John Deere 303
The John Deere 303 is a tractor produced by John Deere. It is equipped with a 137.9 ci 2.3 L engine. The listed engine power is Diesel (listed): 36.3 hp / 27.1 kW. Transmission: 10 forward and 3 reverse. Operating weight: 3836 lbs 1740 kg.
Engine Power
Diesel (listed): 36.3 hp / 27.1 kW
Fuel & Capacities
16.4 gal
62.1 L
Transmission
10 forward and 3 reverse
Operating Weight
3836 lbs
1740 kg
Overview
 | 1963 - 1966 |
|---|
Production | |
|---|---|
Manufacturer | John Deere |
Built in Saran, France | |
John Deere 303 Engine | |
|---|---|
Standard 2.3L 4-cyl diesel | |
Engine details ...  |
John Deere 303 Transmission | |
|---|---|
10-speed | |
Transmission details ...  |
John Deere 303 Power | |
|---|---|
Engine | 36.3 hp
27.1 kW |
Mechanical | |
|---|---|
Two-wheel drive | |
Manual steering | |
Disc brakes | |
Open operator station. |
Capacity | |
|---|---|
Fuel | 16.4 gal
62.1 L |
Hydraulic system | 2.6 gal
9.8 L |
Hydraulics | |
|---|---|
Type | open center |
Capacity | 2.6 gal
9.8 L |
Tractor hitch | |
|---|---|
Rear Type | II |
Power Take-off (PTO) | |
|---|---|
Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 (1.375) |
Engine RPM | 540@1850 |
Dimensions & Tires | |
|---|---|
Wheelbase | 74.1 inches
188 cm |
Weight | 3836 lbs
1740 kg |
Front tire | 5.50-16 |
Rear tire | 10-28 |
Full dimensions and tires ...  | |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
Ground | positive |
Battery volts | 12 |
Battery AH | 95 |
Engine
Engine Detail — 137.9 ci / 2.3 L Diesel
Manufacturer | Standard OE 138 |
Fuel Type | Diesel |
Configuration | 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
Displacement | 137.9 ci
2.3 L |
Bore/Stroke | 3.31x4.00 inches
84 x 102 mm |
Power | 36.3 hp
27.1 kW |
Compression | 21.5:1 |
Rated RPM | 2000 |
Starter volts | 12 |
Oil capacity | 7.2 qts
6.8 L |
Coolant capacity | 10.6 qts
10.0 L |
Transmission
Transmission — 10 forward and 3 reverse
Gears | 10 forward and 3 reverse |
Clutch | dry disc |
Oil capacity | 32.8 qts
31.0 L |
Four gears (1-4) in three ranges (I, II, and III) plus reverse range. Fourth gear is the same speed on all the forward ranges. | |
With 10-28 rear tires. | |
 | |
Dimensions
John Deere 303 Tires | |
|---|---|
Ag front | 5.50-16 |
Ag rear | 10-28 |
Ag front | 11-28 |
9-36 | |
10-36 | |
Dimensions | |
|---|---|
Wheelbase | 74.1 inches
188 cm |
Length | 132.7 inches
337 cm |
Width | 60 inches*Minimum
152 cm |
Height (steering wheel) | 61.8 inches
156 cm |
Weight | 3836 lbs
1740 kg |
Ground clearance | 14.2 inches
36 cm |
Front tread | 50 to 69.7 inches
127 to 177 cm |
Rear tread | 48.8 to 76.8 inches
123 to 195 cm |
Recommended Implements & Sizing Guide
Engineering recommendations for John Deere 303 based on its 36.3 HP power envelope and ASAE agricultural standards.
| Implement & Operation | Recommended Size | Workload Rating | Engineering Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Moldboard PlowPrimary Tillage | 2 to 3 Bottom (14-16")2 - 3 铧 (35-40 cm) | Medium Duty | Standard utility farm tillage. |
Rotary Cutter / MowerMowing & Clearing | 5 ft (60 in)1.5 m | Medium Duty | Pasture maintenance and weeds up to 1.5" diameter. |
Rotary TillerSeedbed Prep | 54 to 60 in135 - 150 cm | Medium Duty | Thorough seedbed preparation in orchards and vegetable plots. |
Disc HarrowSecondary Tillage | 5 to 6 ft (16-18" discs)1.5 - 1.8 m (40-45 cm 耙片) | Light Duty | Small acreage soil break-up and secondary aeration. |
Hay BalerHay & Forage | Small Square Baler (14x18")小方捆打捆机 (36x46 cm) | Medium Duty | Classic 2-string baler for horse and small livestock hay. |
Sizing & Soil Condition NoteActual implement sizing varies depending on local soil conditions (heavy clay vs sandy loam), field slope, and operating speed. Heavy tillage implements may require front ballast weights and wheel weights.
Fluids, Capacities & Working Autonomy
Standard fluid requirements, service intervals, and continuous runtime estimates for John Deere 303.
Estimated Continuous Field Runtime: 8.7 hrs
Approximately 8.7 hours of continuous field operation at ~75% rated power on a full tank (16.4 gal / 62.1 L).
Estimated 75% Load Fuel Burn~1.9 gal/hr (7.1 L/hr)
Engine Crankcase Oil
SAE 15W-40 (Heavy Duty Diesel)
Standard Spec: API CK-4 / CJ-4 Heavy Duty
Service Interval: 150 – 250 Hours
Transmission & Hydraulic System
UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil)
Standard Spec: ISO VG 46 / 68 (Wet Brake & Trans Compatible)
Service Interval: 600 – 1000 Hours
Engine Cooling System
50/50 Ethylene Glycol Pre-mix
Standard Spec: ASTM D6210 / Heavy-Duty OAT Antifreeze
Service Interval: 2 Years / 1500 Hours
John Deere 303 Specification Unit Converter
Convert power, fluid capacities, and operating weights between metric and imperial standards for John Deere 303.
Converted Equivalents:
Horsepower (HP)36.3 hp
Kilowatts (kW)27.1 kW
Metric Horsepower (PS / CV)36.8 PS
Direct Competitor Comparison
Compare John Deere 303 against same-era industry alternatives in the same horsepower class.
Current Model
John Deere
John Deere 303
Engine Power:Diesel (listed): 36.3 hp / 27.1 kW
★ Baseline Reference
Related models
John Deere 3120
- Power:
- 29.5
- Production years:
- 2005 - 2008
John Deere 790
- Power:
- 30
- Production years:
- 2000 - 2007
John Deere 946
- Power:
- 30
- Production years:
- 1996 - 2003
John Deere 3032E
- Power:
- 31
- Production years:
- 2008 - 2023
John Deere 50
- Power:
- 31
- Production years:
- 1952 - 1956