Introduction
Waterloo Boy Model R: Standard-Tread Agricultural Tractor
The Waterloo Boy Model R is a historical standard-tread tractor produced by the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company in Waterloo, Iowa, between 1914 and 1917. Serving as a foundational machine in early 20th-century agriculture, a total of 9,310 units were manufactured during its production run.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 7.6-liter (465 ci) liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder engine designed to operate on kerosene. It produces a rated 750 RPM and features a hand-crank starter system. The engine is capable of delivering a claimed 12 horsepower (8.9 kW) at the drawbar and 25 horsepower (18.6 kW) at the belt, sufficient for pulling up to three 14-inch plows.
Transmission and Handling
The drivetrain utilizes an unsynchronized gear transmission providing one forward gear and one reverse gear. Selection is managed via a left-hand control lever, paired with a foot-operated clutch. Steering is achieved through a manual chain and capstan system, with stopping power provided by manual brakes.
Chassis and Dimensions
This two-wheel drive machine is built on a heavy-duty frame with a total weight of 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg). It measures 143 inches in length, 72 inches in width, and 63 inches in height. The tractor is equipped with steel agricultural wheels, featuring 28 x 6 front tires and 52 x 10 rear tires, providing stability for standard field operations.
Conclusion
The Waterloo Boy Model R represents a significant era in agricultural mechanization. Its robust construction and simple mechanical design made it a reliable choice for farmers of its time, remaining a point of interest for collectors of vintage agricultural machinery.
Production Information of Waterloo Boy, R
- Original price was $850 in 1917
- Standard-tread tractor
- There are thirteen recorded variations of the Waterloo Boy model R (not including the California Specials) designated by a letter suffix, from RA to RM. Round-spoke rear wheels were replaced with flat-spoke on the RG, serial number 1511. The fuel tank changed from vertical to horizontal at serial number 4089 (RJ).
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | Waterloo Boy |
|---|---|
| Total built | 9,310 |
Dimension and Tires Information of Waterloo Boy, R
| Length | 143 inches [363 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6200 lbs [2812 kg] |
| Width | 72 inches [182 cm] |
| Height | 63 inches [160 cm] |
| Ag front | 28 x 6 steel |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 52 x 10 steel |
Engine Specifications of Waterloo Boy, R
- Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company
- The final Waterloo Boy model R engine, used from 1917 to the end of production (RM). This engine size continued to be used in the Waterloo Boy model N and the early John Deere model D.
- Liquid-cooled
- Kerosene
- 2-cylinder
| Starter type | Hand-crank |
|---|---|
| Compression | 3.91:1 |
| Displacement | 465 ci [7.6 L] |
| Coolant capacity | 34 qts [32.2 L] |
| Firing order | 1-2 |
| Rated RPM | 750 |
| Bore/Stroke | 6.50x7.00 inches [165 x 178 mm] |
Transmission Information of Waterloo Boy, R
Transmission variants 1
- Left-hand lever controls forward and reverse gear selection. Foot-operated clutch.
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 1 forward and reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Waterloo Boy, R
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station with steel pan seat
- Manual brakes
| Steering | Manual chain and capstan |
|---|
Power Information of Waterloo Boy, R
| Drawbar (claimed) | 12 hp [8.9 kW] |
|---|---|
| Belt (claimed) | 25 hp [18.6 kW] |
| Plows | 3 (14-inch) |
Where it sits
With 27 hp[B] HP, the Waterloo Boy R sits just above L (16 HP) in Waterloo Boy's range. Its power puts it in the 47th percentile of 1910s models in our database (158 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Waterloo Boy R have?
The Waterloo Boy R delivers 27 hp[B] HP.
What years was the Waterloo Boy R produced?
The Waterloo Boy R was produced in 1914-1917.
What engine does the Waterloo Boy R have?
The Waterloo Boy R is powered by a Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company, 2-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Waterloo Boy R use?
The Waterloo Boy R uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.
How much does the Waterloo Boy R weigh?
The Waterloo Boy R weighs 6200 lbs [2812 kg].
Is the Waterloo Boy R 4WD?
The Waterloo Boy R is available in 2WD.