John Deere 60 Tractor

Manufacturer John Deere
Price 2,500(USD)
Model 60
Equipment Type Row-Crop Tractors
Factory Waterloo, Iowa, USA

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 472 2

Description Gasoline 6-speed 2WD/May 26 - June 2, 1952/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 472 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 4 used for power test./Gear 2 used for pull test.
Belt power (max) 40.24 hp/30.0 kW
Belt fuel use (max) 3.8 gal/hour/14.4 l/hour
Max power 35.18 hp/26.2 kW
Max pull 4,372 lbs/1983 kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 490 2

Description Tractor fuel 6-speed 2WD/April 15 - 21, 1953/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 490 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 4 used for power test./Gear 1 used for pull test.
Belt power (max) 32.48 hp/24.2 kW
Belt fuel use (max) 3.2 gal/hour/12.1 l/hour
Max power 29.17 hp/21.8 kW
Max pull 4,499 lbs/2040 kg

NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 513 2

Description LP gas 6-speed 2WD/November 6 - 12, 1953/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 513 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 3 used for power test./Gear 2 used for pull test.
Belt power (max) 41.18 hp/30.7 kW
Belt fuel use (max) 4.7 gal/hour/17.8 l/hour
Max power 37.68 hp/28.1 kW
Max pull 5,352 lbs/2427 kg

JOHN DEERE 60 POWER

Drawbar (claimed) 36.94 hp/27.5 kW
Belt (claimed) 41.57 hp/31.0 kW
Plows 3 (14-inch)
Drawbar (tested) 37.68 hp/28.1 kW
Belt (tested) 41.18 hp/30.7 kW

ENGINES OVERVIEW

The John Deere 60 features a robust 5.3L 2-cylinder engine available in gasoline, all-fuel, and LP gas variants, providing versatility in fuel options and enabling efficient operations in diverse agricultural settings. The engine’s design offers a balance of power and fuel efficiency, with potential challenges in maintaining optimal performance across different fuel types. Ideal for medium-duty tasks, the tractor's adaptability makes it a reliable choice for farmers seeking flexibility in fuel use.

Description John Deere 5.3L 2-cyl gasoline/John Deere 5.3L 2-cyl all-fuel/John Deere 5.3L 2-cyl LP gas

ENGINE DETAIL 1

The John Deere 60 tractor, equipped with a 2-cylinder liquid-cooled gasoline engine, features a displacement of 321 ci (5.3 L) and an oil capacity of 8 qts (7.6 L), promoting adequate lubrication during operation. Its low compression ratio of 6:1 may enhance fuel efficiency but limits power output, which could be a challenge in demanding applications. When considering restoration or use, the duplex carburetor and oil bath air cleaner suggest ease of maintenance, though specific tuning may be required for optimal performance at its rated RPM of 975.

Description John Deere/gasoline/2-cylinder/liquid-cooled
Displacement 321 ci/5.3 L
Bore/Stroke 5.50x6.75 inches/140 x 171 mm
Fuel system duplex carburetor
Air cleaner oil bath
Compression 6:1
Rated RPM 975
Firing order 1-2
Starter volts 12
Oil capacity 8 qts/7.6 L
Coolant capacity 33 qts/31.2 L
Sparkplug gap 0.030 inches/0.762 mm
Point gap 0.022 inches/0.559 mm

ENGINE DETAIL 2

The John Deere 60 tractor features a robust all-fuel 2-cylinder engine with a 321 ci displacement, ideal for versatility in various fuel types, though the low compression ratio of 4.7:1 may limit power output compared to modern engines. The liquid-cooling system ensures efficient thermal management, enhancing durability during extended operations, but the oil bath air cleaner could require more maintenance in dusty environments. At a rated RPM of 975, this tractor excels in low-speed, high-torque applications typically found in agricultural settings, making it suitable for tasks like plowing and tilling.

Description John Deere/all-fuel/2-cylinder/liquid-cooled
Displacement 321 ci/5.3 L
Bore/Stroke 5.50x6.75 inches/140 x 171 mm
Air cleaner oil bath
Compression 4.7:1
Rated RPM 975
Firing order 1-2
Starter volts 12

ENGINE DETAIL 3

The John Deere 60 tractor features a 2-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 321 ci (5.3 L), providing substantial torque at lower RPMs, ideal for agricultural tasks requiring consistent power. Its oil bath air cleaner enhances engine longevity by ensuring cleaner air intake, while the 7.3:1 compression ratio allows for efficient combustion with LP gas, optimizing fuel usage. However, the relatively low rated RPM of 975 may limit its performance in high-speed applications, making it best suited for fieldwork and low-speed operations.

