There’s no denying that the John Deere 420 tractor is an impressive piece of machinery that packs plenty of power into a small package!
Its engine power, fuel efficiency, hydraulics system, PTO system, safety features, durability, and ease of maintenance make it one of the most reliable tractors on the market today.
While John Deere 420 tractors are typically reliable machines requiring minimal maintenance, they encounter problems from time to time, just like any other piece of equipment.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the John Deere 420 tractor, including a review of its specs and attachments, and price.
We will also highlight some common problems and tips for troubleshooting them so that you can get the most out of your John Deere 420.
John Deere 420 Review
Table of Contents
The John Deere 420 tractor is one of the most reliable and powerful tractors on the market.
It offers a variety of features that make it ideal for farming and agricultural tasks, from mowing to hauling materials.
Let’s take a look at some of the key features of the John Deere 420 that make it so unique.
1. Engine Power & Fuel Efficiency
The John Deere 420 is powered by a two-cylinder, 20-horsepower engine that provides ample power for all tasks.
The engine also has excellent fuel efficiency, which keeps operating costs low. Additionally, the tractor is equipped with a fuel filter to help keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Furthermore, the tractor can reach a top speed of 15 mph (24 kph). All these features make the John Deere 420 an extremely efficient and reliable machine.
2. Hydraulics & PTO System
It features an adjustable seat for optimum comfort, power steering and hydraulic brakes for improved handling, and a three-point hitch for attaching implements or other attachments.
The tractor also features a power take-off (PTO) system with two speeds and reverse to help you get more done in less time.
This system allows you to easily hook up rotary mowers, front-end loaders, hay balers, and other implements.
3. Safety Features
The John Deere 420 is designed to be as safe as possible for farmers and their workers.
It has safety switches on cab floors and seat belts for added security while operating in rough terrain or using attachments like front-end loaders or rotary mowers.
Additionally, it has a rollover protection structure (ROPS) installed to reduce the risk of injury if something unexpected happens while operating the tractor.
4. Durability & Maintenance Ease
The design of the John Deere 420 ensures long-lasting use with minimal maintenance requirements thanks to its durable construction and components like heavy-duty axles, steel wheels, and cast iron hubs that can stand up to even the most challenging conditions.
Additionally, servicing this machine is simple thanks to its easily accessible parts like oil filters and spark plugs which can be changed quickly without any tools or special knowledge required.
And since this tractor is designed for long-life use, you don’t have to worry about replacing parts often.
5. Attachments
The John Deere 420 has several attachments designed to make farm work easier.
These include loader buckets, backhoes, mower decks, snowblowers, front-end loaders, plows, rakes, and more.
Additionally, many aftermarket attachments are available for purchase that you can use on the tractor to perform specific tasks such as grading or digging trenches.
These attachments can help you get more out of your machine so you don’t have to buy additional equipment that could be expensive or difficult to use.
John Deere 420 Problems
If you’re the proud owner of a John Deere 420 tractor, you know that it’s one of the toughest and most dependable farm equipment on the market.
But like any machine, it is susceptible to wear and tears over time.
In this paragraph, we’ll look at the ten most common problems with the John Deere 420 tractor and how to fix them.
1. Poor Performance in Wet Weather
If your tractor struggles to start or perform as expected when weather conditions are wet, it’s likely due to a spark plug issue.
To fix it, replace the spark plugs and use the ones John Deere recommended for your model.
2. Engine Overheating
The John Deere 420 is built with a durable cooling system, but it can still overheat if it isn’t maintained properly.
To prevent this, check the radiator for clogs, inspect the hoses for cracks or holes, and ensure the fan belt is in good condition.
3. Grinding Gears
If you’re hearing a grinding noise when shifting gears, it’s likely due to worn synchronizers or failed bearings in the gearbox.
You’ll need to replace the old parts with new ones to fix this issue.
4. Worn Out Battery Cables
The battery cables can suffer from corrosion over time, leading to poor performance or complete failure of your tractor.
Inspecting and replacing these cables as needed should help keep things running smoothly.
5. Clogged Fuel Filter
Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in your fuel filter and cause clogging. This can lead to poor performance or even engine shutdowns if left unchecked.
To fix this problem, remove and clean the fuel filter, or replace it if necessary.
6. Leaky Radiator Hoses
A leaky radiator hose can cause significant overheating issues for your tractor, so it’s crucial to inspect these hoses regularly for signs of wear or damage.
If you find any leaks, replace the hoses immediately to keep your John Deere 420 running at its best.
