John Deere M 4.60 star(s) (5)

Dad's John Deere M
Model Year: 1948

I learned to drive on a John Deere LA when I was so young my Dad had to hang wooden blocks on the pedals. Then Dad upgraded to a Model M, and we still have it. It has been used regularly for over 50 years to pull a baler, power the derrick, pull the weed burner trailer, corrugate, haul hay on a platform to feed the cows, power the log splitter, and haul the firewood trailer. All of my children learned to drive on it, and my grandchildren are learning also - as they get old enough to reach the pedals and see over the steering wheel. There are 4 other tractors on our place but this is the one that gets used the most because it always starts, even though it is rarely parked in a shop. It finally started using coolant so this month we took the head off, for the first time ever. We are going to have the head checked out by a machine shop before we put it on with a new head gasket. We are also going to repair the brakes. As a child I knew that the brakes were very shaky, so after 50 years, may be it is time to fix them.

Pros: Very reliable.
Cons: They do not make them like that anymore.

It's Old
Model Year: 1947

I bought my Model M to "keep it in the family" after my father-in-law passed away. He had used it to keep his driveway maintained. Prior to his passing, he had been working on the carb., so it wasn't on the "M" or anywhere to be found. When my wife and I found out that her mom was selling the tractor, we bought it. I am a career firefighter by trade and know nothing about Model M tractors. The whole carb. issue was like deciphering Greek arithmetic. I had never heard of a Marvel Schebler TSX 245, much less rebuilt one. It took 6 times building, taking apart and rebuilding, hours of research, a trip to a local JD dealer (who had never heard of a Model M) before I got it right. Now it runs like a Deere! I use it around the property to pull small stumps, scrap, and ride grand kids. I love working on the M and hope to give it a coat of new paint this fall.

Pros: It's paid for.
Cons: Needs a better seat.

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1949 JD M
Model Year: 1949

It is an antique tractor that I "play" with. It is used basicaly for misc. activities as opposed for a set function.

Pros: Parts are still available.
Cons: Lacks modern features.

Love Her
Model Year: 1947

I just fell in love with it and had to have it (a guy thing) Looks good with my '53 Chevy. Fun and helps out a lot around the place 3 acres with a large wood lot for the Bush Hog.

Pros: Light and quick.
Cons: Light, needs weights in front.

Better Than My Pick Up
Model Year: 1950

Good tractor. More torque than horsepower. Hard to stall, runs brush hog strong. Brakes are weak, but, they hold. Pulling and brush hog are strong points. Not useful or desirable for front end loader attachment in my opinion. Better machine than a Case that I had of similar size and weight. Engine is strong for only two cylinders. I see good looking units for sale occasionally, about $2500. Which is a steal, really. If you brush or skid logs, haul a trailer full of firewood, and stuff like that, well find yourself one of these, it's more than enough. If you are in hilly country, and want to pull ploughs or cultivate, it's kind of slow. Won't pull stumps, at lease, not the kind around here, but it works great yanking out wide rose, and dragging an 18" log 30' long through the woods.

Pros: Keeps going and going, easy to start, even after a year or two of sitting.
Cons: No 8-track radio, no place for my girlfriend to sit (no, wait, that a pro!).