John Deere Model R

The R was the successor to the Model D standard-tread tractor. The R had a two-cylinder side-by-side diesel engine of 415.5-cubic-inch (6,809 cc) displacement. The R required a starter motor, which was also a two-cylinder engine, horizontally opposed, burning gasoline to warm up the primary engine. The pony engine had electric start. In addition to being the first Deere diesel tractor, the R was the first to have a "live" power take-off, with its own clutch allowing independent control of the PTO. A cab option was available for the R.^[1][2][3]

The Model R was produced at the John Deere factory in Waterloo, Iowa. 21,293 were built, at a selling price of about $3,600.^[4]

From 1955 the R was replaced by the John Deere 80 with substantially increased power and a six-speed transmission. The gasoline starting engine for the diesel engines was updated from a two-cylinder opposed arrangement to a V-4. However, the new model was announced late in Deere's product cycle, and only about 3,500 were built before the next model was announced, the 820.^[5][2][6]

From 1956 the 80 was replaced by the John Deere 820. The 820 differed primarily in styling, with Deere's latest paint scheme and larger fenders. The brakes were enlarged with the 820 as well. In 1957 a larger, more powerful engine was introduced.^[2][7][8]

An industrial version of the 820 was produced, as well as the 820 Rice Special with special bearings and wheels. The 820 could be ordered with an enclosed cab.^[7]

In 1959 the John Deere 830 was introduced. It maintained the same powertrain as the 820. An electric start in lieu of the gasoline starting engine was offered for the standard wheatland models, and the Rice Special model was continued. Production ended in 1960.^[2][9][10]

820s and 830s were produced at Waterloo. 7,080 were manufactured, at a sales price of about $7,000.^[11]

• Test 406: John Deere R Diesel at the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (NTTL)
• Test 567: John Deere 80 Diesel at the NTTL