1950 John Deere Model 45 Combine

The John Deere Model 45 combine was introduced in the late 1950s and was produced until the early 1970s. It was a significant model for John Deere, becoming their best-selling self-propelled combine at the time. The Model 45 was known for its versatility, capable of harvesting various crops like grains and corn. It also featured advancements like a wider grain tank and a fold-down radiator screen. It was designed to harvest both grains and corn, making it adaptable to different farming needs by offering both a 10-foot platform for general grain harvesting and a two-row corn head for corn harvesting. It also had a variable speed transmission, which allowed operators to adjust ground speed without needing to shift gears, providing flexibility in varying field conditions. The standard grain tank held approximately 50 bushels (400 gallons of hay), suitable for smaller-scale operations. Initially equipped with a Hercules engine, later models offered John Deere's own Deere-Deuke engine, and also included the option of switching from a gasoline to a diesel engine. The combine also included a fold-down radiator screen for easier maintenance. The Model 45 was a major success for John Deere, achieving higher sales than any other combine model at the time, partly due to its appeal to farmers transitioning to self-propelled combines and laying the groundwork for later John Deere combine models, including the 4400, which incorporated further advancements and improvements to the combine.

Thank you, Metros Docheff of Broomfield, Colorado, for donating this combine to the museum.

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