Introduction
John Deere 303 Tractor
The John Deere 303 is a two-wheel drive agricultural tractor produced between 1963 and 1966 at the John Deere manufacturing facility in Saran, France. Part of the 505 series, this model was designed for general farming operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine. It delivers a rated power of 36 hp at 2000 engine RPM. The engine features a 21.5:1 compression ratio and utilizes a 12-volt starting system.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The drivetrain consists of a manual transmission offering 10 forward gears and 3 reverse gears. It operates with a dry disc clutch. The gear configuration includes four gears across three ranges, with the fourth gear maintaining consistent speed across all forward ranges.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is of the open-center type with a total capacity of 9.8 liters. For implement operation, the tractor is equipped with a rear PTO capable of 540 and 1000 RPM, selectable at 1850 engine RPM, and a Category II rear hitch.
Dimensions and Chassis
The machine has a wheelbase of 188 cm and an overall length of 337 cm. With a base weight of 1740 kg, it provides stability for field work. The tractor features manual steering, disc brakes, and an open operator station. Adjustable front and rear treads allow for configuration adjustments based on row spacing requirements.
Conclusion
The John Deere 303 is a reliable, mid-range utility tractor suited for traditional agricultural tasks requiring a 36 hp power output. Its mechanical simplicity and adjustable tread widths make it a versatile tool for farmers and collectors focused on the mid-1960s era of machinery.
John Deere 303 Manuals & Documentation
Download the manuals and documentation available for the John Deere 303: repair and workshop manuals, operator's handbooks, spare-parts catalogs and technical leaflets — free PDF files.
- Catalogues de pièces de rechange - partie 1PDF · 47.997 Mo
- Catalogues de pièces de rechange - partie 2PDF · 34.826 Mo
- Catalogues de pièces de rechange - partie 3PDF · 31.901 Mo
- Livret d'entretienPDF · 33.506 Mo
Archive documentation provided for reference, hosted by Tractor-Info.
Production Information of John Deere, 303
- Built in Saran, France
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 303
| Front tread | 50 to 69.7 inches [127 to 177 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 74.1 inches [188 cm] |
| Weight | 3836 lbs [1740 kg] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 61.8 inches [156 cm] |
| Length | 132.7 inches [337 cm] |
| Rear tread | 48.8 to 76.8 inches [123 to 195 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 14.2 inches [36 cm] |
| Width | 60 inches [152 cm] |
Minimum
| Ag front | 5.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 10-36 |
| Ag front(optional) | 9-36 |
| Ag rear | 10-28 |
| Ag front | 11-28 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 303
- Standard OE 138
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 4-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 7.2 qts [6.8 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 137.9 ci [2.3 L] |
| Compression | 21.5:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.31x4.00 inches [84 x 102 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 10.6 qts [10.0 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Power | 36.3 hp [27.1 kW] |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 303
Transmission variants 1
- 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.
| Gears | 10 forward and 3 reverse |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Oil capacity | 32.8 qts [31.0 L] |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 303
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Disc brakes
Power Information of John Deere, 303
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 (1.375) |
|---|---|
| Engine RPM | 540@1850 |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 303
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2.6 gal [9.8 L] |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 303
| Rear Type | II |
|---|
Electrical System of John Deere, 303
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery AH | 95 |
Where it sits
With 36 HP, the John Deere 303 sits just below 505 (43 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 25th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 303 have?
The John Deere 303 delivers 36 HP.
What years was the John Deere 303 produced?
The John Deere 303 was produced in 1963-1966.
What engine does the John Deere 303 have?
The John Deere 303 is powered by a Diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
How much does the John Deere 303 weigh?
The John Deere 303 weighs 3836 lbs [1740 kg].
Is the John Deere 303 4WD?
The John Deere 303 is available in 2WD.