IT versus JD

[matthew h]

Is the official JD service manual worth the extra cost? Thoughts appreciated

 

[Hayfarmer]

Yep! It is much more detailed on a particular model, whereas IT usually covers several models. IT will get you by if you are somewhat mechanically inclined and can figure things out. The JD book will help much more.

 

[J. Chantry]

I agree with hayfarmer. I've bought 2 (M and 40) and worth every cent. 1000 times better than the IT. JD Heritage (www.jdheritage.net/DeerelyDeparted/Index_JS.asp) has an excellent selection of service, parts, and operator manuals, and they are FAST on shipping.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The I&T manual that covers my early 4020 also covers 3010, 3020, 4010, late 3020 and 4020, 4320, 4620, 6030 and maybe 5020 in about 100 pages. The JD shop manual for the 4010 and early 4020, covers just those two tractors in probably over 1000 pages. The pages aren't numbered in a way to count the total conveniently, but the JD manual is close to 1.5" thick.

In general the I&T manual works as a reminder of details for a competent mechanic. But it skips over many details too and it sometimes tells them in a totally different way than the factory manual does.

Gerald J.

 

[CalJim]

The IT covers too many models at one time so all you get is basic info, few details. YES the JD manuals are a must, totally worth the money. CalJim

 

[RobMD]

Yes.

I use both though for extra help.

 

[DanL-Colorado B36320]

It's my understanding that a JD service manual isn't available for the 35-37 Unstyled B. Is that right, or did I miss something? I'm a huge believer in a Factory book for anything. I already have the owner's manual and have ordered the parts book, but if someone could point me in the right direction for a JD service manual for my 37 B, I'd surely appreciate the help.

 

[P Browning]

Dan -- Very good question! For your tractor, you will want PC676 Parts Catalog and DIR313 Instructions & Parts List (IPL). You indicated you have the DIR313 coming and that you have the Parts Catalog. On the surface, it appears that those are the ones you should have.

Now -- I highly recommend two other Deere Publications for you. On is PC330 Parts Catalog for the styled "B" tractor. I recommend this book because it contains exploded diagrams showing how things fit together. This type of drawing is called an Illustrated Parts Breakdown by many in the manufacturing business. Now, as for applicability, many subsystems of your tractor didn't change all that much from 1937 when going to the 1939 & 1940 tractors, B81000 - B95999. In many ways, the early styled B (39 + 40) can be looked at as an un-styled B in new sheet metal!

The other book I recommend, although a tad pricey, is SM2004 which is a full-blown service manual for "B" tractors, B96000-up. Deere Publications will probably ask around $100, but if you go to a website called www(dot)retiredtractors(dot)com, you can find the same pub for half that rate. The reason for this recommendation is the near totality of instruction for servicing of JD two-cylinder tractors. This manual was in wide use by JD techs for many years.

Finally, if you are in the mood to find a non-Deere pub such as a restoration guide, Green Magazine is carrying some book ads in the back section of their issues, and you may find something of interest at the JD-H Restoration Site (below). (PatB)
Restoration Site, JD H

 

[jd-tom]

If your budget allows, I like to have both. I have had it happen both ways where one book will cover some small (but important) detail that the other one misses.

 

[CalJim]

Dan,
There is not a service manual for Unstyled Bs. If you can find an original Operators Manual for your tractor they have alot of good info. CalJim

 

[DanL-Colorado B36320]

Thanks, fellas. I'm not trying to hijack this thread but the booklet I already have is the DIR313. The fella I bought the tractor from (Greg Stephens at The Old Tractor Company in Franktown, CO) gave it to me. I've ordered the parts book and it's probably at home but I'm still in Rome. It's killing me not being able to tear into that old thing yet. Oh, well, good things come to those who wait, right?

I'll consider getting something for the early styled B but these are such simple machines that I don't anticipate any problems working on it. Mostly what I need are things like torque values and clearances and limits in the event I need to really tear into things. It runs nicely, so I doubt the engine will need much work. The transmission, though, has a couple gears with chipped teeth (I saw one gear in there with one tooth that was nearly gone), so I need more data on that sort of stuff. But like I said a couple weeks ago, this won't be a work tractor, it's only a Smile Generator for fairs and parades and maybe to drive back and forth to my brother's place.

 

[P Browning]

Dan -- For torque values, go to the JD-H Restoration Site (below), scan across to ARTICLES 2, and see the drop-down labeled TORQUE VALUES. I don't think Deere issued any others than those listed in the charts. (PatB)
Restoration Site, JD H