1948 John Deere A Ignition Switch

[DougJD48A]

I have a 1948 John Deere A and I am in the process of re-wiring the tractor. I don't think my 1948 A (Serial Number 610465) came with an ignition switch? If that is correct, then my grandfather probably installed a switch when they changed to a distributor from the magneto. I broke a terminal off the current toggle-type switch that is on now when I tried to hook on the new wire. Any recommendations on a ignition switch that will work and looks similar to what might have been used by John Deere on some of the later models of A that had a two prong ignition switch terminal?

Thanks and I always appreciate the help as I barely know anything about keeping this great old tractor running.

Doug

 

[55 50 Ron]

Steiner's should have what you want. Did the magneto still come as an option as late as 1948? If your tractor came with a mag it would still have had a switch to 'kill' the mag at shut off.

 

[Blue Jay]

My 48 A has a mag on it, never had a switch except for the lights just pull the throttle clear back to shut off.

 

[Rich'sToys]

I don't think Deere used kill switches on their mag equipped tractors.

For the ignition switch on your distributor equipped tractor you could either use a on/off key switch or a push/pull button type switch. I've seen both.

 

[James Howell]

[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]I don't think my 1948 A (Serial Number 610465) came with an ignition switch?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]

Correct.

[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]Any recommendations on a ignition switch that will work and looks similar to what might have been used by John Deere on some of the later models of A that had a two prong ignition switch terminal?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]

Take a look at the diagram below.

Note the ignition switch (Key 3).

Take a look at the photo below of the ignition switch on our 52 A.

It is a very simple ON/OFF switch.

Hope this helps.

 

[James Howell]

[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]Did the magneto still come as an option as late as 1948?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]

Yes.

Take a look at the diagram below.

Note the Delco Remy distributor was first installed in 1950 on tractor 662874.

Take a look at the table below.

[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]If your tractor came with a mag it would still have had a switch to 'kill' the mag at shut off.[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]

Take a look at the photo below of the Wico X magneto on our 48 A

Note the orange ground wire [i:654c4848f0]to 'kill' the mag at shut off.[/i:654c4848f0]

 

[tractorguy2]

Dad's 47 A had a key switch. It was in the lower right corner of the dash. The key was missing so the switch was disconnected.

 

[Rich'sToys]

My '52 A has a key switch in the same location as James's.

My '42 slant dash A was converted from magneto to distributor. It has a push/pull switch located as shown below. I know of another slant dash A that has a key switch in that same location.