Description John Deere/LP gas/2-cylinder/liquid-cooled
Displacement 321 ci/5.3 L
Bore/Stroke 5.50x6.75 inches/140 x 171 mm
Air cleaner oil bath
Compression 7.3:1
Rated RPM 975
Firing order 1-2
Starter volts 12

JOHN DEERE 60 ENGINES

The John Deere 60 features a 5.3L two-cylinder engine available in gasoline, all-fuel, and LP gas variants, allowing versatility in fuel choice for different agricultural needs. Key advantages include lower emissions (in LP gas configuration) and the ability to operate on various fuels, which can enhance operational flexibility depending on fuel availability. However, the tractor's relatively lower horsepower compared to modern models may limit its use for larger-scale farming operations, particularly in heavy-duty tasks.

Description John Deere 5.3L 2-cyl gasoline/John Deere 5.3L 2-cyl all-fuel/John Deere 5.3L 2-cyl LP gas

TRANSMISSION

The John Deere 60 tractor features an unsynchronized gear transmission with 6 forward and 1 reverse gear, which facilitates simple operation but may present challenges during gear shifting, particularly under load. The dry disc clutch provides reliable control and longevity but requires proper maintenance to avoid slippage. This setup is ideal for farming tasks requiring steady speed adjustments, though users may find gear changes less smooth compared to synchronized systems.

Transmission John Deere
Type unsynchronized gear
Gears 6 forward and 1 reverse
Clutch dry disc

SPEEDS

Description With 11-38 rear tires.

MECHANICAL

The John Deere 60 tractor features a 4x2 2WD chassis, which offers good traction for lighter agricultural tasks but may struggle in challenging terrains. Its manual or optional power steering (available from 1954) enhances maneuverability, while the 6-speed unsynchronized transmission provides versatility in speed selection, though shifts may require skill and timing. The open operator station with a foam padded seat prioritizes comfort but offers limited protection from adverse weather conditions, making it more suitable for fair-weather operations.

Chassis 4x2 2WD
Steering manual/power optional (1954 on)
Brakes differential mechanical expanding shoe
Cab Open operator station with foam padded seat.
Transmission 6-speed unsynchronized gear

CAPACITY

Fuel 20.5 gal/77.6 L/28 gal/106.0 L (LP gas)
Aux. fuel 1 gal/3.8 L
Hydraulic system 1.5 gal/5.7 L

HYDRAULICS

Type Powr-Trol
Capacity 1.5 gal/5.7 L
Pressure 930 psi/64.1 bar
Valves 1
Pump flow 8.9 gpm/33.7 lpm

TRACTOR HITCH

Type John Deere 800

POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)

Rear PTO transmission/independent (optional)
Rear RPM 540 (1.375)

JOHN DEERE 60 TIRES

The John Deere 60 features an agricultural front tire size of 7.50-16, which provides good flotation and traction for light to moderate loads in varied soil conditions. The rear tire options (12-38, 9-42, and 11-42) allow for adaptability in different field applications, with the larger diameters assisting in improved ground clearance and power transfer. However, users should be mindful of potential challenges with tire wear and soil compaction on softer terrains when employing larger rear tires.

Ag front 7.50-16
Ag rear 12-38/9-42/11-42

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 90 inches/228 cm
Length 139 inches/353 cm
Width 86.625 inches/220 cm
Height (hood) 65.6 inches/166 cm
Height (exhaust) 84.1 inches/213 cm
Rear axle 3.125 inch diameter/79 mm
Rear tread 56 to 88 inches/142 to 223 cm

JOHN DEERE 60 WEIGHT

Shipping 5,300 lbs/2404 kg
Operating 5,800 lbs/2630 kg
Ballasted 7,400 lbs/3356 kg

DIMENSIONS & TIRES

The John Deere 60 tractor features a 90-inch wheelbase, providing enhanced stability and maneuverability in diverse agricultural applications. Weighing between 5,300 to 5,800 pounds, it offers solid traction, though operators should consider potential soil compaction with prolonged use in muddy or soft ground. The tire specifications, with 6.00-16 fronts and 11-38 rears, are optimal for both fieldwork and on-road transport, but may limit performance in extreme terrain unless adequately matched with appropriate attachments.

Wheelbase 90 inches/228 cm
Weight 5300 to 5800 pounds
Front tire 6.00-16
Rear tire 11-38

60 SERIAL NUMBERS

Location Right side of tractor. Either on top of frame, below the distributor or in front of the belt pulley.
1952 6000001
1953 6007694
1954 6027995
1955 6042500
1956 6057650

BELT PULLEY

Diameter 12.8 inches/32 cm
Width 7.4 inches/18 cm
RPM 975
Speed 3270 ft/min/996.70 meters/min

ELECTRICAL

Ground positive
Batteries 2
Battery volts 6


Last Updated 2025-01-01
Stephen is a passionate tractor hobbyist with a deep-seated love for all things mechanized and agricultural. Growing up in a rural setting, he developed a fascination with these mighty machines that have played a crucial role in shaping the farming industry.

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