Introduction
Sheppard Diesel SD-3 Row-Crop Tractor
The Sheppard Diesel SD-3 is a row-crop tractor manufactured in Hanover, Pennsylvania, USA, between 1949 and 1956. Part of the SD-2 and SD-4 series, this two-wheel-drive machine was designed to provide reliable mechanical power for mid-century agricultural operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by the Sheppard Diesel 6E engine, a 3-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel unit with a 212.8 cubic inch (3.5 L) displacement. It utilizes an indirect injection fuel system and operates at a rated speed of 1650 RPM, delivering approximately 32 horsepower. The engine features a 22:1 compression ratio and a bore/stroke configuration of 4.25 by 5.00 inches.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The SD-3 is equipped with a gear-type transmission providing 8 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. Power is transferred through a dry disc clutch. The final drive utilizes spur gears, and the tractor is configured exclusively as a two-wheel-drive model, steered manually by the operator.
Mechanical and Operational Features
The operator station is of the open-platform design. Braking is handled by mechanical drum brakes. The tractor includes a rear power take-off (PTO) operating at 540 RPM, allowing for the connection of various trailing and mounted implements. The wheelbase measures 92 inches (233 cm), with adjustable front and rear tread widths to accommodate different row-crop spacings.
Dimensions and Weight
With a total length of 131 inches (332 cm) and a height of 70.25 inches (178 cm), the SD-3 has a base weight of 4,196 lbs (1,903 kg). It was fitted with various agricultural tire configurations, typically utilizing 5.50-16 or 6.00-16 front tires and 11-38 or 12-38 rear tires.
Conclusion
The Sheppard Diesel SD-3 represents a standard row-crop configuration from the early post-war period. Its combination of a 32-horsepower diesel engine, 8-speed transmission, and adjustable tread widths makes it a representative example of mid-sized mechanical agricultural equipment intended for general field cultivation tasks.
Production Information of Sheppard Diesel, SD-3
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Hanover, Pennsylvania, USA
| Manufacturer | Sheppard Diesel |
|---|---|
| Total built | 1441 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Sheppard Diesel, SD-3
| Rear tread | 54 to 82 inches [137 to 208 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 92 inches [233 cm] |
| Front tread | 56 to 80 inches [142 to 203 cm] |
| Weight | 4196 lbs [1903 kg] |
| Length | 131 inches [332 cm] |
| Front tread | 9.25/12.75 inches [23/32 cm (tricycle)] |
| Height | 70.25 inches [178 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 12-38 |
| Ag rear | 11-38 |
| Ag front | 5.50-16 |
Engine Specifications of Sheppard Diesel, SD-3
- Sheppard Diesel 6E
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 3-cylinder
| Starter type | Electric |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 212.8 ci [3.5 L] |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.25x5.00 inches [108 x 127 mm] |
| Rated RPM | 1650 |
| Compression | 22:1 |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection |
Transmission Information of Sheppard Diesel, SD-3
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
|---|
- 8-speed gear
- 8-speed
Mechanical Specs of Sheppard Diesel, SD-3
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Mechanical drum brakes
- Manual steering
| Final drives | Spur gear |
|---|
Power Information of Sheppard Diesel, SD-3
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
|---|
Where it sits
With 32 HP, the Sheppard Diesel SD-3 sits between SD-2 (24 HP) and SD-4 (51 HP) in Sheppard Diesel's range. Its power puts it in the 46th percentile of 1940s models in our database (263 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Sheppard Diesel SD-3 have?
The Sheppard Diesel SD-3 delivers 32 HP.
What years was the Sheppard Diesel SD-3 produced?
The Sheppard Diesel SD-3 was produced in 1949-1956.
What engine does the Sheppard Diesel SD-3 have?
The Sheppard Diesel SD-3 is powered by a Sheppard Diesel 6E, 3-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Sheppard Diesel SD-3 use?
The Sheppard Diesel SD-3 uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Sheppard Diesel SD-3 weigh?
The Sheppard Diesel SD-3 weighs 4196 lbs [1903 kg].
Is the Sheppard Diesel SD-3 4WD?
The Sheppard Diesel SD-3 is available in 2WD.
