Production years
1955-1961
John Deere planter ยท 1955-1961
John Deere 494 Planter
The John Deere 494 is a four-row, drawn plate planter from the late 1950s and early 1960s, built for conventional-tillage corn farming. It is a durable collector-era and small-acreage machine, but its runner-style planting system belongs to the pre-modern-planter era.
Planter type
Four-row drawn corn planter
Row configurations
4 rows, adjustable row spacing; commonly set near 36 to 40 in.
Metering system
Mechanical seed plates, with plate selection matched to seed size and crop
John Deere 494 specifications
| Production years | 1955-1961 |
|---|---|
| Planter type | Four-row drawn corn planter |
| Row configurations | 4 rows, adjustable row spacing; commonly set near 36 to 40 in. |
| Metering system | Mechanical seed plates, with plate selection matched to seed size and crop |
| Seed types | Corn and soybeans with appropriate plates; other crops depended on available plates |
| Frame | Rigid drawn frame with hydraulic lift |
| Openers | Runner-type units; double-disc opener equipment was also offered |
| Weight | About 3,000 lb equipped; verify with fertilizer and accessory equipment |
What the 494 is used for
The 494 was intended for four-row corn planting on well-prepared conventional seedbeds, at row spacings typical of its period. Plate selection and seed grading were important to acceptable population and singulation.
Owners now use restored examples for small fields, food plots, sweet corn, demonstrations, and vintage equipment events. It can still plant effectively in suitable tilled ground, but it is not a practical no-till or heavy-residue planter.
Why the John Deere 494 stands out
The 494 represents Deere's strong postwar mechanical-planter era: simple, heavily built, and serviceable with basic tools. Its appeal is historical authenticity and straightforward mechanical operation rather than the seed-placement precision, residue handling, or convenience of a modern double-disc vacuum planter.
Buying a used John Deere 494
Make sure the planter is complete, especially seed plates, plate cutoffs, seed-box parts, drive chains, sprockets, fertilizer attachments, press wheels, and marker components. Inspect runner openers and their mounting hardware for wear, verify that each row's clutch and seed drive turns freely, and check hydraulic-lift cylinders and hoses. Confirm the desired crop plates are available before purchase, because correct plate choice is essential to performance.
John Deere 494 frequently asked questions
How many rows does a John Deere 494 have?
The 494 is a four-row drawn planter.
Does the 494 use finger pickup or vacuum meters?
No. It uses mechanical seed plates selected to match the crop and seed size.
Is a 494 a good no-till planter?
No. It was designed for prepared conventional seedbeds and lacks the residue-management and modern row-unit features needed for dependable no-till work.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used planters vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.