The John Deere 40 Utility Tractor, produced from 1953 to 1955, stands as a testament to agricultural innovation and durability. With its various configurations catering to different farming needs, it became a ubiquitous presence on farms across America. Its reliable engine, versatile transmission, and straightforward mechanical design made it a go-to workhorse for tasks ranging from plowing fields to powering implements. Today, it remains a cherished piece of farming history and a prized collectible for enthusiasts, embodying the resilience and ingenuity of a bygone era in American agriculture.
| John Deere 40 Specifications |
|---|
| Type | Utility tractor |
| Built in | Dubuque, Iowa, USA |
| Total Built | 18,000 |
| Original Price (1954) | $1,500 |
| Variants |
|---|
| 40C | Tracked tractor |
| 40H | High-crop |
| 40S | Standard |
| 40T | Tricycle |
| 40V | Special |
| 40U | Utility |
| 40W | Two-row utility |
| Power |
|---|
| Drawbar (claimed) | 16.77 hp (12.5 kW) |
| Belt (claimed) | 21.13 hp (15.8 kW) |
| Drawbar (tested) | 21.71 hp (16.2 kW) |
| Belt (tested) | 24.25 hp (18.1 kW) |
| Gasoline Engine Detail |
|---|
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Type | Gasoline |
| Configuration | 2-cylinder 4-valve liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 100.5 ci (1.6 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00×4.00 inches (102 x 102 mm) |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Compression | 6.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1850 |
| Firing Order | 1-2 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| Oil Capacity | 5 qts (4.7 L) |
| Coolant Capacity | 14 qts (13.2 L) |
| All-Fuel Engine Detail |
|---|
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Type | All-fuel |
| Configuration | 2-cylinder 4-valve liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 100.5 ci (1.6 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00×4.00 inches (102 x 102 mm) |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Compression | 6.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1850 |
| Firing Order | 1-2 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| Oil Capacity | 5 qts (4.7 L) |
| Sparkplug Gap | 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) |
| Point Gap | 0.022 inches (0.559 mm) |
| Intake Valve Clearance | 0.012 inches (cold) (0.305 mm) |
| Exhaust Valve Clearance | 0.012 inches (cold) (0.305 mm) |
| Transmission |
|---|
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Type | Gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Mechanical |
|---|
| Drive | Two-wheel drive |
| Steering | Manual |
| Operator Station | Open |
| Power Take-Off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
| Rear RPM | 540 |
| Belt Pulley |
|---|
| Diameter | 9.1 inches (23 cm) |
| Width | 6.375 inches (16 cm) |
| RPM | 1267 |
| Speed | 3006 ft/min (916.23 meters/min) |
| Electrical |
|---|
| Ground | Positive |
| Battery Volts | 6 |
John Deere 40 Utility Tractor overview
The John Deere 40 Utility Tractor stands as both a piece of agricultural history and a prized possession for collectors of vintage machinery. Produced from 1953 to 1955 in Dubuque, Iowa, USA, with a total of 18,000 units built, it represents a pivotal era in farming technology. Its original price tag of $1,500 in 1954 reflects not just its monetary value but also its significance in the evolution of farm equipment.
This iconic tractor came in various configurations, including the 40S Standard, 40H High-crop, 40U Utility, and others, each tailored to meet specific agricultural needs. Its versatility made it a staple on farms across America, utilized for everything from plowing fields to powering implements.
Underneath its rugged exterior lies a reliable engine, available in both gasoline and all-fuel variants. The 1.6L 2-cylinder powerplant, with its 4-valve liquid-cooled design, provided ample power for a wide range of tasks, from hauling loads to operating belt-driven machinery.
The transmission, with its 4 forward and 1 reverse gears, offered precise control over the tractor’s movement, ensuring smooth operation in any situation. Manual steering added to its simplicity and reliability, characteristic of the era.
For collectors, the John Deere 40 holds significant historical and sentimental value. Its role in shaping the agricultural landscape of the 1950s makes it a sought-after piece for those interested in preserving farming heritage. The scarcity of well-maintained units further enhances its collector’s appeal, with enthusiasts often paying a premium for pristine examples.
Beyond its practical utility, the John Deere 40 Utility Tractor embodies the spirit of hard work and perseverance that defined American farming during its time of manufacture. For collectors, it serves as a tangible connection to the past, evoking nostalgia for simpler times and celebrating the ingenuity of those who came before us. In this way, the John Deere 40 transcends its role as a mere piece of machinery, becoming a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the enduring legacy of agriculture.
More info: http://www.jd40.com/
