Like their predecessors, the tractors were fitted with the company’s distinctive ‘Sound-Gard’ cab which featured a curved windscreen and had as many critics as it did fans!
The cab had a single door, and although a central pillar was located in the driver’s line of sight, visibility was otherwise quite good. The tractor’s main controls could be found on the operator’s right-hand side, and many complained that the cab felt quite cramped.
The ‘40 Series’ range included the 4040, 4240 and 4440 machines, each powered by a direct-injection six-cylinder diesel engine. The 90hp 4040 and 110hp 4240 were naturally aspirated, while the 130hp 4240 was turbocharged. Provided that they were regularly maintained, the engines proved to be reliable and easy-starting units.
The tractors were fitted with either a quad-range gearbox providing 16 forward and six reverse speeds, or a synchromesh unit with eight forward and two reverse speeds. The transmission was mated to the engine using a hydraulic clutch.
Two-wheel drive variants were fitted with 16” front and 38” rear wheels as standard, while four-wheel drive models had 24” front wheels.
John Deere’s ‘50 Series’ models built upon the success of the ‘40 Series’ tractors they replaced. The new line-up consisted of the 2250, 2450, 2650, 2850, 3050, 3350 and the flagship 3650 which was fitted with a turbocharged 114hp six-cylinder diesel engine.
The tractors’ ‘Sound-Gard’ cabs can be distinguished from those of their ‘40 Series’ predecessors by their extendable mirrors and additional plough lamps.
A useful hand-rail was added to aid accessibility in later years, while air conditioning was an optional extra.
The ‘50 Series’ machines were fitted with a transmission that provided 16 forward and eight reverse speeds. The largest tractors in the range had 28” front and 38” rear wheels as standard.
The front axle of four-wheel drive variants was supplied by ZF and the tractors had a relatively small turning circle.
The ‘50 Series’ models were fitted with a hydraulic pump that pressurised the entire system and, therefore, only pumped when required.
Lower link sensing was employed, and ‘High Lift’ hydraulics were available on the larger models which both dropped lower and raised the implement higher than the standard linkage arms.
Various improvements were introduced over the tractors’ production run, particularly in 1991 when air brakes and a 40km/hour gearbox became available. The last ‘50 Series’ tractor rolled off the assembly line in 1993.
The John Deere ‘40’ and ‘50 Series’ tractors were generally reliable and robust machines with only a few minor gripes, such as cab accessibility tainting their otherwise excellent reputation.
Today, these attractive machines are relatively sought after on the classic tractor scene and look extremely well when restored. Now is an excellent time to purchase an example for refurbishment before the condition of the remaining machines deteriorates any further or prices start to climb significantly with increasing desirability.
*robertkierans@hotmail.com
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