Introduction
Caterpillar R3 Agricultural Crawler Tractor
The Caterpillar R3 is a specialized agricultural crawler tractor produced between 1934 and 1935 in Peoria, Illinois, USA. Developed as a special-order machine for the United States government based on the Caterpillar Twenty-Eight platform, this model was manufactured in a limited production run of 60 units.
Engine and Performance
The R3 is powered by a 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine with a displacement of 350 cubic inches (5.7 liters). It features a bore and stroke of 4.50 by 5.50 inches and operates at a rated speed of 1100 RPM. Fuel delivery is managed by an Ensign carburetor, and the engine's intake air is filtered through an oil bath air cleaner system to ensure durability in field conditions. The unit provides approximately 46 horsepower.
Transmission and Drive System
The tractor utilizes a crawler drive system, providing high traction for agricultural applications. The transmission offers a gear-driven setup with 3 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. Power engagement is managed through a dry disc clutch, a standard configuration for this era of industrial and agricultural machinery.
Operator Environment
The R3 features an open operator station, consistent with the design ergonomics of mid-1930s crawler tractors, emphasizing visibility and simplicity of control for the operator.
Conclusion
With only 60 units produced, the Caterpillar R3 serves as a significant historical example of government-commissioned agricultural machinery from the 1930s. Its design, based on the Twenty-Eight series, is optimized for stability and traction through its crawler undercarriage, making it a specialized piece of equipment within the Caterpillar lineage.
Production Information of Caterpillar, R3
- The R3 was a special-order machine for the US Government, based on the Twenty-Eight.
- Agricultural Crawler tractor
- Built in Peoria, Illinois, USA
| Manufacturer | Caterpillar |
|---|---|
| Total built | 60 |
Engine Specifications of Caterpillar, R3
- Caterpillar
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Fuel system | Ensign carburetor |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 350 ci [5.7 L] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.50x5.50 inches [114 x 140 mm] |
| Rated RPM | 1100 |
Transmission Information of Caterpillar, R3
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Caterpillar, R3
- Open operator station.
| Drive | Crawler |
|---|
Power Information of Caterpillar, R3
- Https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/9/4/948-caterpillar-r3-tests.html
Where it sits
With 46 hp[B] HP, the Caterpillar R3 sits between RD4 (44 HP) and Thirty-Five (48 HP) in Caterpillar's range. Its power puts it in the 72th percentile of 1930s models in our database (235 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Caterpillar R3 have?
The Caterpillar R3 delivers 46 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Caterpillar R3 produced?
The Caterpillar R3 was produced in 1934-1935.
What engine does the Caterpillar R3 have?
The Caterpillar R3 is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Caterpillar R3 use?
The Caterpillar R3 uses a Gear transmission.