The John Deere GP model had not been able to meet the challenge posed by Farmall in the under 30 hp class. Two more competitive models were introduced as successors: the larger A and the smaller B. The A, introduced in 1934, had a petrol-powered 2-cylinder 5.1-liter engine. It had 4+1 gears and a 10-inch clutch with two plates. The brake shoes acted on the differential. Power take-off was standard, and a hydraulic lift was optional, which was the model’s most advanced feature. The A was a row-crop tractor with front wheels positioned side-by-side. The model with a wide front axle was known as the AR. In addition to these, there were versions for orchards and models with high ground clearance.

In 1935, the B model was introduced, featuring a smaller 2.4-liter, 16-horsepower engine. It had an 8-inch clutch but shared the rest of its technology with the A model. The most common version in Europe was the BR version with a wide front axle.

In 1938, the radiator was hidden behind pressed sheet metal after renowned designer Henry Dreyfuss was hired to modernize the appearance of John Deere. In 1940, the engine displacement was slightly increased, and the diameter of the PTO shaft was increased to the new standard size. Electric start became an optional feature. To accommodate the battery, the A’s hood was lengthened. The 1941 models with rubber tires had a 6+1 transmission, allowing a road speed of 20 km/h.

In 1947, a gasoline engine became an option. At the same time, the displacement of the B was increased again. The gasoline version had 38 hp in the A and 26 hp in the B. Electric start and lights, and in the A also the hydraulic lift, became standard features. External hydraulics were available as an option.

About 300,000 units of both the A and B models were manufactured. The B is the most produced tractor model in John Deere’s history.

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