres and snow plowed for 24 years.

[@kathrynkirchhoff769]

My 420 JD with frt weights and tire chains has plenty of power and hydraulics to handle my Model 35 five foot rear blade. Snow removal is simple and effective. Rod K

[@tylerbraaksma271]

keep the 425 I love those 400 series!!!

[@GlynRobinson]

Love my 320!

[@cliffschadt5171]

Love your videos, I have a question? My 318 p is in great shape and I really love it! The only problem I have is when it gets warm the hydrostatic hand lever gets stiff forward and reverse. Any thoughts? I would really appreciate your advice as nobody else has a resolve for it . Thank you so much.

[@mmrbeef]

Interesting. Are they any interesting sounds from the hydro unit once it gets hot? My first thought would be to go through and inspect all the linkages and maybe put a little oil on them to see if that helps the problem. That is probably not much help but that sounds like a pretty unique problem.

[@kathrynkirchhoff769]

You'll just love your JD 420, that is until you have to work on or replace the starter! Only way is to remove the entire engine as a unit! At that time I did a complete rework of all components; i.e., fuel lines, fuel pump, tune up including carburetor overhaul, cleaned gas tank, new hydraulic seals, new paint, new seat and now it looks and runs like a brand new JD. Rod

[@timbrayton7824]

kathryn kirchhoff

[@chrissyeaston5902]

kathryn kirchhoff did you get that lil relay thingy to update your starter

[@inexperaniced]

very nice videos

[@wickedcoyote271]

The 4-5 series also has a plastic grill vs metal on the 420. The k91’s are more prone to leaks than the sunstrand 15u. The sun strands are easier to replace gaskets and o-rings on. I do wish they kept with a 2-speed rear. I’m not sure why, but it seems like the older 300-400 series have held up better than the newer counterparts. I’ve had to replace more nuts and bolts and small parts on the 425’s than on the 318s and 420s.

[@dantecoviello8505]

Give me a 318 and 420 any day of the week!

[@jamesback9969]

I would like to know if a hydraulic snowblower from a jd420 and the brackets will interchange with a jd425 ? I like your videos.

[@mmrbeef]

Thanks! Honestly it would depend on the blower. If it is the older style blower that was specifically for the 420, no it will not fit on a 425. If it a newer style quick hitch blower, similar to the ones still sold today, yes, with the correct driveshaft and a 425 quick hitch it will fit on a 425. Sorry that is not a more helpful answer.

[@robertduncan2742]

Did the earlier 420s have metal hoods and also if one has a 420 and came across one at a decent cost about 1000 would you get it even though it's not running but plenty if things like deck only but the complete tractor. Just asking for pointers your films help a lot

[@mmrbeef]

All 420's had fiberglass hoods. $1,000 for a complete 420 with deck seems reasonable but it would have to at least pass inspection.

[@robertduncan2742]

@@mmrbeef what's a few areas that youd look for, the motor isn't running and a cracked hood. I'm not sure on the deck. I was considering a backup for parts for mine if needed

[@applefordguy76]

Just saw St Cloud, MN on the 425.. Are you from MN? :)

[@mmrbeef]

Couple hours away from St Cloud. I am in the MN/IA/SD area near Sioux Falls

[@applefordguy76]

@@mmrbeef gotcha! Thanks for the vids! It next tractor will be a 420.. Would love a next gen 425 or 445 but attachments are super expensive. Keep up the good work!

[@toddfrans1492]

Miss my 420...just acquired x724..wish me luck...

[@mmrbeef]

Good luck with the X724. I have never owned an X7 aws but lots of folks like them.

[@lunaflight7717]

I was wondering if I can put a 54 inch deck from a 425 on my 420

[@chrissyeaston5902]

Luna flight nope

[@petebusch9069]

I have a really nice 455 AWS that I would consider trading for a really nice to mint 420.