7. Faulty Starter Motor
The starter motor is responsible for turning over your engine when you turn on the ignition key. If it fails, you won’t be able to start your engine!
Inspecting this part will prevent major issues down the line; if necessary, have an experienced mechanic test out your starter motor every couple of months or so for maximum reliability.
8. Worn Out Alternator Belts
Over time, alternator belts can become brittle and cracked from constant use—this will cause them to slip off their pulleys during operation, resulting in decreased performance or even engine shutdowns!
Have an experienced mechanic inspect these belts regularly for signs of wear; replacing them as needed will help ensure maximum efficiency from your engine every time you start up!
9. Failed Water Pump Seals
A leaking water pump seal can be incredibly dangerous if left unchecked–it could lead to overheating issues which may require expensive repairs down the road!
You need to inspect these seals periodically; replacing them as needed will help ensure optimal cooling system performance each season!
10. Clogged Air Filters
Clogged air filters are incredibly common–they restrict airflow into the engine, leading to decreased performance and fuel consumption!
Cleaning out these filters regularly (or replacing them outright) will ensure that your engine is getting enough air at all times, resulting in better overall performance!
So by taking proactive measures such as inspecting parts regularly and replacing worn-out components when necessary, you’ll be able to keep your machine running like new for years to come!
John Deere 420 Maintenance
The John Deere 420 tractor is an impressive piece of machinery, providing plenty of power and capability to handle various jobs.
But like any machine, it needs regular maintenance to keep it running at its best.
To help you make sure your John Deere 420 is always in top condition, here are seven best practices to follow for regular maintenance.
1. Check the Oil Level Regularly
One of the most essential maintenance tasks for your John Deere 420 is checking the oil level regularly.
You should check the oil level at least once a month or more frequently if using your tractor regularly.
Make sure to use the right type and grade of oil as specified in the owner’s manual.
2. Clean Air Filters Regularly
The air filters on your John Deere 420 should also be checked and cleaned regularly.
This will help keep dirt, dust, and debris from entering the engine and causing major damage over time.
Make sure to clean the primary and secondary air filters consistently according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
3. Keep the Battery Charged
Your John Deere 420 has a 12-volt battery that needs to be kept charged to run efficiently.
Always plug in or charge your battery when not in use, so you don’t find yourself with a dead battery when you need it most.
Additionally, check all electrical connections periodically for signs of corrosion or wear and tear.
4. Replace Spark Plugs Annually
Spark plugs should be replaced annually on your John Deere 420 tractor to ensure optimal engine performance.
Replacing spark plugs can be done relatively easily by following instructions in your owner’s manual or online resources like YouTube tutorials.
5. Lubricate Moving Parts
It’s important to lubricate all moving parts on your John Deere 420 regularly to prevent excessive wear and tear due to friction between surfaces over time.
This could include parts such as springs, pins, linkages, bearings, joints, etc., depending on what model tractor you have and what kind of work you plan on doing with it.
Refer to your owner’s manual for specific lubrication requirements for each part of your tractor model before applying any lubricant.
6. Check Belts Regularly
Belts can become worn down over time due to frequent use or exposure to extreme temperatures or weather conditions.
So make sure you check them regularly for signs of wear and tear or fraying edges that indicate they may need replacing soon.
Always refer to the owner’s manual for specific belt replacement instructions before attempting any repairs yourself!
7. Check Tire Pressure Monthly
Finally, check tire pressure monthly, so each tire is inflated correctly according to manufacturer specifications found in the owner’s manual.
Proper tire inflation can extend tire life significantly while also improving overall performance levels from your tractor’s engine by reducing drag caused by under-inflated tires over long distances or during heavy loads!
Taking care of regular maintenance tasks for your John Deere 420 tractor doesn’t have to be complicated—follow these seven best practices outlined above!
From checking oil levels and cleaning air filters regularly to replacing spark plugs annually and checking tire pressure monthly—these simple steps will ensure that your tractor remains running while maximizing its lifespan!
John Deere 420 Price
The John Deere 420 is an iconic piece of agricultural machinery that continues to provide farmers with reliable performance.
When it was first released in 1983, the John Deere 420 cost around $6,489.
Since then, its price has gradually increased; today, it typically sells for around $7-8K USD, depending on condition and location.
On average, it will last anywhere from 10-15 years before needing any major repairs or replacements making it an excellent investment if you use it often or need something reliable that won’t require too much maintenance over time.
