The Very Last 60 Series Tractor Made by Deere

Funny how sharing one tractor story can shake loose other tractor stories, isn’t it?

For example the tale I shared last week of the very last John Deere 4960 tractor, a 1994 model with only 6 actual hours on it, that I found down at the John Deere Parts Expo for dealers in Austin, TX. This tractor has been kept in the Deere Archives in Moline, IL. After I posted a Machinery Pete Youtube video feature on that last Serial No. 4960, I got an email note from an old friend of mine, Romaine Schweer from Denver, IA:

“Hi, Greg, For what it's worth…Your story about the 4960 brings back memories. I was working on the final assembly line for the "60" series tractors and helped build this tractor. As I recall, it was the second to the last "60" Series tractor built. The last one was a 4760 2WD that was ordered and sold new to our line supervisor at that time. He wanted the last one ( 60 Series ) built and I never could believe Deere & Co. actually didn't archive the last one built. The 4760 was used by "Dick" and then was sold at his farm sale probably 10 years later. I don't remember that the last serial number fact was ever presented as such a rare piece. I knew that this would be a real deal, but had too many other things going to get serious about actually buying it. This was in my opinion, the very last tractor that had been modified many times from the original "10" Series with the new front mounted fuel tank. The 8000 was a totally new concept in all respects.  Somewhere, I have a picture of all of our assembly line employees positioned on and around the 4960 and 4760.

Thanks for all that you do.  -  Romaine”

Well, my friend Romaine looked and he FOUND that picture, here it is…the last Serial No. 4960 in my Youtube video from last week, plus the very last Serial No. John Deere 4760 made, a 2WD model which also happens to be in fact the very last 60 Series tractor made:

“Hi, Greg!  I was able to locate this picture of the 4960 and 4760 tractors that were the last two built. This 49 should be the same tractor that you just did a great story on. Our local J.D. salesman thinks he has a pretty good chance of finding the 4760. It was sold new to my line supervisor who lived near Jesup, IA at the time. He has since retired and moved to Lake of The Ozarks. We have a condo down at the same lake and maybe I could try and locate him for information if needed. This is fun! I can see why you love your job. Although you are way more involved. Your love for your profession is obvious in all that you do. Stay Safe.  -  Romaine”

Isn’t the picture great? 1994…feels like longer ago looking at the picture, doesn’t it? So the very last 60 Series tractor John Deere ever made, right alongside the last Serial No. 4960 made. Quite an historic picture we have here.

Like I said, quite amazing isn’t it, how one tractor story leads to another. I love it….always will.

Here’s that Machinery Pete Youtube video feature on the last Serial No. John Deere 4960 with 6 hours the very last Serial No. 7810 Deere made…a whopping 18 hours on that one: