Despite the increasing popularity of tractors, many farmers kept their horses until well through the 30s. Some plowed and planted with tractors but preferred Ol' Dobbin for the meticulous work of cultivating. Others, on small farms, believed the size of their operations simply did not justify a tractor. So the horse remained an important source of farm power. But in 1939, John Deere introduced the Model "H"...and the days of the draft horse were numbered.The "H" was a small tractor and met the small farmer's needs for power at a price he could afford. It was welcomed on large farms as well as an economical source of auxiliary power on lighter jobs that did not require all the power of the larger, primary tractor. Finally, for cultivation, it had a narrow, tapered hood for unimpaired visibility, and a complete line of matched working equipment including 2-row cultivators.The "H" was built along the same general lines as the "A", "B", and "G", and shared many features with those larger row-crop tractors. Four variations of the "H" were produced: The original "H"; the "HN", "HNH", single front wheel and high clearance.
The "H" was rated at 9.68 drawbar hp and 12.97 belt hp.
