John Deere R
The John Deere R is a tractor produced by John Deere. It is equipped with a 415.5 ci 6.8 L engine. The rated power output is 48.58 hp 36.2 kW. Transmission: 5 forward and 1 reverse. Operating weight: 7400 to 7603 pounds.
Engine Power
48.58 hp
36.2 kW
Fuel & Capacities
22 gal
83.3 L
Transmission
5 forward and 1 reverse
Operating Weight
7603 lbs
3448 kg
John Deere R Serial Number & Year Decoder
Find the exact manufacture year of your tractor by checking your chassis serial number below.
Where to Find the Serial NumberThe serial number plate is commonly located on the front frame, tractor transmission housing (right side), or instrument panel badge.
Overview
 | 1949 - 1954
Two-Cylinder Letter SeriesStandard-tread tractor |
|---|---|
1949 - 1954 | |
Two-Cylinder Letter Series | |
Standard-tread tractor | |
Production | |
|---|---|
Manufacturer | John Deere |
Standard-tread tractor | |
Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA | |
Total built | 21,293 |
Original price was $3,650 in 1954 | |
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. | |
John Deere R Engine | |
|---|---|
John Deere 6.8L 2-cyl diesel | |
Fuel tank | 22 gal
83.3 L |
Aux. fuel | 1 gal
3.8 L |
Engine details ...  | |
John Deere R Transmission | |
|---|---|
5-speed gear | |
Transmission details ...  |
John Deere R Power | |
|---|---|
Drawbar (claimed) | 35 hp
26.1 kW |
Belt (claimed) | 43 hp
32.1 kW |
Plows | 4 (14-inch) |
Drawbar (tested) | 43.15 hp
32.2 kW |
Belt (tested) | 48.58 hp
36.2 kW |
Performance test details ...  | |
Mechanical | |
|---|---|
Two-wheel drive | |
Manual steering | |
Mechanical drum brakes | |
Open operator station. |
Power Take-off (PTO) | |
|---|---|
Rear PTO | live |
Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Dimensions & Tires | |
|---|---|
Wheelbase | 85.5 inches
217 cm |
Weight | 7400 to 7603 pounds |
Front tire | 7.50-18 |
Rear tire | 14-34 |
Full dimensions and tires ...  | |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
Ground | positive |
Battery volts | 6 |
References | |
|---|---|
 | |
The John Deere Styled "Letter" Series by J.R. Hobbs | |
Tractors 1918-1976 published by John Deere* | |
The New Model R Diesel published in 1949, by John Deere | |
Operator's Manual Model R Diesel Tractor (OM-R2012) | |
*Publication contains known errors. |
Engine
Engine Detail — 415.5 ci / 6.8 L Diesel
Manufacturer | John Deere |
Fuel Type | Diesel |
Configuration | 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
Displacement | 415.5 ci
6.8 L |
Bore/Stroke | 5.75x8.00 inches
146 x 203 mm |
Air cleaner | oil bath |
Compression | 16:1 |
Rated RPM | 1000 |
Firing order | 1-2 |
Starter type | 2-cylinder pony motor |
Coolant capacity | 54.5 qts
51.6 L |
Oil capacity | 13 qts
12.3 L |
Transmission
Transmission — 5 forward and 1 reverse gear
Type | gear |
Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
Clutch | dry disc |
Oil capacity | 9.5 qts
9.0 L |
Oil type | SAE 90 |
The tractor must be stopped and clutch used to shift gears. | |
 | |
Dimensions
John Deere R Tires | |
|---|---|
Ag front | 7.50-18 |
Ag rear | 14-34 |
15-34 | |
Ag front | 30x6 steel |
Ag rear | 54x12 steel |
Dimensions | |
|---|---|
Wheelbase | 85.5 inches
217 cm |
Length | 147 inches
373 cm |
Width | 79.5 inches
201 cm |
Height | 78.125 inches
198 cm |
Shipping weight | 7400 lbs
3356 kg |
Operating weight | 7603 lbs
3448 kg |
Tests
Nebraska Tractor Test 406 | |
|---|---|
Diesel 5-speed 2WD
April 19 - 28, 1949
Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 406 file | |
Belt power (max) | 48.58 hp
36.2 kW |
Belt fuel use (max) | 2.8 gal/hour
10.6 l/hour |
Drawbar performance | |
Max power | 43.15 hp
32.2 kW |
Gear 3 used for power test. | |
Max pull | 6644 lbs
3013 kg |
Gear 1 used for pull test. | |
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