| Manufacturer |
John Deere |
| Price |
1,075(USD) |
| Model |
M |
| Equipment Type |
Utility Tractors |
| Factory |
Dubuque, Iowa, USA |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 387 2
| Description |
Gasoline 4-speed 2WD October 6 - 16, 1947 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 387 file Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Belt power (max) |
20.45hp / 15.2kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) |
2.0gal/hour / 7.6l/hour |
| Max power |
18.15hp / 13.5kW |
| Max pull |
2,329lbs / 1056kg |
JOHN DEERE M POWER
| Drawbar (claimed) |
18hp / 13.4kW |
| Belt (claimed) |
20hp / 14.9kW |
| Drawbar (tested) |
18.15hp / 13.5kW |
| Belt (tested) |
20.45hp / 15.2kW |
ENGINE DETAIL
The John Deere M tractor features a gasoline 2-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 1.6L and a low compression ratio of 6:1, which enhances fuel versatility—capable of running on all-fuel. At 1650 RPM, its moderate speed aligns well for light to medium-duty agricultural tasks, although power output should be evaluated against heavier implements. Maintenance considerations include ensuring proper oil (5 quarts) and coolant (14 quarts) levels, with specific attention to spark plug (0.025 inches) and valve clearances, which may impact engine efficiency if not correctly adjusted.
| Description |
John Deere gasoline 2-cylinder liquid-cooled, The model M engine was also available as an all-fuel engine. Production numbers are unknown |
| Displacement |
100.5ci / 1.6L |
| Bore/Stroke |
4.00x4.00inches / 102x 102mm |
| Compression |
6:1 |
| Rated RPM |
1650 |
| Firing order |
1-2 |
| Starter volts |
6 |
| Oil capacity |
5qts / 4.7L |
| Coolant capacity |
14qts / 13.2L |
| Sparkplug gap |
0.025inches / 0.635mm |
| Point gap |
0.022inches / 0.559mm |
| Intake valve clearance |
0.012inches / 0.305mm *Cold |
| Exhaust valve clearance |
0.012inches / 0.305mm *Cold |
JOHN DEERE M ENGINE
The John Deere M tractor is powered by a 1.6L 2-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering suitable power for light agricultural tasks and maintenance works. Its 10-gallon (37.9L) fuel tank provides extended operational time, which is advantageous for prolonged tasks without frequent refueling. However, the smaller engine capacity may limit power output compared to larger models, posing challenges during demanding applications or heavy towing scenarios.
| Description |
John Deere 1.6L 2-cyl gasoline |
| Fuel tank |
10gal / 37.9L |
TRANSMISSION
The John Deere M tractor features an unsynchronized gear transmission with 4 forward and 1 reverse speed, which limits the smooth shifting experience and may require double-clutching for engagement, particularly in heavy load conditions. The unsynchronized setup can be advantageous for operators experienced with manual gear tractors, providing reliability and simplicity, but may pose a challenge for beginners desiring ease of operation. This design suits agricultural tasks with variable speed needs but is less efficient for high-speed transport applications.
| Type |
unsynchronized gear |
| Gears |
4 forward and 1 reverse |
SPEEDS
| Description |
With 9-24 rear tires |
MECHANICAL
The John Deere M tractor features a 4x2 2WD chassis, which offers simplicity and lower maintenance costs, though it may limit traction on uneven terrain. Its manual steering system provides a more direct driving experience, but requires greater operator effort, especially during longer usage. The open operator station enhances visibility and airflow, ideal for warm weather operations, while the 4-speed unsynchronized transmission may present shifting challenges, particularly under load.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD |
| Steering |
manual |
| Brakes |
differential mechanical disc |
| Cab |
Open operator station |
| Transmission |
4-speed unsynchronized gear |
HYDRAULICS
| Type |
Touch-O-Matic |
| Pressure |
700psi / 48.3bar |
| Total flow |
4.25gpm / 16.1lpm / 10W |
TRACTOR HITCH
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
transmission |
| Rear RPM |
550 |
JOHN DEERE M TIRES
The John Deere M tractor is designed for agricultural applications, featuring 5.00x15 front tires which provide good maneuverability in tight spaces, and larger 9-24/10-24 rear tires that enhance traction and stability on varied terrain. This configuration may offer improved load-carrying capacity and allow for better performance in fieldwork scenarios. However, users should consider the potential for limited ground clearance with this tire setup in particularly rough or uneven ground conditions.
| Ag front |
5.00x15 |
| Ag rear |
9-24/10-24 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
70inches / 177cm |
| Length |
110inches / 279cm |
| Width |
51inches / 129cm |
| Height (hood) |
56inches / 142cm |
| Height (exhaust) |
66inches / 167cm |
| Operating weight |
2600lbs / 1179kg |
| Ground clearance |
21inches / 53cm |
| Front tread |
38 to 52inches / 96to 132cm |
| Rear tread |
38 to 52inches / 96to 132cm |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The John Deere M tractor features a compact 70-inch wheelbase, providing enhanced maneuverability in tight spaces but potentially limiting stability on uneven terrain. Its weight of 2600 lbs allows for adequate ballast for traction; however, it may require suitable groundwork or tire configuration for optimal performance in muddy conditions. The front tire size of 4.00x15 paired with rear tires of 8-24 indicates a balance between agility and ground contact, making it ideal for light agricultural tasks but potentially less effective for heavy draft work.
| Wheelbase |
70inches / 177cm |
| Weight |
2600lbs / 1179kg |
| Front tire |
4.00x15 |
| Rear tire |
8-24 |
M SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location |
Serial number plate located on the lower part of dash |
| 1947 |
10001 |
| 1948 |
13734 |
| 1949 |
25604 |
| 1950 |
35659 |
| 1951 |
43525 |
| 1952 |
50580 |
| Final |
55799 |
BELT PULLEY
| Diameter |
7.25inches / 18cm |
| Width |
6.4inches / 16cm |
| RPM |
1575 |
| Speed |
2989ft/min / 911.05meters/min |
ELECTRICAL
| Ground |
positive |
| Battery volts |
6 |
