John Deere D tractor

John Deere D

Power

27 hp[B] hp

Production

1923-1953

Engine

2-cylinder

Transmission

Unsynchronized gear

Weight

4090 lbs (early) [1855 kg]

Drive

2WD

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Introduction

John Deere D Tractor

The John Deere D is a standard-tread tractor manufactured in Waterloo, Iowa, between 1923 and 1953. It holds the record for the longest production run of any John Deere tractor model, serving as a primary workhorse throughout several decades of agricultural development.

Engine Specifications

The tractor is powered by a 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled all-fuel engine with a displacement of 501 cubic inches (8.2 L). It operates at a rated speed of 900 RPM. The engine features a 6.75x7.00 inch bore and stroke, with a compression ratio of 3.91:1. Cooling capacity ranges from 49.2 liters in early models to 53.0 liters in later units, while the oil capacity is 12.3 liters.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The drivetrain utilizes a two-wheel drive system managed by a manual steering setup. The transmission consists of unsynchronized gears. Initially, the tractor was offered with a 2-forward and 1-reverse gear configuration. A 3-speed transmission, also with a single reverse gear, was introduced in 1935 to provide greater operational flexibility.

Dimensions and Operator Environment

The machine features an open operator station equipped with a steel pan seat. Over its long production history, dimensions evolved; the length increased from 109 inches (276 cm) to 130 inches (330 cm) after 1930. The tractor's weight also varied, ranging from 4,090 lbs (1,855 kg) for early versions to 5,880 lbs (2,667 kg) for later, heavier iterations. The width remains constant at 56 inches (142 cm).

Power Take-Off

An optional rear Power Take-Off (PTO) was available for the John Deere D, utilizing a 525-type specification to drive auxiliary equipment.

Conclusion

With over 160,000 units produced, the John Deere D is a historically significant machine. Its robust, simple mechanical design and long-term reliability made it a standard solution for heavy-duty agricultural traction and field work throughout the mid-20th century.

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Production Information of John Deere, D

  • Original price was $1,000 in 1924
  • Standard-tread tractor
  • The D had the longest run of any model of John Deere tractor, the styled and unstyled versions ran from March 1, 1923 until July 3, 1953. Serial numbers 31321 through 31412 are not model Ds, but are Waterloo Boy Ns which were built after model D production had begun.
  • Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
ManufacturerJohn Deere
Total built160,000

Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, D

Length109 inches (prior to 1930) [276 cm]
Weight4090 lbs (early) [1855 kg]
Weight(optional)66.5 inches [168 cm]
Weight(optional)130 inches (after 1930) [330 cm]
Weight(optional)5880 lbs (late) [2667 kg]
Width56 inches [142 cm]
Ag front28x5 (steel)
Ag front(optional)12.75x28
Ag rear46x12 (steel)
Ag rear(optional)28x6 (steel)
Ag rear(optional)7.50x18

Engine Specifications of John Deere, D

  • John Deere
  • The larger 501 cubic inch engine was introduced in 1927, replacing the 465..
  • Liquid-cooled
  • All fuel
  • 2-cylinder
Oil capacity13 qts [12.3 L]
Compression3.91:1
Displacement501 ci [8.2 L]
Displacement(optional)56 qts (after 1931) [53.0 L]
Coolant capacity52 qts (early) [49.2 L]
Firing order1-2
Rated RPM900
Bore/Stroke6.75x7.00 inches [171 x 178 mm]

Transmission Information of John Deere, D

Transmission variants 1

  • Original transmission, used from 1923 to 1935
TypeUnsynchronized gear
Gears2 forward and 1 reverse

Transmission variants 2

  • Three-speed transmission was introduced in 1935
TypeUnsynchronized gear
Gears3 forward and 1 reverse
  • 2-speed unsynchronized gear
  • 3-speed unsynchronized gear

Mechanical Specs of John Deere, D

  • Two-wheel drive
  • Manual steering
  • Open operator station with steel pan seat.

Power Information of John Deere, D

Rear PTOOptional
Rear PTO Type525

Where it sits

With 27 hp[B] HP, the John Deere D sits between AWD (26 HP) and 870 (28 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 34th percentile of 1920s models in our database (181 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the John Deere D have?

The John Deere D delivers 27 hp[B] HP.

What years was the John Deere D produced?

The John Deere D was produced in 1923-1953.

What engine does the John Deere D have?

The John Deere D is powered by a 2-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the John Deere D use?

The John Deere D uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.

How much does the John Deere D weigh?

The John Deere D weighs 4090 lbs (early) [1855 kg].

Is the John Deere D 4WD?

The John Deere D is available in 2WD.

Compare the John Deere D with another model