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

You should review the lt series

[@johnbrown9003]

I have to say I have a 318 and my Buddy has the newer 320 is not built anywhere near as tough as the 318. I am a Kawasaki fan as far as the engine goes but the Onan has been good too. Also the 320 still has the hand hydrostat they just moved it from dash to the fender. They also left off power steering which makes the hand hydro a bad idea.

[@mmrbeef]

320’s are good machine but they are not in the same class as a 318/322/332. Very different platforms. The fender deck hydrostat control is pretty interesting. I had a 320 many years ago and I like it.

[@waiting4aliens]

430 is a beast and dwarfs my 455

[@TF856]

When I moved out to Missouri in 1979 my dad already had a John Deere 420 with the Kohler engine that was a piece of junk.

[@mmrbeef]

In 1979 that would have been a John Deere 400. The 400 had a Kohler engine and was built until 1982. In the 1983 the 420 and 318 were released ending the run of both the 400 and 317.

[@chengkongpaovang]

How can I reach out to you. I interesting to purchase your model 455 tractor

[@drelliott2833]

420 came out in 1983' - Ended in 1991' stronger than 425s I.E thicker frames more metal was used. The 420s hydrostat was stronger. The grill was steel, hood was fiberglass instead of plastic hood and grill on 425s 420s had onan 2 cyl L head air cooled. 425s had watercooled V2 Onan C.I. 47.7 . Ten cubes bigger then the 425s C.I. 37.7 Both rated at 20 Horse power but Onan's had more torque! (more power}. The 425s had better fuel economy 420s weight was just under 1000 lbs 425 800 lbs 420 rear tires 26 x 12 425 23 x 10 420s could easily handle 60" mowing decks 425 s could use 60" decks but struggled a little .Better to use a 54" The 425 was user friendly but over all the 420 was a better tractor

[@mmrbeef]

Just the Sundstand 15U or the whole transaxle? The axles on the 400 series were pretty poor in some respects. There is a video comparing deck power if you have not watched it yet. I agree the 420 handles a 60 inch deck with ease... the 425 not so much.

[@drelliott2833]

@@mmrbeef I'm sorry I should have kept my 2 cents to my self

[@mmrbeef]

@@drelliott2833 Why, having a good discussion is how folks learn. The reason I pointed out the 15U is because its probably the best hydrostatic pump that has ever been put in a GT.... the Peerless differential with the 300/400 series is no slouch either... but the long axles on coupled with diff lock seem to be a breaking point. Similar length axles were used on the F series front mount mowers and they had higher failure rates (probably due to commercial use).

[@drelliott2833]

@@mmrbeef I'm a Retired JD Mechanic I worked on 420s and 425s when they were newer . Yea I'm old. I would disagree! The Sundstrand 90 in the 420 was superior The failure rate on them was extremely low. As a hobby I restore JDs and love doing 318s 420s

[@tylerbraaksma271]

do a video of which tractor to buy 420 425 445 455?

[@mmrbeef]

Ohhhh that would be a tough one to get into 15 mins or less!!

[@cnrmoose]

455 all day.

[@mrl7661]

They are all nice. To bad there John Deere’s.

[@tylerbraaksma271]

no I think the 425 445 455 came out in 1993

[@mmrbeef]

Model year 1993 yes. Based on some of the literature the older 300/400 series and the 4-5 tractors may have overlapped at dealerships in mid-late 1992. So yes, model year 1993 but released in 1992.

[@matty2helpfull]

I dont like the foot controls i like tge hand control by far and personally i prefer the older 300/400 series the best

[@mmrbeef]

I've met several people that prefer hand controls over foot controls. Just depends on what you like best.

[@matty2helpfull]

That is true.

[@alecfassnacht2931]

No way! I mowed with a 318 at my old work and hated it! That’s actually why I’m doing research now. I’m looking for a lawn tractor for my house but it has to have foot pedals. I’m thinking a 4 series will be where I end up.

[@petebusch9069]

Disagree on the foot pedals and miss the hand lever.

