Henry Ford’s 9N/2N/8N tractors were small, but they made a huge impact. Not only were the N series rigs inexpensive and reliable, but Harry Ferguson’s ingenious three-point hitch with draft control allowed these tractors to outwork larger machines.
The little Ford's popularity didn’t go unnoticed by a certain Moline, Illinois-based agricultural equipment manufacturer, but it wasn't until after WWII that Deere made a serious run at Ford's giant killer.
Deere's new small farm tractor was the 1947 Model M, a 2,550-pound, hydraulic-equipped workhorse with a 100.54-cubic-inch vertical two-cylinder gasoline engine.
The development of Deere’s Touch-O-Matic hitch system helped the M gain ground against its Ford/Ferguson rival. Touch-O-Matic’s chief advantages were its engine-driven hydraulic pump that allowed the hydraulics to work anytime the engine was running, and on the MT model tractor, introduced in 1949, a pair of cylinders that allowed the operator to raise the left or right side of the tractor’s hitch independently.
John Deere built the Model M from 1949 to 1952, and over its five-plus-year run, approximately 88,000 Model M tractors were manufactured. The M was replaced in Deere’s lineup by the updated, but similar, Model 40 from 1953-1955, which was superseded by the improved and cosmetically face-lifted Model 420.
The 420 was built from 1956-’58 and, in addition to sporting a bold, new green-and-yellow paint scheme, it boasted redesigned cylinder heads that made its engine more fuel efficient and powerful.
Deere phased out its two-cylinder engines by 1960, so this 1957 420 (with its adjustable-width, wide front end) currently for sale on Hemmings.com, represents the last line of tractors powered by Moline’s famous Johnny Popper engine.
1957 John Deere 420
Find more John Deere for sale on Hemmings.com.
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The next highest earner at Mecum's Gone Farmin' event was a 1920 Samson "Cane" M, built for sugar cane production, that sold for $36,000. Samson tractors were built by General Motors from about 1919 until 1923, and this "high-crop" configured machine is thought to be one of the earliest examples of a high-clearance tractor ever manufactured.
Six of the top 10 sales of the event were either John Deere tractors or examples of Deere-themed merchandise, including a 1920s vintage John Deere sign that sold for $16,500 and a 2008-vintage trailer custom painted in Big Green livery that changed hands for $28,000.
One of the most unique machines among the top 10 was a road grader nicely made out of a 1948 Ford 8N tractor. It's said to be one of 20 in existence and sold for $24,500.
What's inviting about old tractors (and Mecum's Gone Farmin' sale), however, is that you don't have to be particularly wealthy to get in on the buying and selling. For instance, if the $51,000 1959 John Deere 430 was out of your reach, you could've still purchased this needier 1959 JD 430 at Gone Farmin' for a reasonable $2,750.
Or check out this historic 1935 Farmall F12 that changed hands for a mere $750. There were a few other machines in the sub-$1,000 range, too, including a nice old Cub Cadet lawn tractor that sold for $500.
For full results from the Gone Farmin' sale, visit Mecum.com.
Included in the list of offerings are 11 restored John Deere tractors from the Stephen Renaud collection ranging in years and models from a 1930 Model GP to a 1960 Model 435. Also featured a magnificently restored 1952 Case DO and a great 1959 Porsche Super diesel. The featured tractor of the auction has to be this 1920 Waterloo Boy N.
1920waterlooboy_1200
Although John Deere bought the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company in 1918, they continued to market tractors using the Waterloo Boy name until the early Twenties. According to Gas Engine Magazine, the twin cylinder engine is a horizontal valve-in head design with an opposed crank and has a 6-1/2-inch bore and 7-inch stroke. The engine is rated between 12 and 25 hp at 750 RPM and the transmission has two forward speeds, 2-1/4 and 3 MPH. Fast when to consider you are moving more than 3 tons with a two-cylinder engine.
Some of the other unique tractors offered at the auction include a 1936 John Deere Model AN, a 1953 Ford Golden Jubilee, a 1940s Oliver 70 Standard, and a Massey Harris Pony.
The auction will take place Saturday in Walworth, Wisconsin. For more information, visit Mecum.com.
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