Same brandRow Crop tractorsSpec sheet
John Deere A (1939-1947)
The John Deere A is a row crop tractor made from 1939 to 1947. It's a 2-wheel drive tractor with a 4x2 chassis and manual steering. This tractor has a 2-cylinder engine that can run on different fuels. The engine is liquid-cooled and has 309 cubic inches of displacement, which is about average for tractors. It makes 18 horsepower at 975 rpm, which is on the lower end for power. This tractor has 6 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. It has a transmission PTO that runs at 540 rpm. The John Deere A weighs 4,597 pounds and is 133.9 inches long, 86.2 inches wide, and 63.8 inches tall. It has steel front tires and agricultural rear tires. The tractor has an open operator station and manual starter. John Deere is known for making reliable farm equipment, and this model was part of their popular Two-Cylinder Letter Series.
ManufacturerJohn DeerePower18 hp(13.4 kW)ClassUnder 25 HP tractors →Engine2-cylinderTransmissionUnsynchronized gear
Image not recorded
Key specifications
- Category
- Row Crop
- Engine power
- 18hp
- Operating weight
- 4,597 lb
- Transmission
- Unsynchronized gear
Category comparison
A (1939-1947) compared with its category
vs. Row Crop medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
All recorded Row Crop tractors
18 hp · 1st
This model
12
Median 138 hp
283
This modelRow Crop tractorsMediann = 1,206
The A (1939-1947) ranks at the 1st percentile for engine power among recorded row crop tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere A (1939-1947)
The John Deere A is a row crop tractor made from 1939 to 1947. It's a 2-wheel drive tractor with a 4x2 chassis and manual steering. This tractor has a 2-cylinder engine that can run on different fuels. The engine is liquid-cooled and has 309 cubic inches of displacement, which is about average for tractors. It makes 18 horsepower at 975 rpm, which is on the lower end for power. This tractor has 6 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. It has a transmission PTO that runs at 540 rpm. The John Deere A weighs 4,597 pounds and is 133.9 inches long, 86.2 inches wide, and 63.8 inches tall. It has steel front tires and agricultural rear tires. The tractor has an open operator station and manual starter. John Deere is known for making reliable farm equipment, and this model was part of their popular Two-Cylinder Letter Series.
Full specifications
Recorded specifications
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | A (1939-1947) |
| Category | Row Crop tractor |
| Type | 4x2 |
| Years built | 1939–1947 |
| Operating weight | 4,597lb(2,085 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 |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 6 |
| Reverse gears | 1 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential mechanical expanding shoe |
| Cab | Open |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Transmission PTO |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 133.9in(3,401 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 86.2in(2,189 mm) |
| Height | 63.8in(1,621 mm) |
| Operating weight | 4,597lb(2,085 kg) |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 9.5gal(35.96 L) |
|---|
Closest alternatives
A (1939-1947) compared with the nearest models by horsepower
Among row crop tractors, the John Deere A (1934-1938) and the Oliver 60 are closest to the John Deere A (1939-1947) in rated horsepower. The John Deere A (1934-1938) matches it on rated power and weighs 820 lb less, carrying 210 lb per horsepower against 255 lb. It entered production in 1934, 5 years before the A (1939-1947). The Oliver 60 matches it on rated power and weighs 2,100 lb less, so it is lighter for its power, which favors PTO and transport work over heavy draft. Of the 3 models, the A (1939-1947) has the highest weight per horsepower at 255 lb per hp.
| Spec | John Deere A (1939-1947) | John Deere A (1934-1938) | Oliver 60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 18 hp13.4 kW | 18 hp13.4 kW | 18 hp13.4 kW |
| Operating weight | 4,597 lb2,085 kg | 3,781 lb1,715 kg | 2,502 lb1,135 kg |
| Weight per hp | 255 lb/hp155 kg/kW | 210 lb/hp128 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 | Unsynchronized gear with dry disc clutch | Gear type |
| Drive | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Years built | 1939-1947 | 1934-1938 | 1940-1948 |
Calculators
Calculators for the A (1939-1947)
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
297 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 (1939-1947) vs. Row Crop median
John Deere A (1939-1947) 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 | 6 | 16 | -62% | 11th |
| Operating Weight | 4,597 lb | 12,307 lb | -63% | 7th |
| Length | 134 in | 180 in | -25% | 8th |
| 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
What years was the John Deere A (1939-1947) manufactured?
Production of the John Deere A (1939-1947) ran from 1939 through 1947.
What type of transmission does the John Deere A (1939-1947) have?
The John Deere A (1939-1947) uses an Unsynchronized gear transmission offering 6 forward gears.
How powerful is the John Deere A (1939-1947)?
The John Deere A (1939-1947) has an engine power output of 18 hp. It is powered by a 2-cylinder engine displacing 309 ci.
What is the working weight of the John Deere A (1939-1947)?
The operating weight of the John Deere A (1939-1947) is approximately 4,597 lb.
What routine service does the John Deere A (1939-1947) need?
Regular maintenance for the John Deere A (1939-1947) includes checking and changing engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and filters, plus routine inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specific intervals and procedures.