The John Deere Model B was a two-plough row-crop tractor produced from 1935 to 1952. It was a scaled-down, less expensive version of the Model A, about two thirds of its size, and it too was made in a wide range of versions.
John Deere Model B at a glance
| Maker | Deere & Company, Waterloo, Iowa |
|---|---|
| Production | 1935–1952 |
| Type | two-plough row-crop tractor |
| Engine | two-cylinder, 149 cu in (2,440 cc) |
| Power | 17 hp (13 kW) |
| Fuels | petrol and kerosene |
| Styling | Dreyfuss bonnet and grille from 1938 |
| Electric starting | from 1940 |
| Built | 40,057 |
| Sale price | about $1,900 |
| Successors | John Deere 50, then 520 and 530 |
History of the John Deere Model B
The Model B was first produced in 1935 as a general-purpose row-crop tractor, less expensive than the Model A and about two thirds of its size. As with most row-crop tractors, the spacing between the rear wheels could be adjusted to suit row widths, and the front wheels were offered in wide and narrow arrangements. The B could work two ploughs. Its engine was a two-cylinder side-by-side unit of 17 hp (13 kW) and 149 cubic inches (2,440 cc), available in petrol and kerosene versions.
The versions
The BN, a single front wheel version, appeared in 1935 together with a wide front axle version, the BW. The BR standard tread tractor came in 1936 with fixed axle widths and a lower profile, for farming that did not involve row-crop cultivation. An orchard version, the BO, and an industrial tractor, the BI, were also produced. The BR and BO ended production in 1947 and the BI in 1941, while the John Deere AR and AO, the related A versions, continued until 1952. For compatibility with Model A cultivation accessories the frame was lengthened in 1937, giving the “long-frame” Bs. High-crop versions of all subtypes were offered from the same year, in various combinations of letter designations, and the BO-L was a crawler version built from 1943 to 1946.
Styling, updates and successors
From 1938 a more attractive engine housing and grille designed by Henry Dreyfuss enclosed the engine, radiator and steering gear; these were called “styled” tractors. Electric starting and lighting were added in 1940. Further updates in 1947 mirrored those of the A, with improvements to operator comfort and a larger engine producing 15 per cent more power; tractors from 1947 on are called “late-styled”. All Bs were made at the John Deere factory in Waterloo, Iowa, where 40,057 were built at a sale price of about $1,900.
From 50 to 530
From 1952 the B was replaced by the John Deere 50, with updated styling and a cast frame. Power rose by 10 per cent from the same engine, and a rack-and-pinion rear wheel adjustment, live hydraulics and power take-off were provided; fuel options included petrol, all-fuel and LP gas, and 32,574 were built at Waterloo at about $2,000. From 1957 the 50 gave way to the 520, with new styling and 20 per cent more power from a new two-cylinder engine, enough to work three ploughs; only row-crop versions were made. The 530 followed in 1958, also row-crop only, with optional fenders carrying four headlights and an option for power adjustment of the rear wheel track width.
Design and features
- Two-plough tractor: the smaller, cheaper companion to the Model A.
- Measured engine: 149 cu in (2,440 cc) two-cylinder of 17 hp.
- Adjustable track: rear wheel spacing set to the crop rows.
- Dreyfuss styling: the 1938 bonnet and grille that made it a “styled” tractor.
- Long-frame Bs: a longer frame from 1937 to take Model A implements.
John Deere Model B versions
- BN: single front wheel, from 1935.
- BW: wide front axle, from 1935.
- BR: standard tread with fixed axles, from 1936.
- BO: orchard version, built until 1947.
- BI: industrial tractor, built until 1941.
- BO-L: crawler version of 1943–1946.
The B was the smaller brother of the John Deere Model A, and its line led to the John Deere 720. The larger three-plough row-crop of the same family was the Model G. More tractors are in the John Deere collection.
Video: How To Start a 1940 John Deere Model B
Video by lake21home on YouTube.
Sources
- John Deere Model B, English Wikipedia: production, engine, versions, styling, successors
