First John Deere Tractor Model D History

The John Deere D, introduced in 1923, was the first of what would become one of the most famous tractor designs in the world: the two-cylinder "letter series" tractors. The D was also named 15-27, for the drawbar and PTO/flywheel horsepower ratings.

Fuel

Like many other tractors of the era, the John Deere D was initially designed to operate on kerosene or distillate fuel, although later gasoline versions were available.

Power output

The 1924 Nebraska Tractor Test found the 15-27 D to produce 27.11 horsepower continuously for a two-hour test, while using 3 gallons of kerosene per hour.

Drawbar pull

According to the same tractor test, the D was able to pull 1786 pounds at the drawbar at a speed of 3.52 miles per hour for a 10 hour test, while using 2.71 gallons of kerosene per hour.

Years of production

The John Deere D was produced for 30 years, from 1923 to 1953.

Styling change

The D received the sheet metal style change in 1939, two years later than the A and B John Deeres.

References

• "Nebraska Tractor Test 102: John Deere D 15-27": University of Nebraska-Lincoln; 1924
• Tractor Data: "John Deere D"
• Tractor Data: "John Deere Styled D"
• Antique Farming: "John Deere Tractor Model D"