Small John Deere Tractors

Book excerpt: During the initial wave of powered farming in the early 20th century, most medium- to large-scale farmers traded in their mules for tractors. In the 1930s, when manufacturers began marketing their wares to the holdouts, they began building smaller, inexpensive tractors designed to do the work of two mules. This color history covers John Deere's entries in the market, namely its extremely popular two-cylinder models: the L, LA, M, MC, 40, 420, 320, 430, and 330. Today, these models are some of the most popular among the old-tractor crowd. New color photography features restored models today and is supplemented by archival images from the early 20th century. Sidebars examine John Deere's competitors in the class.