The John Deere 430, a versatile utility tractor produced from 1958 to 1960 in Dubuque, Iowa, USA, is a well-known model among farmers and agricultural enthusiasts. With its distinctive design and reliable performance, it became a popular choice for a wide range of farming tasks. Available in various configurations, including tricycle, standard, utility, and more, it catered to diverse agricultural needs. Equipped with a 1.9-liter, 2-cylinder engine and options for different fuel types, it provided the necessary power for farm work. Its adaptability, coupled with attachments like the 35 Loader, made the John Deere 430 a trusted companion on the farm.
| John Deere 430 Specs |
|---|
| Production Years | 1958 – 1960 |
| Series | Two-Cylinder 30 Series |
| Type | Utility Tractor |
| Location Built | Dubuque, Iowa, USA |
| Total Production |
|---|
| 430W | 5,981 units |
| 430T | 3,255 units |
| 430S | 1,809 units |
| 430U | 1,340 units |
| Original Price (1960) | $2,500 |
| Variants |
|---|
| 430T | Tricycle |
| 430S | Standard |
| 430U | Utility |
| 430H | High-crop |
| 430V | Special |
| 430W | Row-crop utility |
| 430C | Crawler |
| Power |
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| Drawbar (Tested) | 26.15 hp / 19.5 kW |
| Belt (Tested) | 28.31 hp / 21.1 kW |
| Engine Details |
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| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, All-fuel, LP gas |
| Configuration | 2-cylinder, 4-valve |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 113 cubic inches (1.9 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.25×4.00 inches (108 x 102 mm) |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Rated RPM | 1,850 |
| Firing Order | 1-2 |
| Starter Voltage | 6V |
| Coolant Capacity | 11 quarts (10.4 L) |
| Transmission Options |
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| 4-speed | unsynchronized gear |
| 5-speed | unsynchronized gear |
| Transmission Details |
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| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse (4-speed) or 5 forward and 1 reverse (5-speed) |
| Tractor Hitch |
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| Rear Type | I |
| Rear PTO | Transmission-driven, live (optional on 5-speed) |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
| Serial Numbers |
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| 1958 | 140,001 |
| 1959 | 142,671 |
| 1960 | 158,632 |
| Electrical |
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| Ground | Positive |
| Charging System | Generator |
| Battery Volts | 6V |
| Tires |
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| Front (Ag) | 5.00×15 or 6.00×16 |
| Rear (Ag) | 10-34 or 12-28 |
| Dimensions |
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| Wheelbase | 85 inches (215 cm) |
| Length | 136.1 inches (345 cm) |
| Width | 85.75 inches (217 cm) |
| Height (Hood) | 56 inches (142 cm) |
| Height (Exhaust) | 73.9 inches (187 cm) |
| Weight | 3,250 lbs (1,474 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 21 inches (53 cm) |
| Front Tread | 48 to 80 inches (121 to 203 cm) |
| Front Tread (Wide Axle) | 56 to 88 inches (142 to 223 cm) |
| Rear Tread | 48 to 98 inches (121 to 248 cm) |
| Rear Tread (Short Axle) | 48 to 88 inches (121 to 223 cm) |
| Rear Tread (Power Adjust) | 56 to 88 inches (142 to 223 cm) |
| Attachment (35 Loader) |
|---|
| Lift Capacity (Full at Pin) | 1,975 lbs (895 kg) |
| Breakout Force | 2,400 lbs (1,088 kg) |
| Height (at Pin) | 117 inches (297 cm) |
| Weight | 823 lbs (373 kg) |
John Deere 430 overview
The John Deere 430, produced from 1958 to 1960, is a notable member of the Two-Cylinder 30 Series of utility tractors. Built in Dubuque, Iowa, USA, this versatile tractor came in various configurations to suit different farming needs. During its production run, John Deere manufactured several variants of the 430, including the tricycle (430T), standard (430S), utility (430U), high-crop (430H), special (430V), row-crop utility (430W), and crawler (430C) models. This extensive lineup ensured that farmers could select the model best suited for their specific agricultural tasks.
Under the hood, the John Deere 430 boasted a 1.9-liter, 2-cylinder engine with multiple fuel options: gasoline, all-fuel, and LP gas. This 2-cylinder, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine generated around 26.15 horsepower at the drawbar and 28.31 horsepower at the belt, providing the necessary power for a wide range of farming operations. The engine’s design, with a displacement of 113 cubic inches and a bore/stroke of 4.25×4.00 inches, ensured reliable and efficient performance.
When it came to transmission options, farmers had a choice between a 4-speed unsynchronized gear or a 5-speed unsynchronized gear transmission, both bearing the John Deere mark. These transmissions provided the necessary flexibility for different applications and field conditions, making the 430 adaptable to various tasks.
In terms of mechanical features, the John Deere 430 featured two-wheel drive, manual steering, and an open operator station. Its rear hitch was of Type I, and the power take-off (PTO) was rear-mounted, with a Type 540 output. The tractor’s electrical system operated on a 6-volt battery and utilized a generator for charging.
The John Deere 430’s dimensions and tire options further contributed to its versatility. With a wheelbase of 85 inches and dimensions measuring 136.1 inches in length, 85.75 inches in width, and a hood height of 56 inches, this tractor offered a balanced combination of size and maneuverability. The ground clearance of 21 inches allowed it to handle uneven terrain with ease. The available front and rear tire sizes, ranging from 5.00×15 to 12-28, provided options for different soil and field conditions.
For those requiring additional capabilities, the 430 could be equipped with the 35 Loader attachment. This attachment offered impressive specifications, including a lift capacity of 1,975 lbs, a breakout force of 2,400 lbs, and a height of 117 inches at the pin. It was a valuable addition for tasks that required heavy lifting and material handling.
John Deere 430 was a reliable and adaptable workhorse, designed to meet the diverse demands of farming in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its various configurations, engine options, and attachment possibilities made it a popular choice among farmers looking for a dependable utility tractor to support their agricultural operations. With its rich history and legacy, the John Deere 430 remains an iconic piece of farm equipment that has left a lasting mark on the world of agriculture.
