John Deere R - Delivery, Learn to Start, and First Drive 

My Dad worked for John Deere at the Waterloo, IA factory plant and started on the design team for the Model R tractor in 1936. First production was 1949, and he was mighty proud of that Model R. Went on to be on that diesel team until they dropped the 2-cyl models, then followed the early 4 and 6 cyl engines for several years before they began production.

Wow what a beautiful piece of john deere history

Good things come to those who wait. Congrats! Nice looking R

This tractor was THE monster tractor of its day in the Deere lineup, and I believe the most fuel efficient diesel engine ever until the 70s when CAT took back their title. A close friend of my grandpa's has one and its always a treat to hear her slowly thunder down the track in the tractor pull come fair time

This video brings back a ton of memories for me. The sound of the pup motor, the diesel engaging, the way it always sounds like it is going to stall when you engage that pain in the ass hand clutch. I grew up running one of these and it’s been over 30 years since I’ve even seen one. Surprisingly, I still remembered the steps to start it. Such good memories!

Ya cant hide a smile that wide!

Beautiful old R! She sounds good too.

Oh man, that looks fun! Congrats!

This is the best video I've seen of an R looking and sounding original or restored. Love the sound of the low idle. Thanks for sharing.

Always when you shut off main big diesel motor very important to pull back the compression release level fully and holding it back until diesel motor stops. This saves the Crank shaft slides ends. Just trying to help make it last longer.

Nice find!!

My uncle just told me the JD-R was the tractor he operated at the families Montana farm when he was a young man. Last night he told me it probably cost him his hearing due to the long hours in the field. After watching this video he's probably right. It's a loud beast. By today's standard it's a toy but back in the 50's it was a work horse of a machine. Great video! Now I can actually see what my uncle is talking about.

Nice tractor. You gotta work the snot outta those to gain any water temp. Have to check to see if the rad shutters are closed. I've owned an 820 Deere, (Rs big brother) and I've seen it get to 190 water temp twice in 3 years I've owned it. Both times was with a 12 ft cultivator sunk as deep as it would go with 12x4 chain harrows behind on a 100*F day. I use mine a lot around the farm, used it this summer to draw grain to the feed mill which is hilly and 25 minutes each way drive. Drove it from 11am till 8pm takes grain down and unloading it and coming back over and over again and it was in the 90s*f and it never reached 150 on the water temp.

I love your channel! So much cool content!

Nice. On a cold day(below freezing temp) you can tie both levers back until pony runs out of gas. Refill pony tank, and start it up again. Then the tractor main engine should start easier.

Started running an R when I was 12 (76 now) and still have 2 in the barn, a '51 & '53. Had some 830's, but the R has always been my favorite. Very good on fuel & will pull all day long! The first one I ran as a kid was on steel. The big engine on yours did not seem to start well. I always start with the throttle on idle. Might try that and see if it pops quicker. It could be that it just hasn't been run much as of late. Also, I would add some diesel conditioner to the fuel. Good luck and have fun.

Nice R Jd , I perfer the 830 & 80 jd 6 gear transmission & power steering. 👨‍🌾

You should take it to plow day. I'd like to hear it under a load.

The JD R it one of my favorites, always what to sit on one. Do you still have it?

what size are those rear tires?they look really short,compared to ours and others u see around

Where do you live?! That place is beautiful

Hey jonelsonster, great new vid. I saw you take requests. There’s a gap in your 2-Cyl JD collection. Tell your old man that you need an MC or 420 crawler. I’d love to see footage on that one, start to finish. Love the vids, keep ‘em coming!!

Oh, you also need a 435 with the 2-cycle Detroit diesel. Not 2 cylinder… but very cool; I’d love to see that one too!