Same brandJohn Deere A (1934-1938)
The John Deere A was a row crop tractor made from 1934 to 1938. It had a 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that could run on different fuels. The engine was 309 cubic inches, which was above average for tractors of its time. It produced 18 horsepower at 975 rpm, which was on the lower end of power output. This tractor had a 2-wheel drive system and manual steering. It came with a basic transmission that had 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The John Deere A was 123.6 inches long, 86.2 inches wide, and 63.8 inches tall. It weighed 3,781 pounds, which was lighter than many other tractors. The tractor had an open operator station and needed to be started manually. It also had a transmission PTO that could run at 540 rpm, which was useful for powering other farm equipment.
Key specifications
- Category
- Row Crop
- Engine power
- 18hp
- Operating weight
- 3,781 lb
- Transmission
- Unsynchronized gear with dry disc clutch
Category comparison
A (1934-1938) compared with its category
vs. Row Crop medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
All recorded Row Crop tractors
This model
The A (1934-1938) ranks at the 1st percentile for engine power among recorded row crop tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere A (1934-1938)
The John Deere A was a row crop tractor made from 1934 to 1938. It had a 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that could run on different fuels. The engine was 309 cubic inches, which was above average for tractors of its time. It produced 18 horsepower at 975 rpm, which was on the lower end of power output. This tractor had a 2-wheel drive system and manual steering. It came with a basic transmission that had 4 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. The John Deere A was 123.6 inches long, 86.2 inches wide, and 63.8 inches tall. It weighed 3,781 pounds, which was lighter than many other tractors. The tractor had an open operator station and needed to be started manually. It also had a transmission PTO that could run at 540 rpm, which was useful for powering other farm equipment.
Full specifications
Recorded specifications
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | A (1934-1938) |
| Category | Row Crop tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1934–1938 |
| Operating weight | 3,781lb(1,715 kg) |
Engine
| Make | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | John Deere |
| Power | 18hp(13.42 kW) |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 309ci(5.06 L) |
| Bore | 5.51in(140 mm) |
| Stroke | 6.5in(165.1 mm) |
Transmission
| Type | Unsynchronized gear with dry disc clutch |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 4 |
| Reverse gears | 1 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential mechanical expanding shoe |
| Cab | Open |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 123.6in(3,139 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 86.2in(2,189 mm) |
| Height | 63.8in(1,621 mm) |
| Operating weight | 3,781lb(1,715 kg) |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 9.5gal(35.96 L) |
|---|
Closest alternatives
A (1934-1938) compared with the nearest models by horsepower
Among row crop tractors, the John Deere A (1939-1947) and the Oliver 60 are closest to the John Deere A (1934-1938) in rated horsepower. The John Deere A (1939-1947) matches it on rated power and weighs 820 lb more, so it carries more weight per horsepower, which helps traction in draft work. It entered production in 1939, 5 years after the A (1934-1938). The Oliver 60 matches it on rated power and weighs 1,280 lb less, carrying 139 lb per horsepower against 210 lb. It entered production in 1940, 6 years after the A (1934-1938).
| Spec | John Deere A (1934-1938) | John Deere A (1939-1947) | Oliver 60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 18 hp13.4 kW | 18 hp13.4 kW | 18 hp13.4 kW |
| Operating weight | 3,781 lb1,715 kg | 4,597 lb2,085 kg | 2,502 lb1,135 kg |
| Weight per hp | 210 lb/hp128 kg/kW | 255 lb/hp155 kg/kW | 139 lb/hp85 kg/kW |
| Displacement | 309 ci5.06 L | 309 ci5.06 L | 120.6 ci1.98 L |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Transmission | Unsynchronized gear with dry disc clutch | Unsynchronized gear | Gear type |
| Drive | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Years built | 1934-1938 | 1939-1947 | 1940-1948 |
Calculators
Calculators for the A (1934-1938)
PTO power
About 15 to 16 PTO hp
Estimated from the 18 hp engine rating. The calculator also estimates drawbar power by surface.
Implement sizing
Implements a 18 hp tractor can run
The calculator sizes mowers, tillers, discs, plows and balers for this tractor.
Ballast
244 lb per PTO hp as listed
The calculator gives the target weight and front/rear split for each job.
Units
18 hp is 13.4 kW
The converter gives kW and metric PS values, as used on European spec sheets.
Category medians
A (1934-1938) vs. Row Crop median
John Deere A (1934-1938) compared with other Row Crop tractors
| Spec | This model | Row Crop median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 18 hp | 138 hp | -87% | 1st |
| Engine Displacement | 309 ci | 391 ci | -21% | 33rd |
| Cylinders | 2 | 6 | -67% | 1st |
| Forward Gears | 4 | 16 | -75% | 4th |
| Operating Weight | 3,781 lb | 12,307 lb | -69% | 4th |
| Length | 124 in | 180 in | -31% | 3rd |
| Width | 86.2 in | 91.2 in | -5% | 39th |
| Height | 63.8 in | 114 in | -44% | 4th |
Medians and percentiles are calculated from the row crop tractors in the database that have a recorded value for each specification (sample size 806–1,417 models).
Same manufacturer
Other John Deere models
Other manufacturers
Models with similar horsepower
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was the John Deere A (1934-1938) made?
The John Deere A (1934-1938) was manufactured from 1934 to 1938.
What is the operating weight of the John Deere A (1934-1938)?
The John Deere A (1934-1938) has an operating weight of about 3,781 lb.
Which transmission does the John Deere A (1934-1938) use?
The John Deere A (1934-1938) is equipped with an Unsynchronized gear with dry disc clutch transmission with 4 forward gears.
What is the engine power output of the John Deere A (1934-1938)?
Rated engine output for the John Deere A (1934-1938) is 18 hp, delivered by a 2-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 309 ci.
How do I maintain a John Deere A (1934-1938)?
Routine service for the John Deere A (1934-1938) covers engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic and coolant level checks, air filter cleaning, and scheduled inspections. Refer to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for exact intervals.