Brand siblingRow CropPerformance profile
John Deere H
The John Deere Model H is a classic row crop tractor that was made from 1938 to 1947. It's a small, simple machine built for working in fields. This tractor has a 2WD system with manual steering and a basic gear transmission with 3 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. Under the hood, the Model H has a John Deere engine that runs on kerosene. It's a 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with 12 horsepower. The engine is naturally aspirated and has a displacement of 99.7 cubic inches, which is very low compared to most tractors. It operates at 1,400 RPM, which is below average for tractor engines. The tractor is quite light, weighing only 2,080 pounds, making it one of the lightest tractors available. It has a rear PTO that spins at 540 RPM and a Category 3 hitch for attaching implements. The open operator station means the driver sits out in the open with no cab.
ManufacturerJohn DeerePower12 hpEngine2-cylTransGear
Image not recorded
Quick specs
- Category
- Row Crop
- Engine Power Output
- 12hp
- Operating Weight
- 2,080 lb
- Transmission
- Gear
At a glance
How the H compares
vs. Row Crop medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Row Crop tractors
12 hp · 1st
This model
12
Median 138 hp
283
This modelRow Crop tractorsMediann = 1,206
The H ranks at the 1st percentile for engine power among recorded row crop tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere H
The John Deere Model H is a classic row crop tractor that was made from 1938 to 1947. It's a small, simple machine built for working in fields. This tractor has a 2WD system with manual steering and a basic gear transmission with 3 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. Under the hood, the Model H has a John Deere engine that runs on kerosene. It's a 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with 12 horsepower. The engine is naturally aspirated and has a displacement of 99.7 cubic inches, which is very low compared to most tractors. It operates at 1,400 RPM, which is below average for tractor engines. The tractor is quite light, weighing only 2,080 pounds, making it one of the lightest tractors available. It has a rear PTO that spins at 540 RPM and a Category 3 hitch for attaching implements. The open operator station means the driver sits out in the open with no cab.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | H |
| Category | Row Crop tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1938–1947 |
| Operating weight | 2,080lb |
Engine
| Make | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Power | 12hp |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 99.7ci |
| Bore | 3.54in |
| Stroke | 5in |
Transmission
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 3 |
| Reverse gears | 1 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Cab | Open |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Rear |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 111.25in |
|---|---|
| Width | 79in |
| Height | 52in |
| Operating weight | 2,080lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 5.5gal |
|---|
Head to head
H vs. Row Crop median
How the John Deere H compares to other Row Crop tractors
| Spec | This model | Row Crop median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 12 hp | 138 hp | -91% | 1st |
| Engine Displacement | 99.7 ci | 391 ci | -75% | 1st |
| Cylinders | 2 | 6 | -67% | 1st |
| Forward Gears | 3 | 16 | -81% | 1st |
| Operating Weight | 2,080 lb | 12,307 lb | -83% | 1st |
| Length | 111 in | 180 in | -38% | 2nd |
| Width | 79 in | 91.2 in | -13% | 19th |
| Height | 52 in | 114 in | -54% | 1st |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the row crop tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 806–1,417 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere B | 16.1 hp | 3,723 lb | 1938–1946 | Compare → |
| John Deere A (1934-1938) | 18 hp | 3,781 lb | 1934–1938 | Compare → |
| John Deere A (1939-1947) | 18 hp | 4,597 lb | 1939–1947 | Compare → |
| John Deere G (1937-1941) | 20.7 hp | 5,004 lb | 1937–1941 | Compare → |
| John Deere G (1942-1948) | 20.7 hp | 5,291 lb | 1942–1948 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolens 3212G | 12 hp | 463 lb | 1987–1992 | Compare → |
| Bolens 3212H ST120 | 12 hp | 463 lb | 1988–1992 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1200 | 12 hp | 648 lb | 1974–1980 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1210 | 12 hp | 586 lb | 1985–1989 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 122 | 12 hp | 798 lb | 1965–1967 | Compare → |
Explore
John Deere siblings
Explore
Similar-spec models
FAQ
Common questions
When was the John Deere H in production?
John Deere H production started in 1938 and ended in 1947.
How much horsepower does the John Deere H have?
The John Deere H produces 12 hp from its 2-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 99.7 ci.
How much does the John Deere H weigh?
The John Deere H weighs about 2,080 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the John Deere H?
Transmission on the John Deere H is Gear, with 3 forward speeds.
What three-point hitch category does the John Deere H use?
The John Deere H has a Category Category 3 three-point hitch.
What maintenance does the John Deere H require?
Like any tractor, the John Deere H 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.