John Deere tractor · 1934-1952

John Deere A Tractor

The John Deere A is the larger classic two-cylinder letter-series row-crop tractor, intended for heavier work than the B. Its long production span includes meaningful mechanical changes, so confirm the exact year and specifications with TractorData.com.

Production years

1934-1952

Engine

5.1 L 2-cylinder all-fuel on early models; later specifications varied by production period

Power

Early model: 18 hp claimed drawbar and 24 hp claimed belt

Weight

About 3,783 lb for the early model; varies by year and configuration

John Deere A specifications

Production years	1934-1952
Built in	Waterloo, Iowa, USA
Engine	5.1 L 2-cylinder all-fuel on early models; later specifications varied by production period
Power	Early model: 18 hp claimed drawbar and 24 hp claimed belt
Transmission	4-speed unsynchronized gear on early models; later versions varied
Drive	2WD
Fuel type	All-fuel on early models; fuel options varied by year
Weight	About 3,783 lb for the early model; varies by year and configuration

What the A is used for

The A suits light-to-medium tillage, two-bottom plowing in its early specification, belt work, and vintage-farm demonstrations. It was John Deere's first true row-crop tractor and replaced the GP.

Use it as a period machine, not as a substitute for a modern utility tractor. Manual steering, mechanical brakes, an open operator station, and a transmission-driven PTO shape both its capability and safe operating practice.

Why the John Deere A stands out

The A is one of the defining Deere two-cylinder tractors, with about 300,000 built and numerous row-crop, standard, orchard, narrow-front, wide-front, and high-crop variants. It was also the first Deere tractor offered from the factory with rubber tires.

Buying a used John Deere A

Verify the tractor is an A rather than an AR, AO, AN, AW, or high-crop variant, as chassis and parts details differ. Inspect the flywheel and clutch, crankshaft end play, cooling system, governor response, transmission and final-drive noise, brakes, and PTO; an accurate serial-number check is essential because the general A specifications changed over 1934-1952.

John Deere A frequently asked questions

What years was the John Deere A built?

The John Deere A was built from 1934 through 1952.

How much horsepower does a John Deere A have?

For the early all-fuel model, TractorData lists 18 hp claimed drawbar power and 24 hp claimed belt power. Later production details vary.

Does a John Deere A have a three-point hitch?

No factory three-point hitch is listed for the early Model A. It used drawbar-era implement arrangements rather than the later standardized three-point system.

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 tractors vary by condition and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.

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