John Deere tractor · 1935-1952

John Deere B Tractor

The John Deere B is a small, two-cylinder row-crop tractor best suited to light fieldwork, belt work, parades, and restoration use. Specifications changed considerably during its long run, so confirm the serial number and year against TractorData.com before buying parts.

Production years

1935-1952

Engine

2-cylinder all-fuel; 2.4 L on early models, 3.1 L on late-styled models

Power

Early model: 12 hp claimed drawbar, 16 hp claimed belt; late-styled: 25 hp claimed drawbar, 28 hp claimed belt

Weight

About 3,275 lb early; about 4,300 lb late-styled

John Deere B specifications

Production years	1935-1952
Built in	Waterloo, Iowa, USA
Engine	2-cylinder all-fuel; 2.4 L on early models, 3.1 L on late-styled models
Power	Early model: 12 hp claimed drawbar, 16 hp claimed belt; late-styled: 25 hp claimed drawbar, 28 hp claimed belt
Transmission	4-speed unsynchronized gear early; 6-speed unsynchronized gear late-styled
Drive	2WD
Fuel type	All-fuel; gasoline was available on late-styled tractors
Weight	About 3,275 lb early; about 4,300 lb late-styled

What the B is used for

A B is a practical choice for modest drawbar work, light cultivating, small implements, and period-correct belt-driven demonstrations. Its compact two-cylinder design made it the smaller companion to the Model A.

It is not a modern loader or transport tractor. The transmission-driven PTO and open station require careful implement matching and operating discipline.

Why the John Deere B stands out

The B has an exceptionally long production run, strong collector recognition, and clear unstyled, early-styled, and late-styled eras. Late-styled tractors bring a pressed-steel frame, 6-speed transmission, and higher output, while early examples offer the earliest letter-series character.

Buying a used John Deere B

Identify the exact production era before judging condition or ordering parts, because engine, transmission, weight, and serial-number location differ. Check the hand clutch, flywheel and crankshaft play, cooling system, transmission noise, brakes, magneto or starter system, and whether the Power Lift and PTO operate correctly; do not assume a restored paint finish means the mechanical work was done.

John Deere B frequently asked questions

How much power does a John Deere B have?

Output depends on year. TractorData lists early examples at 12 hp claimed drawbar and 16 hp claimed belt, while late-styled B tractors are listed at 25 hp claimed drawbar and 28 hp claimed belt.

What years was the John Deere B made?

The row-crop Model B was produced from 1935 through 1952.

Does the John Deere B have live PTO?

No. It uses a transmission-driven 540-rpm rear PTO.

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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