John Deere A

Last Updated: July 2024

Overview

The John Deere Model A is a classic row-crop tractor that served many farmers from 1947 to 1952. With its 4x2 2WD chassis, it is designed primarily for general farming and agricultural tasks. Powered by a 321 cubic inch, two-cylinder all-fuel/gasoline engine, it delivers a maximum power of 26.6 HP at 975 RPM and a maximum torque of 202 lb-ft at 975 RPM according to independent test results. The tractor is equipped with an unsynchronized gear transmission comprising 6 forward and 1 reverse gears, providing adequate variability for different tasks. The manual steering and differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes reflect the technology of the time. Complete with a liquid-cooling system, the John Deere Model A was well-suited to long working days in the field. Its open operator station is a reminder of the era when comfort and exposure to the elements were secondary to functionality and ruggedness. Additional performance metrics from independent testing, including fuel consumption, drawbar power, and belt performance, have been incorporated.

Key Specifications

Category: Row Crop

Power Output: 26.6

Transmission: Unsynchronized gear

Drive Type: 2WD

Operating Weight: 3900

Fuel Type: All-fuel/Gasoline

Image Gallery

John Deere A Tractor

John Deere A vs. Similar Tractors

Power Output

Poor

Greater than 2% of similar tractors.

Operating Weight

Below Average

Greater than 21% of similar tractors.

Technical Specifications

Engine

Manufacturer: John Deere
Model: A
Cooling Type: Liquid-cooled
Cylinder Orientation: Inline
Valve Configuration: -
Fuel Type: All-fuel/Gasoline
Induction Type: Natural aspirated
Cylinders: 2
Displacement (ci): 321
Bore (in): 5.51
Stroke (in): 6.73
Rated RPM: 975
Power Output (hp): 26.6

Transmission

Type: Unsynchronized gear
Forward Gears: 6
Reverse Gears: 1
Total Gears: -

Dimensions

Length (in): 133.9
Width (in): 86.2
Height (in): 63.8
Operating Weight (lb): 3900

Power Take-Off (PTO)

PTO Type: Transmission
PTO Speed 1 (rpm): 540
PTO Speed 2 (rpm): -
PTO Speed 3 (rpm): -

Miscellaneous

Chassis: 4x2 2WD
Drive Type: 2WD
Steering Type: Manual
Coolant Capacity (qts): 38
Front Tire Diameter (in): -
Front Tire Width (in): -
Rear Tire Diameter (in): -
Rear Tire Width (in): -
Front/Rear Rim Diameter (in): -
Tire Type: Agricultural
Manufacture - End Year: 1952
Hitch Type: -
Hitch Category: -
Hitch Position: -
Hitch Capacity (lb): -
Operator Station Type: Open
Starter Type: Electric
Brake Type: Differential mechanical expanding shoe
Hydraulic System Type: -

Test Results

Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory - Test Date: January 1934

Maximum Power and Fuel Consumption

Maximum Power: 26.31 HP (19.62 kW) at 975 rpm
Fuel Consumption at Maximum Power: 2.18 Gal/hr (8.25 l/h) with a fuel efficiency of 0.515 lb/hp.hr (0.313 kg/kW.h)

Drawbar Performance

Power at Rated Engine Speed: 18.72 HP (13.96 kW) with a drawbar pull of 2107 lbs (9.37 kN) and a speed of 2.87 mph (4.62 km/h)
Fuel Consumption at Rated Speed: 0.590 lb/hp.hr (0.359 kg/kW.h) with a fuel efficiency of 12.51 Hp.hr/gal (2.46 kW.h/l)

Torque and Engine Performance

Maximum Torque: 202 lb.-ft. (274 Nm) at 975 rpm
Torque Rise: 22.1%

Hydraulic Performance

Maximum Force Exerted: Information not available
Pump Delivery Rate: Information not available
Hydraulic Power: Information not available

Overall Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency at Standard PTO Speed: Information not available
Fuel Consumption: Information not available

Nebraska Tractor Test Lab, "Test 222: John Deere A" (1934). Nebraska Tractor Tests. 43. Link