John Deere is a well-known name in the agricultural industry, with a history dating back to 1837 when the company was founded by John Deere himself. Since then, the company has become one of the leading manufacturers of agricultural equipment, producing a wide range of tractors, combine harvesters, and other farm machinery.

The John Deere M tractor, which was manufactured in Dubuque, Iowa, USA, from 1947 to 1952, is one of the most iconic models in the Two-Cylinder Letter series. This tractor is equipped with a 1.6 L (100.5 cu·in) two-cylinder gasoline engine, which was known for its reliability and efficiency. With this engine, the John Deere M was capable of producing up to 22 horsepower, making it a powerful machine for its time.

One of the standout features of the John Deere M is its unsynchronized gear transmission with 4 forward and 1 reverse gears. While this may not sound like much by modern standards, this transmission was a significant improvement over the previous models, making the tractor easier to operate and more versatile. The transmission was also known for its durability, which helped to extend the lifespan of the tractor.

Overall, the John Deere M was a revolutionary tractor for its time, offering a range of features and benefits that helped to improve the efficiency and productivity of farmers around the world. Today, this tractor is still highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts, who appreciate its historical significance and enduring legacy.

Features Of John Deere M Tractor

The John Deere M tractor was a game-changer in the agricultural industry, known for its reliable two-cylinder gasoline engine, unsynchronized gear transmission, and simple yet effective features such as manual steering, mechanical disc brakes. These features helped to improve the efficiency and productivity of farmers, making the John Deere M one of the most iconic tractors of its time.

Engine

The engine of the John Deere M tractor is one of its standout features, with a reputation for reliability and efficiency that made it a favorite among farmers. This two-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine has a displacement of 1.6 liters and a compression ratio of 6.0:1. The engine boasts a cylinder bore and piston stroke of 102.0 mm, producing an output power of 18.2 PS (13.4 kW; 18.0 HP). These specifications may seem modest by modern standards, but they were more than enough to power the John Deere M through even the toughest farming tasks.

One of the key benefits of the John Deere M’s engine is its simplicity. With only two cylinders, this engine is easy to maintain and repair, which was essential for farmers who needed to keep their tractors running smoothly in remote locations. Additionally, the natural aspiration of the engine meant that it did not require a turbocharger or supercharger, which further simplified the design and reduced the risk of mechanical failure.

Despite its simplicity, the engine of the John Deere M was also known for its efficiency. The compression ratio of 6.0:1 helped to maximize the power output of the engine while minimizing fuel consumption.

Transmission

The transmission system of the John Deere M tractor was a significant improvement over the earlier models, offering greater flexibility and control for farmers in the field. This tractor is equipped with an unsynchronized gear transmission, which features four forward gears and one reverse gear. This meant that farmers could choose the appropriate gear for the task at hand, whether they were plowing a field, hauling a load, or performing other tasks.

The four forward gears of the John Deere M tractor allowed for a top speed of 16.1 kmh (10 mph), which was more than enough for most farming tasks. The first gear was suitable for heavy work, while the fourth gear was ideal for high-speed transport on the road. The reverse gear, on the other hand, had a speed of only 2.6 kmh (1.6 mph). Simplicity is one notable feature of the tractor, there were no complicated electronics or hydraulics involved, just a simple mechanical system that was easy to understand and maintain. reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Hydraulic System

The John Deere M tractor was equipped with a hydraulic system that was a significant improvement over the earlier models, offering farmers greater precision and control over their implements. This tractor was equipped with a Touch-O-Matic hydraulic system, which allowed for easy attachment and detachment of implements with just a touch of a lever.

The hydraulic system on the John Deere M tractor operated at a pressure of 700 psi (48.3 bar) and had a total flow rate of 4.25 gpm (16.1 lpm). This meant that farmers could operate a variety of hydraulic implements with ease, including plows, cultivators, and loaders. The hydraulic system was powerful enough to handle heavy implements, yet precise enough for delicate tasks like planting.

Other General Features

In addition to its engine and transmission, the John Deere M also features manual steering, differential mechanical disc brakes, an open operator station, and a 37.9-liter (10 US gal.; 8.3 Imp. gal) fuel tank. These features may seem simple, but they were essential for farmers at the time, as they allowed them to operate the tractor safely and efficiently. The open operator station, for example, provided better visibility and made it easier for farmers to access and operate the controls.

List of Serial Number

The serial number tag is located on the lower part of the dash of the tractor. The serial number of the tractor is written adjacent to the year of its manufacture:

1947: 10001

1948: 13734

1949: 25604

1950: 35659

1951: 43525

1952: 50580

Final: 55799

Pros Of The John Deere M Tractor

• While the tractor’s engine may seem modest by modern standards, it was more than enough to get the job done, and its simplicity and efficiency were essential for farmers in the early days of mechanized agriculture.
• The unsynchronized gear transmission provided farmers with a range of speeds and gears, allowing them to perform a wide variety of tasks in the field.
• The Touch-O-Matic hydraulic system was a significant improvement over earlier models, offering farmers greater precision and control over their implements.
• The John Deere M tractor was a reliable and sturdy machine, built with high-quality materials and attention to detail.

Cons Of The John Deere M Tractor

• The lack of a cab or enclosure made the tractor less suitable for use in extreme weather conditions or dusty environments.
• The maximum speed of the tractor was relatively slow compared to later models, which could be a disadvantage for farmers needing to travel longer distances.

Price Of The John Deere M Tractor

The original price of the John Deere M tractor was $1,075 in 1952. The price of a used tractor can depend upon the condition of its engine and other mechanical components.

Conclusion

The John Deere M tractor was a reliable and sturdy machine that played an important role in the history of American agriculture. With its compact size, unsynchronized gear transmission, and Touch-O-Matic hydraulic system, the M was a versatile and efficient workhorse that helped farmers perform a wide range of tasks in the field. While it may have lacked some of the features found on later models, the John Deere M tractor remains a beloved and respected machine among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its legacy lives on as a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of American farmers and the importance of reliable and efficient equipment in agriculture.