"Our Top 5" Series: John Deere Tractors

Welcome to the "Our Top 5" series where we select our Top 5 things in various categories across agriculture, powersports and more! This series is solely opinion based where we use sales, specs and pure love for equipment to select what we think is our Top 5. For this edition, we are going to take a look through John Deere's history to rank our top 5 Tractors wearing the infamous Green & Yellow. 

5. 8RX 410

The first model we talk about, and number 5 on our list is the 8RX 410. The first John Deere 4-track rigid-frame tractor with 410 rated horsepower, 9.0L engine, powershifting, and fully integrated Precision Ag technology. You also get the freedom to change the track widths based on the terrain and weather, from 16.5" wide all the way up to 30", you can customize your ride to maximize the production of your tractor. With the power and versatility this machine holds, it is no surprise that it made itself onto the rankings.

4. Model 4440

Model 4440, produced from 1978-1982, was a part of the Iron-Horse Series which included many, many new features, both technical and cosmetic. It tests at 113 drawbar and 130 PTO horsepower. These tractors come loaded with a 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, dual remote hydraulics and a Power-Shift transmission. On top of all that, the 4440's came with an updated cab which featured new cloth seats, an AM/FM radio (the first tractor with a radio inside the cab) and full in-cab air conditioning and heat; all things that make the life of a farmer better. These tractors are still extremely popular today and resale goes for approximately the original listing price from the 70's!

3. Model 7810

Taking the number 3 spot on our list is the ever popular 7810. This machine can still be seen owning the fields until this day. While the 7810 was one of the best selling tractors of it's era, it has a spot in our heart as one of the best we got to deal. In conclusion, the 7810 was regarded as one of the best tractors John Deere has ever made, and for that reason it is our 3rd favourite John Deere Tractor of All time. 

2. Model A

The model A was regarded as John Deere's first row-crop tractor, and it was produced for over two decades, from 1934 to 1952. The A was the first John Deere tractor to be shipped with rubber tires, and it also included a number of other first-time advancements. A 5.1L two-cylinder engine, which was eventually upgraded to a bigger 5.3L model in the later years, was responsible for its recognizable and enduring sound. Given that over 300,000 Model A tractors were produced, there is no lack of them on the market today and they remain a staple of tractor exhibitions and parades around the nation.

1. Model 4020

Would this list have any legitimacy without the famed 4020? The 4020, one of Deere's "New Generation" series tractors that was arguably the most well-known and storied, was produced from 1963 to 1972. Over the course of its manufacture, the 6.6L 6 cylinder diesel variation, two 6 cylinder gas versions, and a 6 cylinder LP gas variant made up the total of four engine options. Additionally, John Deere's 8 gear "syncro-range" or 8 speed Power Shift transmissions were available. For improved operator ergonomics, 1969 and later models also had "side console" hydraulic controls. The 4020 was a workhorse in its day and continues to be used on many farms today thanks to its famous dependability and adaptability. For these reasons, the John Deere 4020 takes our #1 spot.

It's worth noting that these are just a few of the many popular and successful tractors produced by John Deere over the years, and the best tractor for a specific individual or operation depends on their specific needs and requirements. But feel free to have a friendly debate with yourself or with others to discuss what you think are the best tractors of all time.