Trying to decide between two B's.

[dw1973]

I am having a hard time deciding on which to buy - a 1939 B or a 1948 B. Both are priced about the same and in similar condition. The 39 has new pistons/rings/valves/radiator and the 48 motor is all original but runs well. The 48 has lights and power troll and the 39 only has PTO. The owner said the PTO shaft is twisted and he could not locate another one (short version/12 in long?) Both tractors have new tires. Which one is more collectible? What should be the deciding factor between the two?

 

[dw1973]

The 48 is electric start.

 

[Brendon-KS]

It really depends on what you want to do with the tractor. The early model is probably more collectable but has considerably less power and fewer transmission speeds than the later model. If you are interested in a parade or show tractor, the "39 may be preferable. If you want to get out and do a little field work now and then, the "48 would have more capability.

 

[Indiana Boy]

I have to agree on the 48, especially if it is your first tractor. My first was a 1950 A and then I got into the older ones-- and I still use the A the most of any. The 48 is a lot more useful than the 39. You'll also be amazed how many night time hayrides you will be asked to pull by your friends with an old Deere!!!

 

[RobMD]

If it were me picking between the two, the '48 would get my money. I wouldn't even look at that '39.

I don't know, that's just me talking. I guess the '48 is just that much more useful and visually appealing to me.

Just a blatant opinion.

 

[mbar7]

If you are looking for a good collector i would go with the thirty nin it should have john deere stamped on the back axels which th 49 wont. I have a 1940 b it doesant have the essentials of the newer ones but it looks cool and its fun to see the look on peoples faces when you tell them how old it is!!!!!

 

[johns48jdb]

if i had the time and money my only choice would be to buy both and then decide which one to work on first. now ma ma isn't going to like it so just tell her that you've decided not to buy the tractors and you've been offered a job to work down at the local strip club. she'll change her mind in a hurry.

 

[Pat-CT]

1948- So much more appealing to me, i love the seat oposed to the 39, Wa better ride and the overal style of the tractor is better not to mention the increase of horse power if im not mistaken

 

[hope farmer]

Depending on how long you plan on keeping the tractor, another consideration you might think about is the availability of spare parts. I have a 1940 B that I"ve been working on (ground up restoration) and parts have been somewhat hard to find. Relatively speaking, there just weren"t that many 39 and 40"s (early styled Bs) made before they changed at the 96,000 sn.