Round -vs-square axle housings

[Dave in SV]

Why were there two shapes to the rear axle housings on the A? When did they switch from one shape to the other? Not that I have a choice with my '49A (which has a round housing)... but was one shape better or more desirable than the other? I have been looking for some original clam shell fenders and have noticed that there is mention of the shape of the housings, which must have something to do with mounting configuration?

 

[Anonymous-0]

50, none better or desirable than the other. They both work and appeal to the eye the same. It's all in what you want to eye of beholder.

 

[RandyB(MI)]

The "clam-shell" fenders came along with the square hsng.and bolt directly to the top of the flat hsng. They do make a cast adapter to adapt those fenders to the round hsng. Otherwise the round hsng was set up to take the "round top or "full coverage" fenders. Hard to find a non-rusted set of these and don't think re-pros are too authenic. Quite a few good original (JD) clam shells around if you look. Don't sell out and go aftermkt! Your B deserves better.

 

[RandyB(MI)]

The "clam-shell" fenders came along with the square hsng.and bolt directly to the top of the flat hsng. They do make a cast adapter to adapt those fenders to the round hsng. Otherwise the round hsng was set up to take the "round top or "full coverage" fenders. Hard to find a non-rusted set of these and don't think re-pros are too authenic. Quite a few good original (JD) clam shells around if you look. Don't sell out and go aftermkt! Your B deserves better.

 

[RandyB(MI)]

The "clam-shell" fenders came along with the square hsng.and bolt directly to the top of the flat hsng. They do make a cast adapter to adapt those fenders to the round hsng. Otherwise the round hsng was set up to take the "round top or "full coverage" fenders. Hard to find a non-rusted set of these and don't think re-pros are too authenic. Quite a few good original (JD) clam shells around if you look. Don't sell out and go aftermkt! Your B deserves better.

 

[RayP(MI)]

The square axles came on the newer tractors. They are a far bit safer when climbing on and off the tractor, especially when you have wet boots!

 

[jdman(MO)]

The square axles should have holes to mount the clamshell fenders. I say should,because last year a 50 B came through with square axles and NO top holes. Russ

 

[Waterloo]

Dave,

If the John Deere A or B had optional long axles the only rear housing available was the round one. The John Deere B also had a heavy axle option. This housing allowed an A size axle on B tractors with the long axle option.

 

[CLW]

Another reason for the change was that some cracks were discovered in the round axles. The square axle ended the problem. I can't find where I read that now and don't know if it was the A or B or both that had the problem. The clamshell fenders on the B were introduced at serial number 260984 and the axles were changed at 248257. The A got the new fenders at 650734 and the square axles at 650764.