1957 John Deere 420W

I was told of an old tractor that had sat on the property of an older lady for many years and thought I would take a look as I was in the market for a backhoe. It took some time to actually clear brush and trees (sat for well over 30 years), and with the help of a good friend with a Case tractor, we were able to lift and block the bucket and backhoe for a totally “redneck tow” – all of this with no brakes (bucket to backhoe of the Case was the braking system).

With the help of my now Steiner friends, I was able to rebuild the carb, repair the brakes and general tune-up (plus replacing all of the vital fluids), and the darn thing not only ran, but everything still operated! So, say hi to the somewhat ugly 1957 John Deere 420W with a front loader and a backhoe (Commercial Shearing & Stamping Co make). I call her “Olga”.

John Johansen
Anderson Island, Washington

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