Identifying JD "B"

KWV63 · Sep 10, 2016

I'm beginning the process of restoring my grandfathers JD "B" tractor. Its been sitting a long time (30+/-) but was running when it was parked and engine will still turn over. My problem is determining the model year. The serial #, from tag under the magneto, is 10980. The charts I've seen indicate that this would be a No for an unstyled B; however, it is clearly not an unstyled B. I intended to post a picture with this post, but it is raining today so I will have to wait on that till later today or tomorrow. My dad remembers my grandad buying the tractor new around 38-40. What am I missing in my search?

Randy G · Sep 10, 2016

I believe you may be missing a number or its a 1935 model w/ 5 numbers or 1941 w/ the last number missing.

James Howell · Sep 10, 2016

"<font color="#6699ff">[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]My dad remembers my grandad buying the tractor new around 38-40.[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]</font>"

If your granddad's tractor is a 38, 39, or 40, then it will have unstyled brakes.

Take a look at the diagram below.

Note that the brake drum (Key 9) has an open side near the axle.

Take a look at the photos below of "Uncle Earl" our 39B.

Hope this helps.

old · Sep 10, 2016

Do not know if they moved the tags on them but on my 1935 JD-B the serial number tag is below the flywheel on the left side. It is also a brass tag serial number 9405

Buster · Sep 10, 2016

All the unstyled B tractors have the serial tag by the flywheel. If you look below the belt pulley there will be a date code. It is the date the main
case was built. Will be within a year of the serial tag date since some of the main cases were built ahead of time.

coonie minnie · Sep 10, 2016

I agree with the post below, you are missing a digit. Either it is a 1941 with the end digit gone, or a late styled one ('48??) with a 2 missing from the beginning. Does it have electric start? If so is the
starter on top or underneath?

KWV63 · Sep 10, 2016

Thanks. After reading answers I went back and thoroughly cleaned the SN plate. Sure enough I found a lightly stamped additional number that could just be barely read, making this a 1941, I suppose "early styled" B. Looks like my grandad bought it just before the WWII started for the US.

My brother and I learned to drive a tractor on this one, so we are looking forward to its restoration. I'm sure I will have more questions as it progresses this winter.

Thanks again.

Identifying JD "B"

KWV63

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