John Deere AR and AO Tractors
For many years, John Deere produced the General Purpose (GP) tractor that, while somewhat successful, wasn’t all that John Deere had hoped for. Therefore, in 1934, they produced the John Deere A row crop tractor.
It wasn’t long until John Deere started producing variations on this popular tractor. This began with with AR, which is basically the standard version of the John Deere A. The company could use many of the same parts for the AR that they used on the A. The R in AR stands for regular.
The new AR tractor was used in small grain farms, and with a few modifications it was also suitable for orchards and groves. Demand was high enough that in June of 1935, an orchard-specific model of the A was introduced. This model was designated the AO.
The “AR” was marketed for orchards and groves, as well as the small grain farm. Farmers purchasing a new “AR” tractor could purchase orchard fenders, differential brakes, a low air intake and a side discharge muffler to create a tractor that would better suit their needs and the conditions they worked in. Just a few months after the inception of the “AR”, though, in June of 1935, Deere and company made the decision to create an orchard-specific model of the tractor and tagged it the “AO”. The “AO” included low stacks and differential brakes as standard equipment. These tractors made it easier to order a tractor to suit orchard conditions and demonstrated to orchard and grove owners that Deere was producing a tractor aimed specifically at them. Eventually Deere produced the “AOS” which had a shortened wheelbase for better maneuverability.
Over the years, these A varieties were produced in both styled and unstyled versions. The following pictures are from a recent sale where I saw a few of A variations.
Here’s a photo of the John Deere GPO:
This is a John Deere BO. Unlike the John Deere AR and AO tractors, the BO and BR tractors were never styled, they were only available unstyled.
These tractors are highly collectible. My favorite is the styled AO. What’s your favorite?
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I recently purchased a styled AO. In California, it wasn’t common to see the AO model with the fairing that was popular in Florida.
I am looking for an engine for a 1953 styled John Deere AR tractor. I recently purchased the tractor and I’m looking to restore it.
I recently purchased back our family 1936 AR and have restored it. I am looking for replacement fenders if available. It was really bad, sitting in the trees for 47 yrs, and another 3yrs till I finally acquired it. Love the looks of the “low rider” AR.
Bill I am sorry we do not have any fenders that would fit your John Deere AR / AO tractors. Good luck on your search.
I have an ar serial #281688. I would like to kmow what year it was made. Thanks for your help.
I am done restoring my families 1936 AR, but am needing to know and find the right size rear wheels/ tires. Ours has the large round 12 spoked, 28 inch rims, and has 15-28 tires on it, which causes it to sit “jacked up”. Cant seem to find a couple of tires that would lower it. Does anyone know if these are the correct size rims?? All help appreciated. thx. bw.
I have a 1948 AR that has 12 x 26 rear tires with cast center wheels that i am sure are original. but tractordata.com shows 24 inch rims also
Does a model A wiring harness fit on an AR ? I would think they would work except maybe length … and info would be appreciated
My family had a John Deere AO, the version shown in first picture. It was sold. I am interested in purchasing one. Does anyone know is available?