what exactly do I have?

[TheGuise]

Hi Guys,
This is my first post here, though I've been reading through the posts for awhile.
I just acquired a 420c, used to be my wife's late great uncle's. His son-in-law bought the farm and didn't want the crawler but wanted it to stay in the family. Its currently not running, 5 years ago it just decided to not start in the middle of a job...... so I may have some work ahead of me....
Based on the posts about serial numbers, mine should be between 80,001 - 136,868, but the tag reads 12625. Is that a valid number? If not, is there another way to identify it?
I have an operators manual (OM-T20-1155) and a service manual (SM-2019). Is there any other manuals that I should be looking to acquire?

[Jim B]

Welcome to the Boards.

The tag in your picture is not a JD model/serial number tag. The tag should be on the left side of the bell/clutch housing, is larger, and has the model and serial number along with more info. If you search John Deere 420 specs (ag tractor not lawn tractor) Tractor Data has a picture of a 420 tag, the 420C tag looks the same (except the model will be 420C).

[Lavoy]

That is an inventory control tag like used at dealerships, municipalities and such to identify a piece of equipment. Look on the LH side of the center section between the sediment bowl, and the front of the transmission. If you have a tag, that is where it will be. You have an "all green" 1956 420, 80,001 and up serial number.
Welcome to the crawler club.
Lavoy