[@mmrbeef]

Interesting. I have had a couple people tell me that they preferred the hand hydro of the foot hydro.

[@petebusch9069]

@@mmrbeef I was a kid when Dad bought a 420 and it was one of the coolest things I remember from my childhood. I have a 455 now and the foot pedals are fine but I remember I had a hard time getting used to it and missed the hand lever. I also hate the plastic sides but the motor is awesome.

[@PhatboyHD88]

Surprised you rated the Onan life span so short i personally have had a onan with 2,000+ hours and still ran strong,, now they dont last as long as the Kohler Magnum twins because of the one piece cylinder block design made from aluminum compared to the cast iron cylinders of the kohler,, my grand pap had a 317 like mine with the series 2 engine and he made same mods as i did a external oil filter and cooler and he had 3,000 hours on it i shit you not ,, he used rotella 15w-40 oil in it ... i use the same oil in mine but its the synthetic version,, oh and both his and mine were converted to electronic ignition basically making them a magnum 18...now mine only has 565 hours on it so i cant speak for the longevity of mine but when he passed he had 3,029 hours on that machine that he bought brand new from the dealer..

[@mmrbeef]

I don't think Onan life is short per say..... In fact like you mention a properly cared for Onan will go 2,000+ very easily. The problem becomes how were they maintained. At this age most of these machines are on their 3rd, 4th, 5th + owner and as value decreases so will dollars spent on maintenance. My comment was a generalization. If you go out an shop for an Onan powered unit I would want to see leak down and compression tests before I purchased it IF I intended to use the machine as a primary work unit. Same with the opposed twin Kohlers.

[@hunter7476]

Please explain why the streets are always getting changed on onan engines ever video or ad for a 318 I see has a new starter why is that do they go out or get weak even our new Holland onan p218g has a new starter it’s a skid loader

[@mmrbeef]

Does streets = starters? In my opinion, The reason starters are always being changed is that folks assume the starter is bad when in fact the grounds on these machines are notoriously bad. Typically in the process of removing the engine to replace the starter enough of the wire harness is disturbed to fix any corrosion leading the person to think they fixed the issue with a new starter. While in fact the previous starter was fine. To compound the issue, folks but the very cheap overseas starters that weight 1/3 of the OEM units. The new starters then wear out or have grounding issues faster creating a starter replacement cycle.

[@hunter7476]

@@mmrbeef yeah I misspelled lol

[@coreyrides9650]

I see a 110

[@mmrbeef]

Oh there are lots of them around!!!

[@coreyrides9650]

@@mmrbeef we have 3

[@shaneeverett9554]

Good information !! But you yawn in every single video you make. Make me want to go to sleep

[@mmrbeef]

I've tried to either edit them out or re-take but they just happen..... not much I can do about it.... sorry

[@haydenschneider3]

The 420 would beat them in pulling and everything, so much better

[@jasongartner5267]

Not even close, 445 drag a 430. 430 is very front heavy and needs lots of weight to pull. Check it out on youtube

[@haydenschneider3]

Jason Gartner I said a 420. Tractors like these aren’t ment for speed, there ment for pulling and hard work speed isn’t any of them

[@haydenschneider3]

Jason Gartner also the 420 would out pull it, also the older ones are worth more and better over all

[@jasongartner5267]

@@haydenschneider3 buddy, I've owned all these tractors, of the older John Deere the 430 was best, the 445 and 455 will smoke a 420 pulling anyday,

[@haydenschneider3]

Jason Gartner no it wouldn’t, Ive owned 3 420 and they out pulled a truck and everything, the older ones are better built, longer lasting and worth way more. A John deere 318 is still worth $3000

[@skylerrath5027]

Please god stop smacking your lips every time you say something. Otherwise great video

[@Mg-1234x3]

The video would of been more watchable if you were not yawning and sniffing snot, so much. Tuned off mid way through.

[@mmrbeef]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll have to remember to always be well rested and not have allergies when I make videos to help folks.