Finding the model number when all identifying plates are

navteach

New User
Hello,
I am attempting to purchase an antique John deere tractor and the owners wife says they always called it a John deere 40 and thinks it's a 1955. I started it up, runs fine, pto works good. Would really love to buy this thi g but need to know the model to order parts when needed. I also noticed the function switch on the dash panel has 5 positions. Off, ignition, lights, b for I'm assuming back pto and d. What does the d stand for?
 

I have searched all recommended parts for the information plate. No plates were found. Is there a way to tell from its physical attributes?
 
Could just Google John Deere tractors
starting 1950 go to the photos tab. Continue
each year till you find pics of that model.
 
This switch sounds just like the 1948 John Deere M we had. The B is for just the back light to illuminate
and has nothing to do with the PTO
 
Hello NAV welcome to YT. I am not a JD guy but here is
an explanation of your picture dilemma. Due to this
being a G rated forum you are generally not allowed to
post a picture until after your 5th post. This is to keep
internet bad guys from popping in and dropping a
bunch of ..no no.. photos. If you get a notice of
..improper terms.. this is just the default excuse the
forum host chose to use. Pictures are added through
the ..Choose files.. button in the ..Advanced Posting..
area at the bottom of a New Post or a reply. Just
pasting the photo as a file in the text area will not
work. What you need to do is just make a couple
replies saying raising my post count. Then you should
be able to post pictures. Good luck with your Deere!
 
mvphoto97885.jpg
 
If there is no water pump it is a 40.If it has a water pump it will be a 420.That's if the engine hasn't been changed.
 
Looks like a 40 but could be a 420 if it has a water pump.

The exhaust is odd like it maybe has an orchard exhaust manifold instead of the standard manifold.
Is there a muffler hole in the top of hood or is there a plug or maybe a patched over hole??

This post was edited by DoubleO7 on 10/01/2022 at 12:02 pm.
 

It looks the same. Is there a difference between the physical attributes of the 40 and 40 W. Tried looking at pictures but can't see any
 
They said in Green Magazine a few years ago that
Waterloo tractors without tags are un-identifiable
other than the obvious; Dubuque-built tractors, may
be possible. But I dont know where the 40 lies in
this scenario.
 
You are looking at a model T, for tricycle, with wide front end. If it was a W, the reduction gears would be outboard. If the tag is gone off the torque tube, the number is lost for ever. Each model of the 40 had a start serial number of 60,000. There maybe a number on the block but that it appears does not relate to the finished tractor number as the models were mixed on the production line.
 
(quoted from post at 17:13:41 10/01/22) They said in Green Magazine a few years ago that
Waterloo tractors without tags are un-identifiable
other than the obvious; Dubuque-built tractors, may
be possible. But I dont know where the 40 lies in
this scenario.

The 40 was built in Dubuque.

As has been posted, whether it has a water pump on the engine is a start for ID. 40s did not have one and 420s did, so it is an indicator, barring an engine swap.

Look where the tag should have been. Do you find two 1/8" holes located about 3" apart, about the length of a tag? A 420 tag was up on the clutch housing and ahead of the location of a 40 tag. Here is a picture, from Tractor Data, of a 420 tag so you can look for rivet holes in that area as well.

mvphoto97889.jpg
 
I would call it a 40w. It's a two row
utility tractor. The 40w I have originally
had an exhaust system that went down
instead of thru the hood. It was changed
to thru the hood when I was about 7 years
old. If I remember correctly the hood had
a prepunched spot. A few years ago I found
and kept the original cast iron manifold
that was still in my daddy shop. I
figured it might be rare .

Mine doesn't have a tag.
 
Let me also say if you were to order parts
calling it a John Deere 40 will get you
everything you need.
 
so if you dont know the model how do you know what it is worth is it 12v does
it have a water pump and the list goes on or do you want it bcause it is a JOHN
DEERE
 
Welcome to YT
If you determine this tractor is a model 40 you can download a model 40 operators manual for free at the following. Model 40 would be correct with a "W" designation indicating wide frt axle. Explanation of meaning of letters on panel holding ign/light switch is show below in photo. Different designations of Model 40 are shown in 2nd photo.

linkhttps://techpubs.deere.com/en-US/Search/Equipment
mvphoto97907.png


mvphoto97908.png


This post was edited by Tx Jim on 10/02/2022 at 03:44 am.
 

Thank you for this info TX, with your information and all other comments from everyone else I am more confident that it is indeed a 40W and have decided to purchase this tractor.
 
Would you get a picture of the rear axle / reduction gear housing and post it. The headlites kinda block the view from the front. Show me the pix then the model can be determined.
 
Spent some time in 40 parts book today. It is a W. The part that holds the front axle pivot pin is a W. The T has some other assembly at the front. You will like it, nice tractor.
 

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