John Deere B year?

[ACH]

Hello,I recently bought a John Deere B and the serial tag is hard to read. It is a long hood tractor. It also has the cast "belly" underneath in between the frame rails, it in not open. Does anyone have any idea what year or are there any other marks to tell what year it is?Thanks

 

[Gary from Muleshoe]

If you could post a pic, that would help.

 

[ACH]

Here is a picture.

 

[greenmech]

If you have 6 speed transmission with cast frame, could be a war time tractor 43-44. If your dash is slanted and 4 speed 39-40. Although your radiator cap didn't look to be pressurized like the war time tractors were. Ron Mn.

 

[LittleD]

Take a look at the list below and see if you can come up with a serial number close.......Rich


• 96000 New engine and drive train, Sept. 19,1940
Engine change to 175 CID (4-1/2 x 5-1/2)
“Ramp style” cylinder head used
New shielded manifold (B1784R) used
Muffler extension tube used
6 speed transmission begins
DLTX-34 Carburetor used with manual choke rod ( starter equipped only )
Brake drum changed to wider design
New clutch drive disk (B1849R) and wider pulley (6-3/16”) used
Tractors with starter have straight dash
5 inch lights used
Fuel tank made as two parts, gasoline (2gal) and fuel (12gal)
• 102683 Heavier hub and clamp (B1961R) used on rear steel wheels
• 136662 Cast iron frame used until 166999
• 148500 Steel finned radiator and pressurized cooling system begin, new temp gauge used
• 149699 Last 2 piece sliding drawbar
• 149700 first 1-3/8 dia. PTO shaft
• 157131 New style skeleton wheel with removable hub used
• 153376 Reversible front wheels (JD1268R) used
• 155445 New brake shoes with shorter linings used
• 165401 New style steel wheel with removable hub used
• 167000 Angle iron frame begins again
Last breather with short flat stack
Copper finned radiator core returns (unpressurized)
• 167010 First breather with mushroom cap offset for battery box
• 171992 Fan drive friction clutch used
• 173179 First “Power-Trol used
• 174604 Brake latches shortened, moved forward on platform
• 183972 New manifold (B2179R) used
• 186133 Last old style drawbar frame
• 187389 New style cast iron wheel with removable hub used
• 200247 Last “styled” Model B, Jan. 9,1947

 

[Will P]

1943

 

[DP]

Kinda hard to tell for sure, but from what you describe, and the front wheel setup I see in the picture, I'm thinking probably a 43 or 44 model. The frame you have is refered to as wartime frame. Started driveing one of them at the age of 6 helping pick up hay bales.

 

[Bspauld]

I bought a 46 years ago only to find out on here that it was actually a 43. kinda embaressing, but anyway,It looks just like your picture.

 

[fixit]

I have a 46 with this frame but no cast belly. Never saw that before. Also, where is starter? My 46 is mounted on top. Let us know if you find out. Fixit