Dubuque had already provided “40”, “320”, and “420” Utility Tractors, as well as “40” and “420” Crawlers, but none of these were conceived and built specifically for the Industrial Market; they were essentially agricultural tractors with, usually, an industrial yellow paint job for sale through the new Industrial Equipment Division of John Deere. Actually, the same was true for tractors built at Waterloo until the “830” I was introduced. Until then, the tractors were agricultural units with industrial options. That’s why they can’t be located in the Production Registers, making assured identification a tedious process requiring careful examination and documentation.

Enter the “420” I, also referred to as the “Special Utility.” With a rugged new front axle, a longer wheelbase, and a wider range of wheel tread settings, the “420” I was ready to go into industrial service as delivered. However, the price was higher than that of the “420” U, so most buyers still chose the less expensive Utility. Further, although the “420” I was clearly intended for industrial service, roughly half of the buyers ordered them with the traditional John Deere green-and-yellow paint job rather than industrial yellow. After all, these tractors were not likely going to be put into roadside service, and buyers may have had an eye to the future regarding resale

value, figuring that industrial yellow might discourage a potential second owner.

The “420” I did not prove to be a popular tractor, and only 255 were built. Today that’s a good thing for owners, as knowledge about the tractor has increased during the past few years, and they are now regarded to be included in the group that makes up the most highly sought after two-cylinder collectibles.

The Industrial Tractor offering by the Two-Cylinder Club for 2011 is the John Deere “420” I in Industrial Yellow, a milestone in the company’s history as the first Modern Era Tractor to have the “I” designation. Production has been set at an all-time low to help assure long-term collector value. This will likely be the only time the “420” I will every be built in toy form, so don’t miss it!

Toys are $69.95 each, plus insured UPS shipping. Case lot price (six [6] toys) is $419.70, plus insured shipping. Estimated delivery from Ertl is late August 2011. Please place your orders (mail order only) soon to avoid being disappointed.