John Deere 50 (20.6 kW)
Built: 07/1952–05/1956 · Series: Nummern-Serie
More machines from model year 1952
John Deere Numbered Series – Models 50, 70 and 80 from the 1950s that replaced the old lettered series at Waterloo, two-cylinder engines from 3.1 to 7.7 litres, 20.6 to 50 kW in diesel, petrol, LPG and multi-fuel form
This page brings together the John Deere Models 50, 70 and 80, with which the maker replaced its older lettered series with two-digit model numbers in the early 1950s at Waterloo, Iowa. The Model 80 of 1955 was John Deere's first production diesel tractor, while the 70 and 50 were additionally offered with petrol, LPG and multi-fuel engines. All models are built around the marque's characteristic horizontal two-cylinder engine.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists here 4 versions with 20.6 to 50 kW (28 to 68 hp) from two-cylinder engines displacing 3,111 to 7,726 cc. Unladen weights range from 2,300 to 3,861 kg, torque from 237 to 510 Nm at a rated speed of 975 to 1,250 rpm. Fuel types depending on the model span diesel, petrol, LPG and multi-fuel operation.
With the Numbered Series, John Deere rose to become a leading US tractor maker in the 1950s; the marque's characteristic two-cylinder with its deep exhaust beat shaped the brand's image for decades, before the New Generation series switched to multi-cylinder engines in 1960.
When buying used, check the condition of the two-cylinder's head and crankshaft, the tightness of the fuel system depending on engine variant, the clutch and gearbox, and rust on sheet metal and fenders. Parts are supplied by specialist vintage-tractor dealers and the John Deere network.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: John Deere Nummern-Serie, John Deere (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | Benzin, LPG, Vielstoffcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 28 hp (20.6 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1,250 rpmcorrect |
| Torque | 237 Nmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 2correct |
| Displacement | 3,111 cm³correct |
| Bore | 119.06 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 139.7 mmcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,372 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,200 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,521 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 2,286 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 616 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,300 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6 V/1 Rcorrect |
| Forward gears | 6correct |
| Reverse gears | 1correct |
| Front tyres | 5.50 x 16correct |
| Rear tyres | 11 x 38correct |
| Top speed | 17 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Fuel tank capacity | 58.7 lcorrect |
|---|
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|---|
| Units built | 32,574correct |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 9 kW/t (21 kW / 2.3 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 15% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the John Deere 50 have?
The John Deere 50 delivers 28 hp.
How much does the John Deere 50 weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,300 kg.
What engine does the John Deere 50 have?
2 cylinders, 3,111 cm³ displacement, Benzin, LPG, Vielstoff.
How fast does the John Deere 50 go?
Top speed is 17 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the John Deere 50?
3,372 mm × 2,200 mm × 1,521 mm.
When was the John Deere 50 built?
Production years: 07/1952–05/1956.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
We do not sell machines. We ask the dealers who carry this model and come back with price and lead time.
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This page carries 27 individual figures for this model. They come from 2 recorded sources; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.