John Deere

John Deere R

The John Deere R was produced from 1949 to 1954 as part of the Two-Cylinder Letter Series. It was John Deere's first diesel tractor and the first with a live PTO using a separate clutch. It is a standard-tread tractor built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA, with a total production of 21,293 units. The R features a 6.8L 2-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine, a 5-speed gear transmission, and mechanical drum brakes with manual steering. It has a wheelbase of 85.5 inches and weighs approximately 7400 to 7603 pounds. The tractor delivers about 43 hp estimated engine power and has a live rear PTO rated at 540 rpm.

Power43 hp[B]

Founded1949 - 1954

ModelR

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Technical Specifications

Detailed specifications and technical data for John Deere R

Power

Plows	4 (14-inch)
Belt (tested)	48.58 hp (36.2 kW)
Belt (claimed)	43 hp (32.1 kW)
Drawbar (tested)	43.15 hp (32.2 kW)
Drawbar (claimed)	35 hp (26.1 kW)

Engine

Type	John Deere 6.8L 2-cyl diesel
Cooling	liquid-cooled
Fuel tank	22 gal (83.3 L)
Rated RPM	1000
Air cleaner	oil bath
Bore/Stroke	5.75x8.00 inches (146 x 203 mm)
Displacement	415.5 ci (6.8 L)
Firing order	1-2
Starter type	2-cylinder pony motor
Coolant capacity	54.5 qts (51.6 L)
Compression ratio	16:1
Auxiliary fuel tank	1 gal (3.8 L)
Engine oil capacity	13 qts (12.3 L)

Dimensions

Width	79.5 inches (201 cm)
Height	78.125 inches (198 cm)
Length	147 inches (373 cm)
Rear tire	14-34, 15-34
Wheelbase	85.5 inches (217 cm)
Front tire	7.50-18
Steel wheels	Ag front 30x6 steel, Ag rear 54x12 steel
Shipping weight	7400 lbs (3356 kg)
Operating weight	7603 lbs (3448 kg)

Electrical

Ground	positive
Battery volts	6

Mechanical

Drive	Two-wheel drive
Brakes	Mechanical drum brakes
Steering	Manual steering
Operator station	Open operator station

Production

Type	Standard-tread tractor
Notes	The model R was John Deere's first diesel tractor. The R was the first John Deere tractor with a live PTO, which used a separate clutch.
Built in	Waterloo, Iowa, USA
Years made	1949 - 1954
Total built	21,293
Manufacturer	John Deere
Original price	$3,650 in 1954

Transmission

Type	gear
Gears	5 forward and 1 reverse
Notes	The tractor must be stopped and clutch used to shift gears.
Clutch	dry disc
Oil type	SAE 90
Oil capacity	9.5 qts (9.0 L)

Power Take-off (PTO)