The Greatest Deeres of All Time

John Deere is one of the most celebrated tractor manufacturing companies in history. But in its over 100 years of tractor production, which models rise to the top?

Here are the top 10 greatest Deere tractors of all time, according to Ageless Iron’s Dave Mowitz. This list includes the Model A and Model 4020.

1. Model A

This was the first tractor to offer a one-piece transmission case (allowing high-axle clearance) and a readily adjustable rear tread. There were 318,790 A’s sold.

2. Model 4020

This was the most popular of the revolutionary New Generation tractors with sales of more than 184,000.

3. Model D

The foundation of the two-cylinder line, the D was the longest lived Deere of all time with a 30-year run and over 105,000 units sold.

4. Model 4430

The most popular tractor of its era (over 74,000 units sold), the 4430 featured the Generation II’s innovative Sound-Guard cab.

5. Model R

This was the first Deere with a diesel engine, factory-installed cab, live PTO, and live hydraulics.

6. Model M

This lithe tractor established Deere in the small tractor market, selling more than 87,000 units thanks to its Touch-O-Matic hydraulic control.

7. Model 4850

The flagship of the 50 Series, the 4850 was the most fuel-efficient large tractor of its time and the first two-wheel-drive John Deere to break the 200-engine-hp. barrier.

8. Model 60

Besides being the first Deere (along with the 50) to offer power steering, the 60 was hugely popular with over 60,000 units sold.

9. Model 110

The first Deere with a hydrostatic transmission, the 110 garden tractor established Deere as a major player in the consumer market.

10. Model 8850

The most powerful Deere of its time (304 engine hp.), the 8850 made Deere a dominant producer of four-wheel-drive tractors.

Read more about John Deere’s history in 100 Years of John Deere’s Tractors.