Waterloo Boy L, LA, N, R

Progenitors of John Deere tractors: the Froelich, first gasoline tractor to propel itself backward as well as forward, and the Waterloo Boy Model "N." Introduced in 1917, the "N" was in production when the company John Froelich helped organize became the John Deere Tractor Company in 1918. The "N" remained in production another six years until it was replaced by the "D."The Waterloo Boy Model "N" produced 12 drawbar and 25 belt hp with its 2-cylinder, kerosene-burning engine operating at 750 rpm. Its features included a combined pressure feed and splash lubrication system; pump, fan, and radiator cooling system; cone clutch; open spur gear and pinion final drives. Forward speeds: 2 1/4 and 3 mph. When Nebraska initiated its tractor testing program, a Waterloo Boy Model "N" was the first tractor tested. Dates of that test: March 31 to April 9, 1920. Production Year & Serial Number Waterloo Boy L & LA Waterloo Boy N Waterloo Boy R 1914 1000 1917 10020 1915 1026 1918 1021 1916 1401 1919 13461 1917 3556 1921 27026 1918 6982 1922 27812 1919 9056 1923 28119 1924 29520 Copyright© 2003 Deere & Company Archives