The John Deere Model R, the last of the lettered tractors, was the first diesel-powered tractor produced by John Deere with a gasoline starting engine. It was also the first tractor they produced that had an optional steel cab. The photo above shows the tractor with this option. This was a powerful tractor destined for larger farms.

The John Deere R was produced from 1949 through 1954 and approximately 21,000 were manufactured. The weight of the tractor was around 7,400 pounds. In 1954 you could purchase one of these for a mere $3,650.00

The Specs

Air Cleaner: Donaldson
Carburetor: Marvel-Schebler SL-2 (on Starting Engine)
Ignition: 6-volt Delco Remy
Engine: John Deere I-head, horizontal two-cylinder.
5.75 x 8.00 bore and stroke,
Compression ratio 16:1,
416 CID
Speed: MPH forward 2.12, 3.33, 4.25, 5.33, 11.50 and 2.50 reverse
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gallons (main), 0.25 (auxiliary
Rated RPM: 1000
Cooling Capacity: 13.62 gallons
Rear Tire: 14x34 inches
Front Tire 7.50x18 inches
Length: 147 inches
Width (Front): 79.50

Nebraska Tractor Test Results

TEST NO. 406

Model: John Deere R Diesel

John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works, Waterloo, Iowa

DATE TESTED: April 19 to April 28, 1949

Deere's first diesel tractor opened the 1949 testing season at the Tractor Test Laboratory. Featuring a two-cylinder horizontal, I-head engine, this tractor was rated at 1,000 rpm and carried a 5.75 x 8 inch bore and stroke. Also featured was a Deere-built two-cylinder starting engine with a 2-6/10 x 2-5/16 inch bore and stroke and a rated speed of 4000 rpm. A glass sediment bowl broke during the limber-up run, otherwise no repairs or adjustments were noted during 57 hours of engine operating time. Bare weight was 7,603 pounds. Standard equipment included 14-34 rear and 7.50-18 front tires. Advertised speeds of 2-1/8, 3-1/3, 4-1/4, 5-1/3 and 11-1/2 mph were provided. Third gear was used for Test H. Results indicated a fuel economy of 15.19 horsepower hours per gallon of diesel fuel, along with a rated output of 34.45 drawbar horsepower, a pull of 3140 pounds 4.11 mph and slippage of 4.7%. A Test G maximum pull in low gear tallied 6,644 pounds at 1.88 mph with slippage of 15.01%. Tests B & C at 100% maximum belt load indicated an economy of 17.35 horsepower hours per gallon at 48.58 horsepower, while Test D at a rated load of 43.52 belt horsepower produced an economy of 17.63 horsepower hours per gallon of fuel.

Serial Numbers