John Deere Forklifts
Based on the 420, 430, and 440 tractors
And also the 1010
These are some of the most recognizable "industrial" tractors I have seen! No need to look for details, options, or even paint! Just look for a large forklift frame!
420-3T forklift--25 built, from 1956-1958
Learn more about the normal 420, here. 430-3T forklift--53 built, from 1959-1960
Learn more about the normal 430, here.
Built by John Deere and the Holt Equipment Co. The forklifts were based on the Utility chassis of the 420/430. Deere provided the basic tractor, with these changes/features...
No rear wheels/hubs
No front axle
No mechanical steering parts
Four speed transmission, with direction reverser
Crankshaft driven hydraulic pump
Full width grill guard
Power steering pump, used to control hydraulic cylinder for steering
The above was used to mount a forklift frame and running gear, provided by Holt. Most seem to be mounted on a tricycle front, but at least one 420-3T has a wide front, as seen in pictures provided by its owner. This could also have been a later modification. Most of the forklifts used a gasoline engine, but I found that one was fitted with an LP gas engine (propane).
Serial Numbers
As I said before, the modifications are pretty obvious. However, here are some of the serial number issues...
A Holt serial number tag is located on the right frame rail just under the final drive on the 420. See an example, here. I assume the same location for the 430. Deere also provided Custom Job numbers for the forklift tractors. The Custom Job numbers are: 420
C.J. 237- forklifts assembled by Deere
C.J. 238- forklifts assembled by Holt
430
C.J. 606- forklifts assembled by Deere
C.J. 607- forklifts assembled by Holt
The serial number tags still said 420U or 430U. See an example, here. However, about halfway through the 430 forklift production, the designation was changed to 430F-3, and the Custom Job numbers were cancelled.
440 Forklifts
The 440 was an industrial design, with a stong frame. It was very suitable for forklift conversions. Does anyone have any details for the 440 forklifts? You can learn more about the normal 440, here.
(Click to enlarge) 440I and 440ID (factory installed)
Forklifts for the wheel versions were built by the Henry Manufacturing company, of Topeka, Kansas
440IC and 440ICD (factory installed)
Forklifts for the crawler versions were built by the Harlo Products Co. of Grandville, Michigan
1010 Forklifts
John Deere designed the #30 forklift for use on 1010 (only the crawler version I think), from 1964 onward. It was front mounted, with a 14 foot mast or 21 foot mast!
Now for... The Conversions, After market jobs, etc.
Normal tractors were often converted to forklift units. Most often, wheel units are used. However, here are a pair of examples of 430 Crawlers coverted to use a front mounted forklift! They were most likely made by the Harlo Products Co. (same company that made the 440C units). Note the modified grill to provide clearance for tilting the forks.
This is one of the strangest conversions that I can think of, for a forklift. Most of them, as I said, were wheel tractors, and the forklift faced rearward.
This page wouldn't be possible without Green Magazine, and help from some forklift owners!
