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During the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, John Deere and Farmall (a brand of International Harvester) were two of the most influential tractor manufacturers in American agriculture. John Deere, originally a plow manufacturer, introduced its first successful tractor, the Model D, in 1923, but it was the two-cylinder “Johnny Poppers” of the 1930s—such as the Model A and B—that cemented its reputation. These tractors, known for their distinctive sound and durability, helped mechanize farms across the country. In the 1940s, John Deere continued to innovate with models like the Styled A and B, improving ergonomics and efficiency. By the 1950s, the company introduced its first diesel tractors, such as the Model 720, further increasing power and fuel efficiency.
Farmall, a brand under International Harvester, revolutionized farming with the introduction of the Farmall Regular in 1924, the first widely successful row-crop tractor. In the 1930s, the updated Farmall F-Series (F-12, F-20, and F-30) allowed farmers to replace horses entirely. During the 1940s, the company launched the famous Farmall Letter Series (A, B, C, H, and M), with the Farmall H and M becoming iconic workhorses of American agriculture. These tractors featured innovative, easy-to-use designs that helped farmers adapt to the growing mechanization of agriculture. By the 1950s, the Super Series (Super A, Super C, Super H, and Super M) refined these designs, leading to increased horsepower and improved hydraulics. Farmall continued to push innovation, introducing new models that set the stage for modern agricultural machinery.
Both John Deere and Farmall played crucial roles in transforming farming, making it more efficient and productive. Their tractors from these decades remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today.
Pre-War Classics / 1916–1941
