Two Cylinder Magazine

JOHN DEERE ORCHARD TRACTORS

The first highly descriptive sales brochure (24 pages) on the new Model “AO” and “BO” was published in October 1935. The nation was still reeling from the effects of The Great Depression and the brochure (A-240-35-10) was essentially distributed to dealers only in grove and orchard territories. Consequently, it is regarded as a rare piece today, and is being reproduced in its entirety in this issue.

Note the center photo of the “AO” pulling a power sprayer. The photo had been re-touched, removing the exhaust cap and short air intake stack and replacing them with the “mushrooms.” This is otherwise the same photo as shown on page 9. Note also the very rare dual rubber-tire setup in the bottom photo, referred to in the original caption as “dual pneumatics” and not even listed in Parts Catalogs of the era.

The features of the new orchard tractors were summarized on page 3 of the sales literature. Obviously, the “AO” and “BO” were superior to the “GPO” that preceded them. Of course, for today’s collector that’s a matter of perception. The “GPO” currently has the advantage of being more valuable than its successors, but the “AO” and “BO” were far more efficient machines for orchardists of the mid-1930s.

The “AO” handles the load pulled by a six-horse team. Imagine trying to handle such a team in the close confines of an orchard. so, a smaller two-horse team was used in days gone by, and the amount of work accomplished was but a small fraction of the “AO”. The A1106R Rear Wheels shown in the top view are solid cast, rim and all, and were available for a short time on the “AO”, “AR”, “BO”, and “BR”.

The overall height of the “BO” at the top of the fenders and the streamlined guards on the hood that protected the fuel caps and air intake was 52-1/2 inches — about five less than the “AO” — which made it the popular choice in crowded orchards. The image shows the ultimate classic early orchard tractor; a “BO” on steel wheels and equipped with the optional citrus fenders.

As “Simple as Only a Two-Cylinder Engine Can Be,” but this was during the era of burning low-cost fuels. In later years, as collectors and restorers know, the simple two-cylinder engine became much more sophisticated and complicated. Nonetheless, the wonderful pulse remained, especially with Waterloo-built tractors, until the multi-cylinder roar of the New Generation.

Number 2 Distillate provided over twice the heat units per dollar than gasoline. Today’s diesel is also superior to gasoline in heat units, and is fired at very high compression which is a significant advantage over the old distillate (all-fuel) engines, but the price advantage has disappeared. Low-sulfur diesel is now a relatively high-priced fuel. Note the unusual rear-view engine cutaway.

The cutaway views of the tractor on pages 8 and 9 show an “AO”; study of it and the “BO” on other pages will reveal several obvious differences between the two models, making future identification simple and immediate. The importance of keeping up with lubrication is obvious in the side view, as the gears ran in a constant bath of oil. Note that the thermo-siphon cooling system is illustrated.

The overhead view shows what John Deere referred to as “straight-line power,” referring to the ability for the engine to supply power directly to the transmission in a straight line rather than — if the reader will allow the term — around a 90-degree corner; this being possible with the transversely mounted engine. Another advantage of the day was the belt being driven off the end of the crankshaft.

Most of the comments made on pages 10 through 13 were typical of John Deere tractor advertising of the era. Reading through each of the engineering and operating features provides an understanding of how well these 70-year-old machines were designed and built. In comparing them today with their competition, it seems amazing that anyone would have actually purchased something other than a John Deere.

Don’t think for a moment that the fuel-induction system was easy to develop. Although other manufacturers tried, none was as successful as John Deere in developing a tractor that burned low-cost fuels such as kerosene and petroleum distillate. The layout of the engine allowed a short, heated path from the carburetor to the combustion chamber, and that made all the difference.

The John Deere Thermo-siphon Cooling System is an interesting story in itself. It wasn’t until the 1950s that a young engineer with Deere studied the system extensively, and discovered that it wasn’t really very effective at truly circulating the water. Even so, water seemed to move around enough to do a reasonable job of keeping the early and relatively low-powered two-cylinder engines cool.

The photo shows how low the profile of the “BO” actually was, but all is not exactly as it seems. Scaling the known height of the tractor, the man is estimated to be at least six foot, four inches. Doesn’t really matter, as the “BO” was small, and that’s part of its widespread appeal today, along with a safe operator’s platform for younger drivers. The problem is finding one with an owner willing to sell.

Tractor exhibits are greatly enhanced when they are accompanied by implements; a goal that is becoming increasingly difficult to accomplish with each passing year. Happily, the John Deere Spring-Tooth Harrow was regarded to be an important orchard and grove implement, and it is still possible to occasionally find one of these formerly popular units. They are, however, very difficult to transport to events.

Subscribers are welcome to utilize the “Wanted” section of Classified Ads to search for implements, such as the Model “CC” Field and Orchard Cultivator shown here. There is no charge for the placement of ads in the “Wanted” section, as this is a regular benefit of Two-Cylinder Club membership.

Unfortunately, high scrap prices in recent years have taken a major toll on vintage implements.