John Deere 420C
The John Deere 420C is a compact crawler tractor built from 1956 to 1958. It's designed for agricultural work and features a unique tracked chassis for better traction in tough conditions. This small but mighty machine has a 2-cylinder gasoline engine that's liquid-cooled and naturally aspirated. The engine size is below average compared to other tractors, but it's well-suited for the 420C's compact frame. At 4,700 pounds, the 420C is a lightweight crawler that can navigate tight spaces with its 102-inch length and 60-inch width. It has a simple 5-forward, 1-reverse gear transmission and uses manual steering with mechanical disc clutches. The tractor comes with a live PTO running at 560 rpm and an optional Category 1 rear hitch for attaching implements. Farmers will appreciate the open operator station for easy access and the electric starter for quick engine starts. The 420C's mechanical band brakes and liquid cooling system with an 11-quart capacity add to its reliability in the field.

Quick specs
- Category
- Crawler
- Operating Weight
- 4,700 lb
- Transmission
- Unsynchronized gear
Overview
About the John Deere 420C
The John Deere 420C is a compact crawler tractor built from 1956 to 1958. It's designed for agricultural work and features a unique tracked chassis for better traction in tough conditions. This small but mighty machine has a 2-cylinder gasoline engine that's liquid-cooled and naturally aspirated. The engine size is below average compared to other tractors, but it's well-suited for the 420C's compact frame. At 4,700 pounds, the 420C is a lightweight crawler that can navigate tight spaces with its 102-inch length and 60-inch width. It has a simple 5-forward, 1-reverse gear transmission and uses manual steering with mechanical disc clutches. The tractor comes with a live PTO running at 560 rpm and an optional Category 1 rear hitch for attaching implements. Farmers will appreciate the open operator station for easy access and the electric starter for quick engine starts. The 420C's mechanical band brakes and liquid cooling system with an 11-quart capacity add to its reliability in the field.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 420C |
| Category | Crawler tractor |
| Type | Crawler |
| Years built | 1956–1958 |
| Operating weight | 4,700lb |
Engine
| Make | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 113ci |
| Bore | 4.25in |
| Stroke | 4.02in |
Transmission
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 5 |
| Reverse gears | 1 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | Crawler |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual using mechanical disc clutches |
| Brakes | Mechanical band |
| Cab | Open operator station |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 560rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 102in |
|---|---|
| Width | 60in |
| Height | 69in |
| Operating weight | 4,700lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 2.75gal |
|---|
Head to head
420C vs. Crawler median
How the John Deere 420C compares to other Crawler tractors
| Spec | This model | Crawler median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 113 ci | 468 ci | -76% | 12th |
| Cylinders | 2 | 6 | -67% | 1st |
| Forward Gears | 5 | 10 | -50% | 25th |
| Operating Weight | 4,700 lb | 23,320 lb | -80% | 16th |
| Length | 102 in | 146 in | -30% | 6th |
| Width | 60 in | 79.5 in | -25% | 29th |
| Height | 69 in | 90.6 in | -24% | 25th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the crawler tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 134–192 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 1020 VU | 44 hp | 3,770 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 1030VU | 45.6 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 1420 | 43 hp | 2,350 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 1445F | 41.4 hp | 4,057 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 1546F | 45 hp | 4,905 lb | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advance-Rumely 6A | — | 6,370 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely DoAll | — | 3,702 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull B 25/45 | — | 25,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull E 30/60 | — | 26,300 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull F 15/30 | — | 16,500 lb | — | Compare → |
Explore
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Gallery
John Deere 420C photos



FAQ
Common questions
When was the John Deere 420C in production?
John Deere 420C production started in 1956 and ended in 1958.
How many cylinders does the John Deere 420C have?
The John Deere 420C runs a 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 113 ci.
How much does the John Deere 420C weigh?
The John Deere 420C weighs about 4,700 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the John Deere 420C?
Transmission on the John Deere 420C is Unsynchronized gear, with 5 forward speeds.
What maintenance does the John Deere 420C require?
Like any tractor, the John Deere 420C needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.



