John Deere B
Power
16 hp[B] hp
Production
1935-1952
Engine
2-cylinder
Transmission
Unsynchronized gear
Weight
3,275 lbs [1485 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere Model B Row-Crop Tractor
The John Deere Model B is a row-crop tractor produced in Waterloo, Iowa, between 1935 and 1952. Developed as a more compact alternative to the Model A, it played a significant role in mid-20th-century agriculture, with a total production of 55,670 units across various configurations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 149 cubic-inch (2.4 L) 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. It features a Marvel-Schebler DLTX-10 fuel system and an oil bath air cleaner. Operating at a rated speed of 975 RPM, the engine produces approximately 16 horsepower. The cooling system utilizes a thermo-siphon method, and the engine is started via a hand-crank mechanism.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Power is delivered through an unsynchronized gear transmission offering four forward speeds and one reverse speed, managed by a dry disc clutch. The tractor is configured as a two-wheel-drive machine, equipped with differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes to assist with steering and stopping.
Dimensions and Operator Environment
The Model B features an open operator station equipped with a pressed steel seat. The machine measures 120.5 inches in length and 85 inches in width, with an adjustable rear tread ranging from 56 to 84 inches. The tractor weighs approximately 3,275 lbs and is fitted with steel agricultural tires.
PTO and Utility
The tractor is equipped with a rear power take-off (PTO) shaft operating at a standard 540 RPM, allowing the operation of various mounted or trailed implements essential for row-crop farming tasks.
Conclusion
The John Deere Model B serves as a representative example of row-crop machinery from the mid-1930s to the early 1950s. Its robust mechanical design, characterized by a simple gear transmission and a reliable 2-cylinder engine, made it a versatile tool for farmers requiring a smaller, efficient tractor for cultivating operations.
Videos
John Deere B Manuals & Documentation
Download the manuals and documentation available for the John Deere B: repair and workshop manuals, operator's handbooks, spare-parts catalogs and technical leaflets — free PDF files.
- Catalogue piècesPDF · 1.599 Mo
- Catalogue pièces b bn bnh bw bwhPDF · 4.329 Mo
- Publicité 1PDF · 7.324 Mo
- Publicité 2PDF · 0.582 Mo
- Publicité 3PDF · 0.439 Mo
Archive documentation provided for reference, hosted by Tractor-Info.
Production Information of John Deere, B
- The John Deere model B was introduced as a smaller tractor, to fill the needs of row-crop farmers that did not need a tractor as large as the A. It had a nearly 20-year production run, and the versions of the B can be broadly divided into three groups. The original B is often referred to as "unstyled", and includes all tractors built through 1938. In 1939, with tractor number 60000, began the "early styled" model B. In mid 1947, with tractor number 201000, began the "late styled" model B. Within the first year of production, tractors number 1000 through 3042 used a four-bolt front pedestal.
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | 40,057 (short frame) |
| Total built | 55,670 (all unstyled) |
| Total built(optional) | 15,613 (long frame) |
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, B
| Length | 120.5 inches [306 cm] |
|---|---|
| Rear tread | 56 to 84 inches [142 to 213 cm] |
| Weight | 3,275 lbs [1485 kg] |
| Width | 85 inches [215 cm] |
| Height (hood) | 56 inches [142 cm] |
| Ag front | 22x3.25 (steel) |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 48x5.25 (steel) |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, B
- John Deere
- Liquid-cooled
- All fuel
- 2-cylinder
| Sparkplug gap | 0.030 inches [0.762 mm] |
|---|---|
| Coolant capacity | 22 qts [20.8 L] |
| Cooling system | Thermo-siphon |
| Point gap | 0.015 inches [0.381 mm] |
| Compression | 4.71:1 |
| Rated RPM | 975 |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Displacement | 149 ci [2.4 L] |
| Fuel system | Marvel-Schebler DLTX-10 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.25x5.25 inches [108 x 133 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 7 qts [6.6 L] |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.020 inches (hot) [0.508 mm] |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.020 inches (hot) [0.508 mm] |
| Starter type | Hand-crank |
| Firing order | 1-2 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, B
Transmission variants 1
- Gear shift lever with speed 1, 2, and reverse. High and low range shift lever.
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, B
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station with pressed steel seat.
- Differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|
Power Information of John Deere, B
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Electrical System of John Deere, B
| Ground | Positive |
|---|
Where it sits
With 16 hp[B] HP, the John Deere B sits just below A (26 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 5th percentile of 1930s models in our database (235 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere B have?
The John Deere B delivers 16 hp[B] HP.
What years was the John Deere B produced?
The John Deere B was produced in 1935-1952.
What engine does the John Deere B have?
The John Deere B is powered by a 2-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere B use?
The John Deere B uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.
How much does the John Deere B weigh?
The John Deere B weighs 3,275 lbs [1485 kg].
Is the John Deere B 4WD?
The John Deere B is available in 2WD.