Introduction
Caterpillar R2 Agricultural Crawler Tractor
The Caterpillar R2 is an agricultural crawler tractor manufactured in Peoria, Illinois, USA, between 1934 and 1942. Designed for demanding field work, this machine represents a significant era of Caterpillar's track-type tractor development.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine with a displacement of 221 cubic inches (3.6 L). It produces 36 horsepower at a rated engine speed of 1525 RPM. The engine cooling system has a capacity of 28 quarts (26.5 L), while the lubrication system requires 12 quarts (11.4 L). An oil bath air cleaner is utilized to maintain engine integrity in dusty agricultural environments.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The R2 features a gear-type transmission offered in two configurations. The 3-speed version was primarily used on the 5E model, which saw limited production until 1938. The 5-speed version, providing 5 forward and 1 reverse gear, was standard on the 4J and 6J variants. The 5-speed transmission system requires 8 quarts (7.6 L) of oil for operation.
Mechanical and Dimensions
As a crawler tractor, the R2 operates on 13-inch tracks to optimize traction and ground pressure distribution. The machine has a total weight of 6350 lbs (2880 kg). The operator interface consists of an open station design. Throughout its production run, a total of 2418 units were manufactured, including 1185 units of the 4J model and 1150 units of the 6J model.
Conclusion
The Caterpillar R2 was a specialized tractor for mid-century agricultural operations, valued for its track-driven traction and mechanical simplicity. It remains a notable piece of machinery for collectors and historians of early industrial-grade farm equipment.
Production Information of Caterpillar, R2
- Agricultural Crawler tractor
- Built in Peoria, Illinois, USA
| Manufacturer | Caterpillar |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | 83 (5E) |
| Total built | 2418 (total) |
| Total built(optional) | 1185 (4J) |
Engine Specifications of Caterpillar, R2
- The 3400G was used on the 4J and 6J versions, which were most R-2 tractors built.
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 28 qts [26.5 L] |
|---|---|
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Displacement | 221 ci [3.6 L] |
| Oil capacity | 12 qts [11.4 L] |
| Rated RPM | 1525 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.75x5.00 inches [95 x 127 mm] |
Transmission Information of Caterpillar, R2
Transmission variants 1
- The three-speed was used on the 5E version, built in limited quantities until 1938.
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
- The five speed transmission was used on the R-2 4J and R-2 6J.
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 8 qts [7.6 L] |
- 3-speed gear
- 5-speed gear
Mechanical Specs of Caterpillar, R2
- Open operator station.
| Drive | Crawler |
|---|
Power Information of Caterpillar, R2
- Https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/9/4/947-caterpillar-r2-tests.html
Where it sits
With 36 hp[B] HP, the Caterpillar R2 sits between Twenty-Five (33 HP) and R4 (40 HP) in Caterpillar's range. Its power puts it in the 55th percentile of 1930s models in our database (235 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Caterpillar R2 have?
The Caterpillar R2 delivers 36 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Caterpillar R2 produced?
The Caterpillar R2 was produced in 1934-1942.
What engine does the Caterpillar R2 have?
The Caterpillar R2 is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Caterpillar R2 use?
The Caterpillar R2 uses a Gear transmission.