John Deere 320 Information Page


1958 John Deere 320


The John Deere Model 320 was manufactured for two "model years" - 1957 and 1958 (see chart below for actual manufacture dates). Between the "model years", a change was made to the steering resulting in a "Slanted" steering wheel for the 1958 model year. For that reason, 1958 Model 320's (and 420's) are commonly referred to as "Stant-Steer" models, while the 1957 Model 320's (and 420's) are referred to as "Straight-Steer" because of the vertical stance of the steering wheel.

320 Production Numbers
Straight Steer
320001-322566		 Gasoline All-Fuel Total
Standard 1836 12 1848
Utility 716 2 718
Total Straight Steer 2566
Slant Steer
325001-325518		 Gasoline All-Fuel Total
Standard 317 2 319
Utility 199 0 199
Total Slant Steer 518
320 First & Last
Straight Steer
320001-322566		 Standard Utility
First 320001
June 30, 1956		 320017
July 30, 1956
Last 322566
July 17, 1957		 322562
July 17, 1957
Slant Steer
325001-325518		 Standard Utility
First 325001
August 12, 1957		 325004
August 12, 1957
Last 325517
July 26, 1958		 325518
July 26, 1958
Data from The John Deere 20 Series, by J.R. Hobbs


The reason for the production of the 320 was that owners of small farms wanted a smaller, lower-cost, less powerful tractor than the 420, which had been increased in horse power over its predecessor, the Model 40 (which in turn had been increased in power over its predecessor, the Model M).

The 320 used many parts in common with the 420, but also went back to using parts from the Model 40 and even the Model M. For instance, the 320 used the Model 40 engine, but reduced to the Model M's speed of 1650 RPM's. The transmission was a refined version of the Model M's and the final drives were the same as those used on the "Phase 1" (all-green) Model 40's. Since the 320 used the basic Model 40 engine, which was tested at Nebraska, it was deemed unnecessary to test the 320.

Since the 320 is a mix of parts from the 420 and various predecessors, the chart below, compares the 320 to those other models.

320 Statistical Data
320
420
40
M
Total Production
(all models)
3,084
46,450
~54,000
87,812
Engine Ratings
Drawbar
PTO/Belt pulley

22.4
24.9

27.1
29.2

22.9
25.2

18.2
20.5
Displacement
100.5 cu. in.
113.3 cu. in.
100.5 cu. in.
100.5 cu. in.
Bore & Stroke
4.00x4.00
4.25x4.00
4.00x4.00
4.00x4.00
Rated RPM
1650
1850
1850
1650
Compression (gas)
6.5:1
7.0:1
6.5:1
6.0:1
Gear Speeds (MPH)
1
2
3
4
Reverse

1.62
3.12
4.25
12.00
1.62
(4-speed)
1.62
3.12
4.25
12.00
2.50

1.62
3.12
4.25
12.00
2.50

1.62
3.12
4.25
10-12
1.62
Weight
2,750
2,750
2,750
2,695

Data from John Deere Tractor Data Book, by Lorry Dunning


For more information on the John Deere 320, and other John Deere Two-Cylinder tractors, I recommend books by J.R. Hobbs of Green Magazine. You can order his books from their website.



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