Recently acquired a John Deere 420 tractor, but unfortunately, time constraints mean it needs a new home. This classic garden tractor, equipped with the robust B48G engine, presents a fantastic opportunity for someone with the time and skills to bring it back to its full potential.
Initially, this John Deere 420 was unresponsive, likely due to sitting idle for an extended period. A quick inspection revealed a broken connection at the starter, which was promptly fixed to get the engine cranking. To address the lack of spark, new points and a condenser were installed. With these initial repairs, the engine sputtered to life, but ran very roughly and failed to achieve full power. Suspecting a fuel delivery issue, the carburetor was partially cleaned without complete removal, but this didn’t resolve the problem. The engine continues to sputter and expel fuel from the carburetor top, strongly suggesting a persistent carburetor issue. Compounding matters, the fuel pump outlet barb was accidentally broken, further indicating the need for fuel system attention. An oil leak is also apparent, possibly originating from the base of the oil fill tube, but the exact source requires further investigation.
On a more positive note, the mower deck appears to be in solid condition, and the spindles rotate freely. However, the tractor does exhibit several points needing structural attention. The right rear wheel mount shows signs of breakage, and the right front wheel mount seems to have undergone welding repairs at some point. The fender has sustained damage, seemingly from backing into an object. The left rear light mount is popped out and damaged, and the fender in that area is bent. The hood, while generally sound, has a broken section exposing fiberglass and another area that has been repaired with fiberglass.
Furthermore, the front section of the frame, where the hydraulic ports are located, appears to be bent. Despite these issues, this John Deere 420 holds significant potential. With some dedicated effort and mechanical know-how, this machine could be restored to a reliable and valuable garden tractor. It’s an ideal project for someone passionate about John Deere tractors and willing to invest the time to address these existing problems.
