The John Deere M, a revered member of the Two-Cylinder Letter Series, epitomizes a pivotal era in farming history, produced from 1947 to 1952. Born from John Deere’s Dubuque factory in Iowa, USA, it revolutionized post-war agriculture with groundbreaking features like the Touch-O-Matic hydraulic system and standard PTO. With over 45,000 units built, it holds a cherished place in agricultural heritage. Coveted by collectors for its enduring charm and historical significance, the M continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide, symbolizing the ingenuity and resilience of American farming.
| John Deere M Specifications |
|---|
| Model Years | 1947 – 1952 |
| Series | Two-Cylinder Letter Series |
| Type | Utility Tractor |
| Factory | Dubuque, Iowa, USA |
| Total Built | 45,799 |
| Original Price | $1,075 (1952) |
| Variants |
|---|
| M | Utility |
| MT | Row-Crop |
| MC | Crawler |
| MI | Industrial |
| John Deere M Power |
|---|
| Drawbar (Claimed) | 18 hp (13.4 kW) |
| Belt (Claimed) | 20 hp (14.9 kW) |
| Drawbar (Tested) | 18.15 hp (13.5 kW) |
| Belt (Tested) | 20.45 hp (15.2 kW) |
| Engine Details |
|---|
| Brand | John Deere |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 100.5 ci (1.6 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00×4.00 inches (102 x 102 mm) |
| Compression | 6:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1650 |
| Starter Volts | 6 |
| Oil Capacity | 5 qts (4.7 L) |
| Coolant Capacity | 14 qts (13.2 L) |
| Transmission |
|---|
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
| Mechanical |
|---|
| Chassis | 4×2 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential mechanical disc |
| Cab | Open operator station |
| Hydraulics |
|---|
| Type | Touch-O-Matic |
| Pressure | 700 psi (48.3 bar) |
| Total Flow | 4.25 gpm (16.1 lpm) |
| Oil Type | 10W |
| Tractor Hitch |
|---|
| Type | Deere Quik-Tatch |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
| Rear RPM | 550 |
| John Deere M Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front | 4.00×15 |
| Ag Rear | 8-24, 9-24, 10-24 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 70 inches (177 cm) |
| Length | 110 inches (279 cm) |
| Width | 51 inches (129 cm) |
| Height (Hood) | 56 inches (142 cm) |
| Height (Exhaust) | 66 inches (167 cm) |
| Operating Weight | 2600 lbs (1179 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 21 inches (53 cm) |
| Front Tread | 38 to 52 inches (96 to 132 cm) |
| Rear Tread | 38 to 52 inches (96 to 132 cm) |
| Belt Pulley |
|---|
| Diameter | 7.25 inches (18 cm) |
| Width | 6.4 inches (16 cm) |
| RPM | 1575 |
| Speed | 2989 ft/min (911.05 meters/min) |
| Electrical |
|---|
| Ground | Positive |
| Battery Volts | 6 |
| M Serial Numbers |
|---|
| Location | Serial number plate located on the lower part of dash. |
| 1947 | 10001 |
| 1948 | 13734 |
| 1949 | 25604 |
| 1950 | 35659 |
| 1951 | 43525 |
| 1952 | 50580 |
| Final | 55799 |
John Deere M Overview
The John Deere M, a distinguished member of the Two-Cylinder Letter Series, stands as a hallmark of agricultural heritage, spanning production from 1947 to 1952. Emerging from John Deere’s Dubuque factory in Iowa, USA, this iconic utility tractor, alongside its variants like the MT, MC, and MI, marked a significant transition in farming technology. Its introduction post-World War II signaled a new era, replacing models like the H, L, and LA with pioneering features such as the Touch-O-Matic hydraulic system, PTO, and electric starting. With over 45,000 units produced, the M series exudes a timeless charm that continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Beyond its historical significance, the John Deere M holds considerable value in the realm of agricultural memorabilia and vintage machinery collecting. Its rugged yet elegant design, coupled with its pivotal role in shaping post-war farming practices, makes it a prized addition to any collection. Moreover, the M’s reliability and enduring performance ensure its appeal not just as a collectible but also as a functional piece of equipment for farmsteads and rural properties. As a testament to its enduring legacy, serial numbers ranging from 1947 to 1952 provide insight into its production history, further enhancing its allure for enthusiasts and historians alike.
Today, the John Deere M stands as a cherished symbol of American agricultural ingenuity, with restored models commanding significant interest and value among collectors. Its enduring popularity and scarcity of well-preserved specimens contribute to its status as a sought-after piece of farming history. Whether displayed in museums, showcased at vintage tractor shows, or lovingly restored for practical use, the John Deere M continues to embody the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that defines the legacy of John Deere and the broader agricultural industry.
