| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Price | 517(USD) |
| Model | L |
| Equipment Type | Utility Tractors |
| Factory | Moline, Illinois, USA |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 313
| Description | Gasoline November 4, 1938 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 313 file Drawbar performance |
| Belt power (max) | 10.42hp / 7.8kW |
| Max power | 9.06hp / 6.8kW |
| Max pull | 1,235lbs / 560kg |
JOHN DEERE L POWER
| Drawbar (claimed) | 7.01hp / 5.2kW |
| Belt (claimed) | 9.27hp / 6.9kW |
| Plows | 1 (12-inch) |
| Drawbar (tested) | 9.06hp / 6.8kW |
| Belt (tested) | 10.42hp / 7.8kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The John Deere L tractor is equipped with a 1.1L 2-cylinder gasoline engine, offering a balance of power and efficiency for small to medium farming tasks. Key advantages include its compact size for maneuverability and relatively low fuel consumption; however, limited horsepower may challenge operations requiring heavier implements. This tractor excels in small-scale gardening or orchard work, but may struggle in larger agricultural applications.
| Description | John Deere 1.1L 2-cyl gasoline Hercules 0.9L 2-cyl gasoline Hercules 1.1L 2-cyl gasoline |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The John Deere L tractor is powered by a 1.1L, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 66.4 cubic inches, providing efficient cooling and maintenance under load. With a bore and stroke of 3.25x4.00 inches, it exhibits a robust torque profile at a rated RPM of 1550, which is ideal for agricultural applications requiring low-end power. The 10-quart coolant capacity ensures the engine operates within optimal temperature ranges, although periodic maintenance is essential to mitigate potential overheating issues during extended use.
| Description | John Deere gasoline 2-cylinder liquid-cooled, Final engine. Used from serial number 640000 through the end of production |
| Displacement | 66.4ci / 1.1L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.25x4.00inches / 83x 102mm |
| Rated RPM | 1550 |
| Firing order | 1-2 |
| Coolant capacity | 10qts / 9.5L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The John Deere L tractor features a robust Hercules NXA gasoline engine providing efficient power with a displacement of 56.5 ci, ideal for light agricultural tasks. The 3.00 x 4.00-inch bore and stroke optimize torque delivery, but the dual-cylinder configuration may limit high-speed applications. Its 1-2 firing order ensures smooth operation, making it suitable for antique restoration enthusiasts and collectors seeking a classic farming experience.
| Description | Hercules NXA gasoline 2-cylinder liquid-cooled Original engine, used until 1938, SN 622580 |
| Displacement | 56.5ci / 0.9L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.00x4.00inches / 76x 102mm |
| Firing order | 1-2 |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The John Deere L tractor features a Hercules NXB gasoline engine with a modest displacement of 66.4 ci (1.1L) and a bore/stroke ratio of 3.25x4.00 inches, indicating a focus on torque production suitable for agricultural tasks. Its liquid-cooled design aids in engine longevity and consistent performance, though the 2-cylinder configuration may limit power under heavy loads compared to modern 4-cylinder tractors. While it offers a classic and reliable option for vintage collectors, the age and specifications suggest challenges in parts availability and efficiency when compared to contemporary models.
| Description | Hercules NXB gasoline 2-cylinder/liquid-cooled/Second engine, used until 1941, SN 634840 |
| Displacement | 66.4ci / 1.1L |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.25x4.00inches / 83x 102mm |
JOHN DEERE L ENGINES
The John Deere L tractor features a choice of Hercules gasoline engines, with the larger 1.1L 2-cylinder option providing enhanced power for effective applications. A 6-gallon (22.7L) fuel tank allows for extended operation time between refueling, making it suitable for smaller farming tasks and residential uses. However, the relatively small engine size may pose challenges for more demanding applications or heavy loads.
| Description | John Deere 1.1L 2-cyl gasoline Hercules 0.9L 2-cyl gasoline Hercules 1.1L 2-cyl gasoline |
| Fuel tank | 6gal / 22.7L |
TRANSMISSION
The John Deere L tractor features an unsynchronized gear transmission with 3 forward and 1 reverse gear, which may make shifting under load challenging and requires precise timing. Its simplicity can improve reliability and ease of maintenance, but operators need to be cautious in matching engine RPMs to gear speeds for smooth transitions. Ideal for small-scale farming or hobbyists, this tractor excels in light utility tasks but may not be suited for heavy-duty applications due to its limited gear range.
| Type | unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
MECHANICAL
The John Deere L tractor features a 4x2 2WD chassis that provides good maneuverability but may struggle on uneven terrain compared to 4WD options. Its manual steering can enhance operator control in tight spaces, though it may require more physical effort, especially during long hours of operation. The 3-speed unsynchronized transmission allows basic gear selection, which can limit operational speed flexibility, making it more suitable for lighter, low-speed tasks rather than heavy-duty applications.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
| Steering | manual |
| Transmission | 3-speed unsynchronized gear |
JOHN DEERE L TIRES
The John Deere L tractor features a lightweight design that enhances maneuverability, ideal for small-scale farming and gardening applications. The front tires (4.00x15) provide adequate steering response, while the larger rear tires (6.00x22) improve traction and weight distribution for pulling operations. However, its lower horsepower may limit its effectiveness for heavier agricultural tasks, making it best suited for light to moderate-duty use.
| Ag front | 4.00x15 |
| Ag rear | 6.00x22 |
DIMENSIONS
| Length | 91inches / 231cm |
| Width | 49inches / 124cm |
| Height | 57inches / 144cm |
| Weight | 1,515lbs / 687kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The John Deere L tractor, weighing 1,515 lbs (687 kg), balances agility and stability, making it ideal for light agricultural tasks. Its tire sizes—4.00x15 at the front and 6.00x22 at the rear—provide good traction and maneuverability, though the smaller front tires may limit heavy lifting capabilities. Overall, this model is suitable for smaller farms or gardens, but may struggle in rugged terrains or with heavy implements.
| Weight | 1,515lbs / 687kg |
| Front tire | 4.00x15 |
| Rear tire | 6.00x22 |
L SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location | Right side of rear axle |
| 1937 | 621000 |
| 1938 | 621079 |
| 1939 | 626265 |
| 1940 | 630160 |
| 1941 | 634191 |
| 1942 | 640000 |
| 1943 | 640738 |
| 1944 | 641038 |
| 1945 | 641538 |
| 1946 | 641958 |
| Final | 642038 |