Going back to a different green for our miniature tractor build this year. Dale always liked the John Deere 4960. They were produced 1992 through 1994, testing at 200 PTO horsepower. Although we didn’t have that model to farm with, it remained a tractor that we thought needed to sit in our shed, albeit a small version. Many times we had heard “if it just had duals” when we would take one of our previous custom builds out to a tractor show. This was the time to give that a try once again.

Our 4960 began with a John Deere 430 diesel lawn and garden tractor. As the pictures show, it is not a true FWA tractor, but we tried to replicate the look as best we could with this model garden tractor. A complete front axle was built and repositioned. The fuel tank was moved and is accessible under the original hood. Some nervous moments were spent cutting into the front of the hood so the screen could be inserted. Gas cap, radiator cap, hood ornament, handles were added features.

We decided to keep the original seat pan and rework it to more replicate what we remembered being inside of a John Deere cab. A front grill and weight bracket were built, adding some CNC machined custom steel weights we had help with that we further customized. More challenges with the side screen and replicating inserts.

Moving on to fenders, lights and flashers added. Both rear and front rims have customized inserts and custom extensions where needed. Custom draw bar, functioning 3 point hitch and quick hitch finish up the rear. Hardened bolts used when appropriate.