John Deere R - Start-up and Haul Home

For the first time in at least 20 years we get the Model R that we rescued from a field moving under its own power. We load it and bring it home for a second shot at life. #tractor #revival #willitstart #johndeere

[@MusicandTractors]

My favorite part was seeing the smile on your dads face when that old girl turned over! Like a kid in a candy store. I just lost my dad recently and have been digging up videos like these in memory of him. He would have smiled just like yours.

[@jonelsonster]

I'm sorry. Losing a parent is not easy. My wife's mother passed away recently too and I never would have thought it would be as hard as it is. I know that one day my dad will no longer be here to work with. I do these videos because I enjoy sharing our adventures, but I've often thought that I'll reflect on these videos to remember him after he passes. Thanks for sharing. These are good times.

[@johnnorman7708]

This kind of work is special. There is so much stuff that deserves to be saved and even used again.

[@jonelsonster]

We try to use everything we have. This one is no exception. We are waiting on a set of rear tires so we can use it. These tires on it ended up being shot.

[@georgewhitehead8185]

When I was a 5 year old little boy, I went to Nebraska in 1950, to my Uncle LaSalle, and Art, and they had a 1949 John Deer R. That tractor was just one year old, and I fell in love with it. I can still remember it to this day, its sound, its smell...it was a wonderful tractor, and what a memory this video brings back. Thanks to you Mister, and your Son as well. Doctor George Whitehead

[@jonelsonster]

All senses are used when on one of these old diesels... Well maybe not taste😂

[@Pw-f100]

Great father and son video guys❤

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks!

[@jefffirefighter12106]

I was taught to pull the decompression level and let the big motor shut off that way so as not to break the crank shaft, when the pistons roll back and forth against compression by just shutting off the fuel at the throttle/button lever. My uncle was a Deere mechanic when the (R)'s came out. He told me he seen a lot of JD 2 cylinders Diesels with broken cranks because of not decompressing the big motor to shut it down. Just a suggestion, so you don't have to replace a crank that's 70 years old.

[@jonelsonster]

We normally do. My dad just didn't this time.

[@James-fu8fj]

I’m glad to see a few of us still remember what grandpa showed us huh?

[@rickiemckillip8124]

And Also Flywheels Working Loose

[@markbernier8434]

Did he give any advice on how long to run the pony before cracking fuel to the main engine? Temp dependent?

[@user-fx4od6rq7g]

That's solid advice, something I'll use on my R now.

[@brianhdueck3372]

Congratulations on a couple of fine tractors you bought there! That’s some beautiful countryside you have there.

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks!

[@frosty8563]

I cannot believe how straight the sheet metal is ! Sound great

[@jonelsonster]

Yes, it's remarkably clean and straight. That's why we picked it up. We didn't really need another model R, but since we had the opportunity, we jumped on it.

[@tjcleave2646]

what a nice R Straight tin, looks all original, even the tires look original thats a real nice machine

[@jonelsonster]

It's been repainted once. But it was a long time ago because it looks old again. 😅 But it is remarkably straight. It's the straightest old tractor I've ever seen.

[@spencer1096]

Wow that’s is awesome to see something start for the first time in years let alone drive out of the spot it was sitting in th ground

[@jonelsonster]

We can't complain. It is like it just wanted to get back to work.

[@davidturner226]

I worked at and ran Deere dealerships for years in Minnesota. How long you run the pony really doesn't matter and there is just too much cold iron for that little engine to warm. On both CAT and Deere just wait until the pony is running smoothly and the hit it. We commonly filled a garbage can lid with corn cobs or charcoal and let it set under the oil pan until it was hot to the touch. Started at -10 every time.

[@jonelsonster]

I agree with you totally! Trying to heat the big engine using the small pony would take a long time. So you just want to run the pony engine long enough to get it warm...probably 1 to 3 minutes is what i'd guess. Then hit it!

[@keepcalmandfarmon5401]

The JD A makes a good pony motor!

