John Deere MT

Last Updated: July 2024

Overview

The John Deere MT is a classic row-crop tractor designed for small farm operations and recognized for its reliability and performance. Manufactured by John Deere from 1949 to 1952 in Dubuque, Iowa, the MT marks an era of advancement in tractor design, bridging the gap between the old and new with its introduction of modern comforts like electric starters. The tractor's 4x2 chassis supports an inline, 2-cylinder, 1.6L gasoline engine which provides 20.78 horsepower to tackle a variety of tasks. Despite its age, the John Deere MT remains a favorite among collectors and farmers who appreciate its simplicity and ease of repair. Its mechanical features include an unsynchronized gear transmission with 4 forward gears (1.75, 3.25, 4.5, 11-12 mph) and 1 reverse gear (1.75 mph), manual steering, and single disc brakes, coupled with a hydraulic lift control system for implement control. The open operator station provides straightforward accessibility for the driver, while the tractor's overall size ensures maneuverability in the fields.

Key Specifications

Category: Row Crop

Power Output: 20.78

Transmission: Unsynchronized Gear

Drive Type: 2WD

Operating Weight: 3233

Fuel Type: Gasoline

John Deere MT vs. Similar Tractors

Power Output

Poor

Greater than 0% of similar tractors.

Operating Weight

Below Average

Greater than 17% of similar tractors.

Technical Specifications

Engine

Manufacturer: John Deere
Model: John Deere
Cooling Type: Liquid-cooled
Cylinder Orientation: Inline
Valve Configuration: -
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Induction Type: Naturally aspirated
Cylinders: 2
Displacement (ci): 100.5
Bore (in): 4.02
Stroke (in): 4.02
Rated RPM: 1650
Power Output (hp): 20.78

Transmission

Type: Unsynchronized Gear
Forward Gears: 4
Reverse Gears: 1
Total Gears: -

Dimensions

Length (in): 125.2
Width (in): 89.4
Height (in): 58.7
Operating Weight (lb): 3233

Power Take-Off (PTO)

PTO Type: -
PTO Speed 1 (rpm): 550
PTO Speed 2 (rpm): -
PTO Speed 3 (rpm): -

Miscellaneous

Chassis: 4x2
Drive Type: 2WD
Steering Type: Manual
Coolant Capacity (qts): 13.9
Front Tire Diameter (in): -
Front Tire Width (in): -
Rear Tire Diameter (in): -
Rear Tire Width (in): -
Front/Rear Rim Diameter (in): -
Tire Type: Ag
Manufacture - End Year: 1952
Hitch Type: -
Hitch Category: -
Hitch Position: -
Hitch Capacity (lb): -
Operator Station Type: Open
Starter Type: Electric
Brake Type: Single Disc; Gear Reduction (brake drum to rear wheel): 5.214:1
Hydraulic System Type: Hydraulic Lift Control

Test Results

Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory - Test Date: September 7 to September 16, 1949

Maximum Power and Fuel Consumption

Maximum Belt Horsepower (Test B - 100% Maximum Load): 20.78 HP at 1651 RPM
Fuel Consumption at Maximum Belt Horsepower: 2.071 Gal/hr with a fuel efficiency of 10.03 HP.hr/gal

Drawbar Performance

Maximum Drawbar Power (Test F - 100% Maximum Load - 3rd Gear): 18.27 HP with a drawbar pull of 1455 lbs and a speed of 4.71 mph
Fuel Consumption at Maximum Drawbar Power: 2.071 Gal/hr with a fuel efficiency of 8.61 HP.hr/gal

Torque and Engine Performance

Rated Engine Speed: 1650 RPM
Compression Ratio: 6.0:1

Overall Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency at Rated Engine Speed (1650 RPM): 11.2 HP.hr/gal
Average Fuel Consumption: 1.674 Gal/hr over one hour at operating maximum load

Additional Information

Manufactured by: John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works of Deere Manufacturing Company, Dubuque, Iowa

Nebraska Tractor Test Lab, "Test 423: John Deere MT" (1949). Nebraska Tractor Tests. 89.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/tractormuseumlit/89