John Deere B

[Rick JD Rookie]

I "think" that I'm looking for a JD B tractor but not sure it is what I need. I currently have a JD 2240w/loader and an older 8N. The 8N runs but has no hydraulics and the rear lift works when it wants to. (This tractor has not run as much as it has run...need for a change)

I will be using this tractor for work not show. Some of the jobs I want it to do would be,

operate 4 row corn planter
4 row - row cultivator
brush hogging
wood cutting and hauling
2 bottom plow
field sprayer
and more.

I have never been on a B, but like the higher ground clearance this tractor has and the smaller width tires and lighter weight than my JD 2240.

The only thing is do the B's come with a wide front end? Can it be added or changed to a wide front. I will be using this tractor sometimes cutting wood on uneven ground and feel the wide front ends would be more stable. Am I on the right track?

Thanks Rick

 

[DanL-B36320]

I think a B is a little small for a 2-bottom plow. That's what the A was made for.

Anyway, the A and the B did come with a wide front (AW, BW, AWH, BWH models).

 

[dandeere]

Hi Rick, I sure would not say you could not do all those things with a B, but I think you would be happier with a little more beef. That 2240 sure would be my pick for all the above! If you just need a popper pick up an old A with a front mount 4 row. The narrow front is better for turning and laying by the corn, getting through the woods, and cheaper. That wide front might be more stable, but does not replace common sense. I will bet after about 8 straight hours in the field with her, you will be happy to get back on that 2240! Dan

 

[Lon in NE]

Actually, because of the bush-hogging part, you might want to consider stepping up to a 50 with live power PTO option. Also, the 50 had power steering as an option, which is really nice.

If you don't put an over-riding clutch on the B, when you pull the clutch to stop, the momentum of the bush-hog spinning will transmit through the transmission and you'll keep going, even though the clutch is disengaged. The 50 has more horsepower, so you'll be able to pull the two bottom plow.

 

[CLW]

Lon is correct about the live PTO and PS being a big plus. That said we did everything you listed except cut and haul wood with a 50 B back in the early fifty's. They are good little tractors. We used a 49 A also and it was a little better with heavy plows. The B pulls (pushes) cultivators fine but you will need to be careful with them raised as the swaying back and fourth tends to break the frame just to the rear of the spark plugs. You see a lot welded there. For 4-row be sure to go with the 47-52 late styled tractor.

 

[GeorgiaHayFarmer]

Do you know of anyone that has an A and a B tractor that you could try out and see what you like. I'm guessing you would like an A or 60 a lot better if you plan on using them to work with. I used both out in the field and even though a B can do most of what you are wanting to accomplish, an A does it all effortlessly. It can also work fine with a pair of 11.2 x 38's on the rear wheels.

Scott

 

[Tom43]

If you put it in the ground, a B would have a terrible time with a 4 row cultivator or planter.

 

[CLW]

(quoted from post at 20:02:02 01/26/08) If you put it in the ground, a B would have a terrible time with a 4 row cultivator or planter.

Tom I would have to respectfully disagree. We ran the 50 B and 49 A in the same fields at the same time with cultivators and the B in 4th. and the A (hi/lo transmission) in 3rd. ran the same speed. Even the first plowing when the cotton was only about 2 inches high and we had to go slow, the B had no problem at 1/4 to 1/3 throttle in 4th. pulling the load.

 

[fatbob50]

Hi Rick, This is a JD B with a wide front end. It is also an electric start. Is this what you had in mind? For what you want to do, I think you would be happier with a 2630 or a 2640. I have a 2640 with 38 inch rear wheels. The taller wheels makes it nice when I am up in the woods. I can post a picture of it if you want to see it. Hope this helps, Bob

 

[derbynut]

(quoted from post at 08:02:59 01/26/08) I think a B is a little small for a 2-bottom plow. That's what the A was made for.

Anyway, the A and the B did come with a wide front (AW, BW, AWH, BWH models).

I pull a two bottom with a 46 B very "easily" in second gear. Power of the B for your needs would not concern me but "live power" would be nice for some of the jobs you mention.