John Deere 420 vs 50

N84 · Jul 28, 2016

I was wondering the difference between the 420 and 50 model? The Pro's and Con's that both have? Which one is easier to work on as well as restoring? Which one would be better to go on a tractor cruise with the other tractors? Would either or fit under a 7' tall garage door? Which one do you like more?

Bob · Jul 28, 2016

WOW, that's an interesting post!

A "50" is a Waterloo-built tractor with a horizontal two-cylinder engine of about 190 CID and about 28 drawbar HP, and the "420" is a Dubuque-built tractor with a vertical two-cylinder engine of about 113 CID and about 26 drawbar HP, about as different as two tractors made by the same company can be!

As to overall height, that would depend upon the tire size and type of exhaust and intake air system a particular tractor is equipped with.

I'm gonna GUESS it's likely either one can be set up to sneak in a 7' door, but measure before buying!

Loosehandle · Jul 29, 2016

I would go with the 50?
Probably cheaper to buy
More parts availability
Hand clutch
Horizontal engine
Sounds better

kub6040 · Jul 29, 2016

I own a 50 and a 430 standard both good tractors but as different as night and day in different states.

Nick m · Jul 29, 2016

420 would be better for utility type work and has a foot clutch. 50 would be a better grunt tractor. They weigh 1000+lbs more than a 420. Both very good tractors. Parts are easy to get for both.

leon · Jul 29, 2016

Tractor "cruise", as in tractor ride? Most around here fall into two speed classes: 10 mph minimum and 15 mph minimum. Some are 15 mph minimum only. Check the "cruise" you want to do, then check each tractor model's max travel speed.

machineryman · Jul 29, 2016

I've had both but if I was working on another tractor I'd do a black dash "later series" 520. Better hydraulics and tractor. Had 3 of them and they were all great.

buickanddeere · Jul 29, 2016

I would look at a 520 instead of a 50. The 420 would have to be a late slant steer with live Pto .
Tough call , both are outstanding .

RLA · Jul 29, 2016

Doesn't sound like this will be a work tractor, for a Fun tractor the 420 would be easier / lower to the ground & 7' door is a
piece of cake. Both are good, like others have said the 520 would be better. But if you plan on taking grandkids for a ride & if
storage is a issue the 420 might not take up as much room. The 50, 520 would be easier on servicing things like brakes & clutch.

Richard in Bee · Jul 29, 2016

(quoted from post at 07:49:08 07/29/16)
Doesn't sound like this will be a work tractor, for a Fun tractor the 420 would be easier / lower to the ground & 7' door is a
piece of cake. Both are good, like others have said the 520 would be better. But if you plan on taking grandkids for a ride & if
storage is a issue the 420 might not take up as much room. The 50, 520 would be easier on servicing things like brakes & clutch.

According to the second greatest book ever written, [i:723db2ade1]Mr. Thinker's [/i:723db2ade1][i:723db2ade1]Almanac,[/i:723db2ade1] they will both fit in a 7' door. The 50 is going to be close though.

Mike M · Jul 29, 2016

What is the 1st greatest book ? It just came to me you may not be tractor related and we can't mention it here or in schools.

I had a B that I had to trim a bit off the muffler tip for clearance. When close if it jumps up or bounces it can break the top radiator tank ! Seen my cousin do that on a 520.

DScott · Jul 29, 2016

N84, I would vote for the 420 for the purpose you described. The 420 will easily fit thru a 7' garage door and one with the 5 speed transmission is geared for a tractor ride. I have a 58 420 (pic below) and I mostly use it for parades and tractor rides. It does a great job. The 50 is a great tractor but being a row crop tractor it's going to be a little taller and heavier.

N84 · Jul 29, 2016

Thank you for all of the advice. I'll go with the 420. I would really like to have a large yard to make bales of hay on.

buickanddeere · Jul 29, 2016

Outstanding

MikeinKy · Jul 29, 2016

I wonder if Richard is prejudiced with his book recommendations.

John Deere 420 vs 50

N84

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