 The "D" was the first Waterloo tractor to bear the John Deere name. And the most venerable, staying in the line from its introduction in 1923 until the last "D" rolled off the assembly line and into history three decades later, in 1953. Many factors contributed to the "D"'s popularity: It operated on almost any low-cost fuel, owners frequently claiming it would burn "anything that could be poured into its tank." Parts were simple and easy to reach; repairs could be made standing up.A low initial cost put the "D" within reach of many farmers who were strapped by the post-World War I depression.It could pull three 14-inch bottoms in most soils.
The "D", like all succeeding John Deere tractors until 1960, had a rugged, dependable 2-cylinder engine. That engine, plus big, rugged gears; one- piece transmission case; and pressure lubrication to main and connecting-rod bearings and piston pins made the "D" an extremely durable machine.
Over the years, the "D" was improved with rubber tires, electric starter and lights, a powershaft, and other features as those innovations were incorporated into other John Deere tractors.
The "D" was originally rated at 27 belt-pulley hp and 15 drawbar hp.
Production Year & Serial Number
| D |
D continued |
D continued |
| 1924...30401 |
1934...116273 |
1944...155029 |
| 1925...31413 |
1935...119100 |
1945...158454 |
| 1926...35309 |
1936...125430 |
1946...161701 |
| 1927...43410 |
1937...130700 |
1947...164987 |
| 1928...54554 |
1938...138413 |
1948...171955 |
| 1929...71561 |
1939...143800 |
1949...180812 |
| 1930...NA |
1940...146500 |
1950...187703 |
| 1931...109944 |
1941...148872 |
1951...189578 |
| 1932...115509 |
1942...151887 |
1952...191178 |
| 1933...115665 |
1943...154470 |
1953...191450 |
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