| Manufacturer | Waterloo Boy |
| Price | 850(USD) |
| Model | R |
| Equipment Type | Standard-Tread Tractors |
| Factory | Waterloo, Iowa, USA |
WATERLOO BOY R POWER
| Drawbar (claimed) | 12 hp/8.9 kW |
| Belt (claimed) | 25 hp/18.6 kW |
| Plows | 3 (14-inch) |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Waterloo Boy R tractor features a robust lineup of kerosene engines, with displacements of 5.4L, 6.5L, and 7.6L, all utilizing a two-cylinder configuration for operational efficiency. The primary advantage of kerosene is the potential for lower fuel costs and better combustion characteristics in cold weather, improving starting reliability. However, fuel availability and engine tuning for optimal performance can present challenges, particularly in regions where kerosene is not commonly used.
| Description | Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company 5.4L 2-cyl kerosene/Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company 6.5L 2-cyl kerosene/Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company 7.6L 2-cyl kerosene |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Waterloo Boy R, featuring a 330 ci (5.4 L) displacement and a low compression ratio of 3.91:1, exhibits robust performance primarily for early agricultural applications, particularly suitable for low-speed operations at a rated RPM of 700. Its horizontal, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder engine design not only ensured reliability but also laid the groundwork for future John Deere two-cylinder models, showcasing a significant advancement in tractor technology at the time. The hand-crank starter may present a challenge in operator convenience and safety compared to modern electric starters, indicating the machine’s limitations in user-friendliness.
| Description | Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company/kerosene/2-cylinder/liquid-cooled/Original engine, used until 1915, Waterloo Boy R serial number 1114 (RA to RD). This horizontal engine design was the basis for John Deere two-cylinder tractor engines used for the following forty-six years. |
| Displacement | 330 ci/5.4 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 5.50x7.00 inches/140 x 178 mm |
| Compression | 3.91:1 |
| Rated RPM | 700 |
| Firing order | 1-2 |
| Starter type | hand-crank |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Waterloo Boy R tractor features a robust 396 ci (6.5 L) two-cylinder engine with a 6-inch bore and 7-inch stroke, yielding a low compression ratio of 3.91:1 for efficient kerosene operation, optimal for early 20th-century agricultural tasks. Its rated RPM of 750 limits its operational speed, ideal for tasks such as plowing but potentially challenging for high-speed applications. The hand-crank starting mechanism may present usability challenges compared to modern electric starters, impacting user convenience, especially during cold starts.
| Description | Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company/kerosene/2-cylinder/liquid-cooled/The six-inch bore engine was used on the Waterloo Boy R from 1915 until 1917 (RE to RK), serial number 6728. A detachable cylinder head was introduced at serial number 1610 (RH). |
| Displacement | 396 ci/6.5 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 6.00x7.00 inches/152 x 178 mm |
| Compression | 3.91:1 |
| Rated RPM | 750 |
| Firing order | 1-2 |
| Starter type | hand-crank |
ENGINE DETAIL 3
The Waterloo Boy R tractor features a robust 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled kerosene engine with a displacement of 465 ci (7.6 L) and a low compression ratio of 3.91:1, which may impact power output compared to modern standards. Its design facilitates a hand-crank starter, making it essential to ensure proper technique and physical capability for operation, particularly in remote scenarios without electric start options. With a rated RPM of 750 and a bore/stroke configuration of 6.50x7.00 inches, this model excels in durability, suitable for heavy-duty agricultural tasks, though potential challenges include limited speed and efficiency at contemporary workload demands.
| Description | Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company/kerosene/2-cylinder/liquid-cooled/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. |
| Displacement | 465 ci/7.6 L |
| Bore/Stroke | 6.50x7.00 inches/165 x 178 mm |
| Compression | 3.91:1 |
| Rated RPM | 750 |
| Firing order | 1-2 |
| Starter type | hand-crank |
| Coolant capacity | 34 qts/32.2 L |
WATERLOO BOY R ENGINES
The Waterloo Boy R tractor features a robust range of kerosene engine options, providing 5.4L, 6.5L, and 7.6L configurations with two cylinders, which enables efficient torque for plowing and heavy-duty tasks. Its large 20-gallon fuel tank offers extended operational time, while the auxiliary 1-gallon tank can support starting or auxiliary power needs. One challenge is the reliance on kerosene, which may limit fuel availability in certain areas; however, the ability to use multiple engine sizes allows for tailored performance based on load requirements.
| Description | Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company 5.4L 2-cyl kerosene/Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company 6.5L 2-cyl kerosene/Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company 7.6L 2-cyl kerosene |
| Fuel tank | 20 gal/75.7 L |
| Aux. fuel | 1 gal/3.8 L |
TRANSMISSION
The Waterloo Boy R features a simple unsynchronized gear system with only one forward and one reverse gear, making it easy to operate yet limiting versatility in varied terrain or speed requirements. The left-hand lever for gear selection combined with a foot-operated clutch provides straightforward control, which may benefit novice operators. However, the lack of multiple gears can hinder performance in agricultural tasks requiring variable power settings or speeds.
| Type | unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 1 forward and reverse |
| Description | Left-hand lever controls forward and reverse gear selection. Foot-operated clutch. |
MECHANICAL
The Waterloo Boy R tractor features a 4x2 2WD chassis which provides basic traction, suitable for light agricultural tasks. Its manual chain and capstan steering and brakes may limit maneuverability and stop-response efficiency under demanding conditions. While the open operator station with a steel pan seat ensures visibility and accessibility, it may expose the operator to weather elements, making it less comfortable for prolonged use.
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
| Steering | manual chain and capstan |
| Brakes | manual |
| Cab | Open operator station with steel pan seat |
| Transmission | 1-speed unsynchronized gear |
WATERLOO BOY R TIRES
The Waterloo Boy R tractor features 28 x 6-inch steel front wheels and 52 x 10-inch steel rear wheels, providing a robust foundation for stability and traction in agricultural applications. The larger rear wheels enhance the tractor's ability to navigate uneven terrain and improved pull capacity while the smaller front wheels aid in maneuverability. However, the all-steel construction may lead to increased weight and reduced ride comfort compared to pneumatic tires, potentially limiting its use on softer soil conditions.
| Ag front | 28 x 6 steel |
| Ag rear | 52 x 10 steel |
DIMENSIONS
| Length | 143 inches/363 cm |
| Width | 72 inches/182 cm |
| Height | 63 inches/160 cm |
| Weight | 6200 lbs/2812 kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Waterloo Boy R tractor, weighing 6200 lbs (2812 kg), features 28-inch front tires and 52-inch rear tires, providing a notable center of gravity for stability during operation. The larger rear tires enhance traction and lift capacity, making it suitable for tasks requiring substantial pulling power, but may limit maneuverability in tighter spaces. Operators should consider the tractor's weight when working on softer terrain, as the heavier mass can lead to sinking or high soil compaction.
| Weight | 6200 lbs/2812 kg |
| Front tire | 28 |
| Rear tire | 52 |
R SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location | Right side of engine, near starting crank |
| 1914 | 1026 |
| 1915 | 1401 |
| 1916 | 3556 |
| 1917 | 6982 |
| Final | 11020 |
| Description | /how to read serial numbers.../ |