Introduction
John Deere 50 Row-Crop Tractor
The John Deere 50 is a row-crop tractor manufactured in Waterloo, Iowa, between 1952 and 1956. Designed as the successor to the Model B, this two-wheel-drive machine introduced technical advancements such as duplex carburetion, live Powr-Trol hydraulics, and a fully independent power take-off (PTO).
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, two-cylinder engine with a displacement of 190.4 cubic inches (3.1 L). It operates at a rated speed of 1250 RPM and features an oil bath air cleaner. The engine is configured for LP gas, with an 8:1 compression ratio, delivering approximately 31 horsepower.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The powertrain consists of an unsynchronized gear transmission providing 6 forward and 1 reverse speeds. Power is transferred to the wheels via a mechanical dry disc clutch. The tractor utilizes manual steering, though power steering became available as an optional upgrade starting in 1954.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is of the open-center type, operating at a pressure of 930 psi with a pump flow capacity of 8.9 gpm. The tractor is equipped with an optional independent rear PTO, designed to operate at 540 RPM.
Dimensions and Chassis
The Model 50 features a 90-inch wheelbase and is fitted with 5.50-16 front tires and 10-38 rear tires. The base operating weight is approximately 4,855 lbs, which can be increased to 5,439 lbs when the rear tires are ballasted. Stopping power is provided by expanding shoe brakes.
Conclusion
With a total production of 32,574 units, the John Deere 50 served as a reliable utility tractor for row-crop applications in the mid-1950s. Its combination of improved hydraulic control and independent PTO made it a significant evolution over its predecessor, suitable for a variety of towed and mounted implements.
Production Information of John Deere, 50
- Row-Crop tractor
- Original price was $2,011 in 1954
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
- The John Deere 50 was introduced to replace the model B. These new tractors offered a number of advancements including duplex carburetion, live Powr-Trol hydraulics, and a fully-independent PTO.
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | 29,746 (gas) |
| Total built | 32,574 (total) |
| Total built(optional) | 2,097 (all-fuel) |
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 50
| Front tread | 7.3/11.2 inches [18/28 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 90 inches [228 cm] |
| Operating weight | 4855 lbs [2202 kg] |
| Height | 59.825 inches [151 cm] |
| Length | 132.75 inches [337 cm] |
| Rear tread | 56 to 88 inches [142 to 223 cm] |
| Ballasted weight | 5439 lbs [2467 kg] |
| Width | 86.625 inches [220 cm] |
Gasoline tractor with cast 11-38 rear wheels.
With fluid in rear tires.
| Ag front | 5.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 10-38 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 50
- John Deere
- Liquid-cooled
- LP gas
- 2-cylinder
| Starter volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 190.4 ci [3.1 L] |
| Compression | 8:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.6875x5.50 inches [119 x 140 mm] |
| Bore/Stroke(optional) | 19 qts [18.0 L] |
| Firing order | 1-2 |
| Rated RPM | 1250 |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 50
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 6 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | Mechanical dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 50
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station with padded seat.
- Expanding shoe brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power |
Power steering became an option in 1954.
Power Information of John Deere, 50
| Rear PTO(optional) | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375) |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 50
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 930 psi [64.1 bar] |
| Pump flow | 8.9 gpm [33.7 lpm] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 50
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 85 |
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Charging system | Generator |
| Batteries | 2 |
Where it sits
With 31 hp[B] HP, the John Deere 50 sits between 40 (23 HP) and 60 (41 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 38th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 50 have?
The John Deere 50 delivers 31 hp[B] HP.
What years was the John Deere 50 produced?
The John Deere 50 was produced in 1952-1956.
What engine does the John Deere 50 have?
The John Deere 50 is powered by a LP gas, 2-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 50 use?
The John Deere 50 uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.
How much does the John Deere 50 weigh?
The John Deere 50 weighs 4855 lbs*Gasoline tractor with cast 11-38 rear wheels. [2202 kg].
Is the John Deere 50 4WD?
The John Deere 50 is available in 2WD.