Narrow-Track Tractors (track widths of less than 45")

[smith009]

So, here's a question of history:

Tractor manufacturers, including Deere & Co., have for several decades now offered tractors with particularly narrow wheel settings - settings that can be set to 44" and narrower (centerline-right-wheel - to - centerline-left-wheel) - tractors that are marketed for vineyards (and sometimes orchards). I know Deere has offered these narrow profile tractors for some time - perhaps even in the 1960's.

My question is: When (roughly, what year) did tractor manufacturers first offer vineyard narrow-track wheel settings on their tractors? And, which model(s) did Deere select to be among the first model to have this narrow wheel setting? (I know Deere offered the models 2355 and 2855 in the narrow-track versions (2355N and 2855N) in the 1980's. Were there narrow-track tractors offered in the 1970's? How about the 1960's?)

. . . look forward to the response out there . . .

Smith009

[Deerehunter]

Deere did make a model B variation which was a BWH-40. Model B-wide front-Hi-clearance-40" width. This tractor came unstyled and styled so, I guess you could place it pre-1939 and after. Very, very few made and very desired. Several years ago Polks auction sold one in the mid-west which brought $73,000 :omg: Yep, something more to add to the wish list ROF

[smith009]

Wow, I had not thought to go back that far. Thanks for the response . . . . . I wasn't quiet prepared to have such a far-back historical answer!

Going back not so far, keeping with Deere's post 1960's tractors, did Deere always offer some narrow-track versions of some of their tractors? For instance, did Deere offer a narrow version of - say - their 1960's "20" series models (2020, 2520 or 3020 for instance), or their 1970's "30" series models (2030 or 2630, for instance) tractors? If no one happens to know, does anyone have a suggestion as to how I can find out the answer?

With much appreciation,

Smith009

[John Deere Addict]

I was sure I had seen one and needed to dig up an issue of Green Magazine to find it. In the current issue on page 61 is a 3020 Hi-Crop, diesel with power shift for $10,500.00. Now I'm not sure what the spacing was (it looks narrow in the picture) but if you'd like they have a message board that you can ask the question directly to the gurus of John Deere.

www.greenmagazine.com

[smith009]

Hey, thanks for the info. I'll check this out.

smith009