John Deere 420 Specs
Let’s take a deep look at the specs of the John Deere 420:
John Deere 420 Production
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Garden tractor | Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA |
| Original price | $6,489 (1983 ) |
| $7,700 (1992 ) |
John Deere 420 Engine specs
The B48G was the original engine on the Deere 420, used through the 1986 model year.
| Onan B48G | gasoline 2-cylinder air-cooled horizontal-shaft opposed-twin |
| Displacement | 781 cc
47.7 ci |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.25×2.875 inches
83 x 73 mm |
| Power | 20 hp
14.9 kW |
| Air cleaner | foam and paper |
| Compression | 7.0:1 |
| Rated RPM | 3500 |
| Idle RPM | 1000-3450 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Oil capacity | 1.75 qts
1.7 L |
John Deere 420 Mechanical specs
| Chassis: | Two-wheel drive | |
| Steering: | power | |
| Brakes: | wet disc | |
| Differential lock | mechanical rear | |
| Differential mechanical drum brakes | ||
| Open operator station. | ||
John Deere 420 Transmission specs
| Transmission | Sundstrand Series 15 Model 90 |
| Type | shaft-driven hydrostatic |
| Gears | infinite forward and reverse (2-range) |
| Oil capacity | 7.5 qts
7.1 L |
| Oil type | JD Hy-Gard |
John Deere 420 Electrical specs
| Ground | negative |
| Charging system | alternator |
| Charging amps | 20 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery Group | BCI 22F |
John Deere 420 Power Take-Off (PTO) specs
| Rear PTO | independent Opt |
| Clutch | electric |
| Rear RPM | 2000 |
| Front PTO | independent |
| Clutch | electric |
| Front RPM | 3400 |
John Deere 420 Taylor hitch specs
| Rear Type | 0 Opt |
| Rear lift | 640 lbs
290 kg |
John Deere 420 Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 52 inches
132 cm |
| Length | 77 inches
195 cm |
| Width | 51.5 inches
130 cm |
| Height | 47.5 inches
120 cm |
| Front tread | 36 inches
91 cm |
| Rear tread | 32/38.6 inches
81/98 cm |
John Deere 420 Weight
| Shipping | 993 lbs
450 kg |
| Max front axle | 1060 lbs
480 kg |
| Max rear axle | 1800 lbs
816 kg |
John Deere 420 Tires Specs
| Ag front | 4.80×4.00-8 |
| Ag rear | 23×10.50-12 |
| Lawn/turf front | 18×8.50-8 |
| Lawn/turf rear | 26×12.00-12 |
John Deere 420 Attachments
Let’s look into the John Deere 420 attachments.
John Deere 420 Mower Deck specs
| Type: | John Deere M01012 |
| Cutting width: | 50 inches
127 cm |
| Total width | 68 inches
172 cm |
| Weight: | 226 lbs
102 kg |
| Cut height: | 1.5 to 6 inch
3 to 15 cm |
| Type: | John Deere |
| Cutting width: | 60 inches
152 cm |
| Total width | 72.5 inches
184 cm |
| Weight: | 367 lbs
166 kg |
| Cut height: | 2 to 7 inch
5 to 17 cm |
John Deere 420 Loader specs
| Loader weight | 500 lbs
226 kg |
| Height (to pin) | 73 inches
185 cm |
| Clearance, dumped bucket | 53.25 inches
135 cm |
| Dump reach | 22 inches
55 cm |
| Dump angle | 50° |
| Reach at ground | 43.75 inches
111 cm |
| Rollback angle | 20° |
| Breakout force (bucket) | 725 lbs
328 kg |
| Lift to full height (at pin) | 500 lbs
226 kg |
| Bucket capacity | 0.21 cu yd
0.2 cu m |
| 0.24 cu yd
0.2 cu m |
|
| Bucket width | 45,54 inches
11567 cm |
John Deere 420 Snow blower specs
| Type: | front-mount John Deere 0062M |
| Width: | 46 inches width
116 cm |
| hydraulic-lift | |
| Clear height | 12 inches
30 cm |
| Weight | 310 lbs
140 kg |
| Type: | front-mount John Deere 47 2752M |
| Width: | 47 inches width
119 cm |
| hydraulic-lift | |
| Clear height | 23 inches
58 cm |
| Weight | 400 lbs
181 kg |
John Deere 420 Blade specs
| Type: | front-mount John Deere 0042M |
| Width: | 54 inches width
137 cm |
| hydraulic-lift | |
| Height | 18 inches height
45 cm |
| Lift | 12 inches lift
30 cm |
| Cut | 3.5 inches cut
8 cm |
| Weight | 184 lbs
83 kg |
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
