Delta Red's John Deere A???

Ok, for those of us sorta fascinated by JD's 2-cylinders, tell us all about it. We been waiting. How do you like it, does it drive OK, how's power, is it easy to learn that clutch handle, do you like it, do you have to keep the rev's up, how does it compare to an M or an H?

Not just the clutch but the brakes are just as hard to get at. Then the jumping up and down on belt or PTO. No power!!

Years ago, 2 farmers just down the road from me were discing across the road from each other. One on an M Farmall and one on a JD A. A fellow had run his car off into the creek and came and asked the fellow with the M to come pull him out. The fellow on the A saw him unhook the disc and unhooked his to go see what was going on. The M was sitting there spinning and would not pull he car up the bank. They hooked the A up and it pulled the car right out. The fellow with the M told me this story several times over the years and always said the A was the stronger tractor.
Absolutely true story. I went to the funeral of the one with the M about 2 months ago.
Richard in NW SC

Quite a story must have been told after some home brew contest as who could tell the biggest one.

The JD runs fine,although it may a little tired.It seems to have more power than the SH,but a lot less than the SM.I enjoy it.The hand clutch is not an issue.Been running 2 bangers all my life.In fact,I started out with a 730 electric start diesel in 77.Owned it for 5 years.It seems to 'lug' well but I really havent put too many hours on it.The IH wide front is 'well made',steers surprisingly easy.This tractor was bought as a 'toy' rather as a worker.But I hope to put some hrs on it this summer.I will take it(and the IH #39 two way plow) to our local tractor club's plow day later this spring.

Those 2 bangers have a lower 1st gear than the M/SMs.That and there is more 'lead' in the JDs rear end.So,yes I can see how the JD could easily out pull the IH in a case like that.

That _is_ an IH WFE now that you mention it. Hilarious!

We have a 46 A lectric start in pieces in the barn. I have another one spoken for that belongs to a relative. Two to make one.

(quoted from post at 20:06:54 03/23/14) Ok, for those of us sorta fascinated by JD's 2-cylinders, tell us all about it. We been waiting. How do you like it, does it drive OK, how's power, is it easy to learn that clutch handle, do you like it, do you have to keep the rev's up, how does it compare to an M or an H?

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I think HP wise the JD A falls between the H and M, but closer to the M. Dad had a '40 A with a Behlen 5th and 6th gear and his brother, who he farmed with for years, had a late A with the stamped steel frame. World of difference in them, so stick with the late one if possible. Also a [u:cf2abe6d48]factory[/u:cf2abe6d48] 6 speed from '42 on, but I never spent any time on one before the stamped frame. I was just a kid and did not do any hard work with either, just wagons, hayracks, etc. plus a MH 77 baler with Dad's. Dad pulled a 2x16" plow and Uncle Paul a 3x14", no problems I know of with either. Really moved up in the world when Dad traded for a 60.
One thing about the clutch. As a 9 or 10 year old kid when I was to drive his '40 A, because the handle was shorter than the 60, he would have me sit on the tractor while he popped the cover off the clutch/belt pulley and backed off the clutch so I could just barely engage/dis-engage it, which was okay for the light work I did... try that with an H or M.

I am colorblind...have a few red, a couple grey n red, a few green and an orange, out of all of 'em my two favorites are the Super C and the '48 JD A. The Super C is an amazing little tractor, does so many things ya wouldn't expect from a little guy.
The A is just so comfy compared to the His though, HP wise it falls somewhere between out SH and SM, but from a strictly traction stand point it more than makes up for the few less horses. I grew up on hand clutches so that is no big deal for me except backing things. If I am gonna spend a lot of seat time plowing or raking or something, I will almost always grab one of the Deeres, but if I'm pullin, it's usually red cuz then ya can weight up enough to take advantage of the HP.
As far a maintenance, they both have their strong points AND weak points; I can change a clutch or do brake work so easily on a Jonny compared to an IH, but by the same token if ya gotta radiator issue ya are hoping it's with an IH.
I have found that often, IHs need a tad less restoration, but I don't think they were nessecarily built better, just didn't keep going as long when things weren't "quite right" so the Deeres kept pluggin' and getting more beat before they hit the hedge row. From a strictly upkeep maintenance standpoint I'll take the 2 cyl as they just don't get quite as finicky until ya get into the 2barrel carbs with the first number series which need a lil more fussing with the carb and the oil pressure based fuel feed.

(quoted from post at 08:31:35 03/24/14) The Super C is an amazing little tractor, does so many things ya wouldn't expect from a little guy.
.

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Totally agree with that... they will do more than you expect, and are the handiest driving little tractors ever made. Have driven IH Bs, a JD MT and 420, AC CA, Ford 9N and 8N, plus some newer models and for being handy to drive, back up or whatever, you just can not beat the C series of small tractors.

I took the walk on the green side too. Sorry Fellas, I like and have all different brands. They all have merits and drawbacks.

I see this as an apples to apples comparison. '48M '49A. Both are comparable HP. The M is more refined, the A is a rattling beast. I plan to use the A for the same work I use my M for this summer....stay tuned.

Stumpy

PS I'm keeping both of them!

I, too, am colorblind. I've had a '50 C, a '40 M, currently have restored my '41 Case SC, and have a '41 JD A Slant Dash that I am working on converting to an Unstyled A with 6 speed trans and electric start now.
The C was an awesome little tractor, with a rear lift, front blade, and tire chains.. It would push quite a bit of snow. the 1940 M with a JD 45 loader was my workhorse tractor when I had it. It would tackle pretty much anything I put in front or behind it - but also had loaded rear tires and wheel weights.
As far as the hand clutch goes, the Case SC has a hand clutch, so I am used to it. I have noticed though, that it is better within reach than the JD A's is. I thought since I have this thing torn down, maybe I should add some length to the clutch lever, that would make it a bit easier to handle I think. I honestly cannot speak for the A, as I have never used it. Got pulled about 150 feet on it out of it's resting place, and winched onto a flatbed. That was it. The brakes are a little awkward, but seems like it will be a good project.
Thing is, I've always wanted an old A, and now I've got one. You just can't get past the distinct sound the green ones make. I'll definitely be getting myself another IH M, though. I have a soft spot for them. (Although I have been thinking a Super M so that I can have the live hydraulics).
Hope you enjoy the pictures, and feel free to stop by the JD forum once in a while and view the progress on my A.

The antique pulls I attend very seldom will I see a stock A out pull a stock Super M !

(quoted from post at 23:08:59 03/24/14) The antique pulls I attend very seldom will I see a stock A out pull a stock Super M !

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I would hope so... the 60 would be more in line with a Super M.
One huge advantage of the late A over the M at that time, and even the Stage I Super, would be the live two way hydraulics (PowerTrol).

Nice pics Ken...ya can always grab a clutch handle off a G at a salvage yard and throwit on the A for better reach!

(quoted from post at 09:50:28 03/25/14) Nice pics Ken...ya can always grab a clutch handle off a G at a salvage yard and throwit on the A for better reach!

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Thinking probably the longer clutch handle of a number series would work too.

OH NO Dave, say it aint sooo, were gonna have to talk my friend, haha nice looking A Chuck