In 1934 John Deere introduced their landmark John Deere B, or Model B tractor as part of their 1935 models. It was a fantastic but basic medium sized tractor with plow pulling capabilities (a plow with two 12inch bottom). It came as standard with four speeds going forward and one reverse gear. It has strong steel wheels, a belt pulley and Power Take Off (PTO). Optional extras included rubber tyres and a hydraulic power lift.

The first wave of the John Deere B tractor was known as the ‘unstyled’ as it had no grills or anything covering it’s radiator and it’s steering column was just bolted to the base with 4 big bolts. These models are extremely collectable, especially if in good condition. The 1935 model B is also affectionately called Brass Tag due to their brass serial number plate. From 1937 onwards the model B had it’s frame lengthened so it could share some parts and elements with the other popular John Deere Model A. These were referred to as Long Frames.

The John Deere range of this time period were all two cylinder and ran on distillate, also known as tractor fuel. It was less explosive than gas so the tractors also interestingly needed a small gasoline tank just for starting the engine. When the engine was started and running a 3 way switch was used to start burring the tractor fuel. The John Deere Model B, earlier models weighed approximately 2700lbs and around 57,000 were produced from 1934 up until 1938.

With the modernization of cars by 1940 tractors had to follow. So the John Deere Model B was redesigned and restyled by a guy called Henry Dreyfuss. They added many bits of styling such as front grills, styled sheet metal work and a larger engine. The weight was now nearly 3000lbs but it had many new features such as options for an electric starter and electric lights. Further small adjustments to the specs were made in 1941 through to 1947.

In 1947 after the war was out of the way and material shortages were far less it was time for another update / re-design. The John Deere B went through some nice styling changes such as a pressed steel frame and cushioned padded seat that concealed the battery. The engine was made bigger and a gas only option was introduced. The electric starter also became standard and the weight had skyrocketed to over 4000lbs with the optional extras. Roughly 110,000 of these Model B’s were built.

In 1952 John Deere finally replaced the famed John Deere B with the John Deere 50 which was very similar to the last of the Model B’s.

As this is now an antique Model they are all highly collectible and the better condition the more valuable they are so people are working hard to keep them in good working order, I am sure there are still some farms running them. Long live the John Deere B!