John Deere 1956 all green 420 crawler birthday present

Well - this is called "right place right time"
On my 50th birthday - I was at the dealership and went into the parts dept for some parts
A 86 year old gentleman was at the counter looking for a salesman- he wanted to trade a Kubota and Green field lawn tractors and a crawler on a new JD riding lawn mower
The parts man was quizzing him on the crawler - it was a JD -- 450? 350? - he said no a two cylinder 420!!!!
I of course started asking a few questions and told him I was interested in the crawler for myself- he agreed to let me go to his place to check it out.
I went out last Sunday and met him at his farm
we opened the shed door and there it was - a 1956 model John Deere 420 All Fuel Engine with blade in original condition -
It had not ran for 10 years -
we agreed on a AS IS price - I went back Monday night with a battery and gasoline
I installed the battery and put gasoline in the fuel tank
I pulled the start lever and after two spins it started and ran good
We picked it up Tuesday night and I got it home tonight.
I even got the original owners manual dated November 1955!
The paint is that good that I would be committing a crime in the vintage tractor world to repaint something in that condition!!!
I checked the serial number when I got home on Sunday - There were 5386 420 crawlers built in 1956 - but only 50 with the All fuel engine, that started on gasoline and was operated with Kerosene or Diesel fuel -so its kinda rare -
Kinda of ironic I bought one of 50 420 crawlers built in 1956 and found out about it on my 50th birthday -- one heck of a birthday present!!!! Thanks to my wife Janis Gibson!!!
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You would be hard pressed to find a two cylinder crawler in that nice of shape anywhere... let alone an all fuel one! And you are right- don't paint it!
 
You got a good deal on a nice crawler.

Is there a grille guard that you have off the tractor??? It looks like there are brace rods laying on the blade mounts and the grille is in great shape.
 
Looks like it was originally destine for export with the " Made in the USA" decals below the JD ones on the hood. Are you in Australia or Canada? If not, it must have missed the boat in 56! Cool original crawler.
 
You lucky dog. I grew up 2 miles away from a guy who had one. I tried to buy it from him several times and each time he said he was going to give it to one of his boys. The last time I asked him about it he told me he sold it as his boys didn't want it. I drove it as a kid and will tell you the a fun to drive and unreal where you can go. I will tell you that they will crawl right up a snow bank but beware, you can get them stuck LOL
 
Wow Ken nice catch! Happy Birthday. There are a bunch of First Ontario guys besides me that are really happy for you.
To heck with another Ontario winter. I am coming to visit and drive your crawler. Tell Janis my birthday is in June.
 
Thanks Guys
- Yes Bob (tech 7 ) - I will tell Janis your birthday is in June!! :) -Welcome anytime
Yes- I am from Ontario Canada, but live in Australia now - the tractor was found here in Australia
Yes- there is a homemade grille guard - heavy construction, that the braces are for
All tractors that I have seen here in Australia that have not been repainted have the "Made in USA" decal
I have been tole that the complete blade set up is Australian built
I do have a buddy here that has a 40C with the 1000 tool carrier blade
 

Nice 420 crawler. I have a 420 crawler also. The arms on the blade for mine are on the inside of the tracks. It has a grill guard and both the grill guard and blade are yellow. My grandfather purchased it new. I purchased it from my uncle and had it completely overhauled. I do have trouble starting it, but once it gets going, it is quite a machine. Enjoy
 

Nice 420 crawler. I have a 420 crawler also. The arms on the blade for mine are on the inside of the tracks. It has a grill guard and both the grill guard and blade are yellow. My grandfather purchased it new. I purchased it from my uncle and had it completely overhauled. I do have trouble starting it, but once it gets going, it is quite a machine. Enjoy
 

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