A John Deere B with some family history.

A few weeks ago my Granddaughter wanted to ride on my John Deere B. So I took it out of the shed and gave her a ride. Of course, Grandma had to take pictures and this got me to thinking about some of the other photos I had of it somewhere.
This 1949 B has been in the family for many years. Though Dad did not buy it new, he had traded a 1939 B for it in the early 1960’s, it was the first tractor I drove. It got regular use until Dad retired from farming in the 1970’s. Then it too was retired. Sometime in the 1980’s, as it was sitting outside, a guy offered Dad $75.00 for it. Not wanting it to go, I ask Dad if I could have it? I had a lot of memories with that tractor and told him I would fix it up. Dad kinda laughed, as he thought it was too far gone to be restored.
It needed a lot, tires, sheet metal work, an engine rebuild and so on. But I stuck to it and did all the work myself. Once done Dad just had to get back on it one more time and take it for a spin. My oldest daughter also liked it. Now her Daughter, my Granddaughter wants to ride on Grandpa’s Tractor. Dad passed away 13 years ago, but I think he would smile seeing one of his Great- Granddaughter’s riding on it today.

I love stories like that, and having pictures of all the generations on it is a real bonus. Best part is that you got it done while Dad was still alive and able to take it for a spin. He is, indeed, smiling!

Very nice!

Nice story, and it looks good! It looks like you put a bigger seat on it, if so, that's a good idea for a tractor like that,
for riding double.

Great story - I've often wondered where my Dad's A ended up. Glad you saved yours
Pete

As long as the kid is tall enough to stand there is plenty of room for them to stand in front of you and drive as you sit and keep them doing things right. I spent many hours standing in front of my uncle driving his B which is now my B.

soder,

Beautiful job on the old B, and what a wonderful story.

Thanks for the pictures and the narrative.

Tom in TN

Great story and great pictures.

Very nice tractor and thanks for sharing your story and photos.

That reminds me,if anybody's looking for a one owner late A with a new restoration,there's one coming up on an estate yard sale Friday and Saturday here in mid Michigan. My cousin's brother in law passed this spring and they're selling his stuff this weekend,including that tractor.

Very nice!

I got a LOT of seat time on Dad's '49 B. 4 row front mount cultivator in corn and beans mostly, but
also hauling a disk and cultipacker and a manure spreader.

The smile on her face------priceless!!

I'm sure that little girls smile is being
returned by your Dad.

Liked that first picture where them tractors got a good work out everyday. I have no idea what he is pulling though.

Brother in law has his granddad's 36 A that granddad bought new. Has a JD power block. Unfortunately brother
in law has let it sit for over 30 years outside. I've ask several times if I could get it running. Never got
a positive answer from him. Glad you got her saved. Old gal will make memories long after we are gone.

That was a John Deere wire tie side discharge square baler. I don't recall the model number, but those bales were very large and heavy. Dad had 2 of them and both were sold at the farm auction in 2006.