[@jonelsonster]

Sure does. It's a35 HP pony motor. But I was actually surprised that it lived my A down as much as it did.

[@AndrewHCann]

Congratulations get John Deere R on trailer okay and getting home also fix up pony motor too! Looking forward see more to it also and repairs too!

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks! 👍🏼

[@scrotiemcboogerballs1981]

Great job love seeing the old iron being saved and back to life thanks for sharing

[@jonelsonster]

You bet! It's fun getting these old machines back to work!

[@larrydavidson3402]

So nice to see the R move under ts own power. Love the old John Deeres.

[@jonelsonster]

It sure is!

[@randydickey3384]

Your dad is loving that big time

[@jonelsonster]

Yes, that day we got his R back home AND we worked to get my 830-Industrial loaded and hauled home too! The 830-I videos should be on my channel in a few weeks. But anyway, both my dad and I slept well that night knowing our stuff was safe at home.

[@00nutt]

I love the patina on the R. Still wearing it's work clothes!!!

[@jonelsonster]

Agree 💯!

[@jeremycherny2041]

I've never had much to do with an "R". Spent some time on an AR and a 830. It sure looks in great shape.

[@jonelsonster]

We pulled an AR from a field a couple of years ago. We got it running and have used it on several occasions. It's a great tractor. Here is a link to those videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLFyQBtxp-h2pFssyUj8JI4zgprBIZREG2

[@jeremycherny2041]

@@jonelsonster thanks

[@peterstraub567]

Nice save! Best of luck with the restoration, it seems pretty sound!

[@jonelsonster]

It's definitely in better shape than since of our past projects.

[@anthonyhengst2908]

Congratulations, it's a great find that deserves the TLC it has coming. It sounds pretty good now. And yes, I subscribed.....

[@jonelsonster]

Yes, clean filters and fluids should be welcome to the old beast. And I do appreciate your support. 👍🏼

[@grizzlyridgerunner]

Your channel showed up in my recommendation, and i clicked on im hooked new subscriber. Great job saving the equipment that helped farmers in the past .and i always wanted the jhon Deer, a AKA popping jonny .

[@jonelsonster]

Thank you kindly. I'm glad you enjoy the videos I've done. Hopefully you'll enjoy the ones coming in the future too!

[@grizzlyridgerunner]

@jonelsonster and yes, your content is gonna keep me watching your videos .thanks for the reply. Be waiting on the next notification

[@lindanelson8400]

I came across your channel today. Been watching some of your videos and I liked them all. My grandpa had a Massey Harris, and Allis Chalmers implement shop. This makes your content more interesting to me. I just hit the subscribe button and clicked the bell to get all notifications.

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks! I I'm glad to hear you like the videos I've posted. I try to post a new video each Friday afternoon. They are all pretty much dedicated to tractors and farm equipment. But I enjoy sharing, so I hope you and others enjoy watching. Thanks for subscribing and for your comment. It motivates me keep putting stuff out there.

[@PaulSweeney-hu7ev]

Glad you got her home in good shape. The starting engine will probably need a carbkit to get running right. She sure is a straight old girl.

[@jonelsonster]

Yes, this last week we worked with the carb and got it to run more smoothly. The carb on an R pony motor is very simple compared to any other deere carb I've worked on. Only a single sure fuel mixture adjustment screw. No float.

[@KStewart-th4sk]

There were a couple of old Mack trucks in that yard site, right? Maybe you should head back there! Back on the farm, decades ago, a neighbor had a 15 (5 and 3) Speed B-61 Mack Semi. I was kind of wondering what the Red one was in the video. His was Reddish too but i think his B-61 had a more rounded cab on the roof, compared to the one here. I believe his was around a 1963 maybe. Yeah, OK i am off topic but did enjoy seeing the R headed for its new home.

[@jonelsonster]

I'll let someone else tackle those projects.

[@stevemccoy8138]

Wow, that's awesome , can't wait to see the R in action. 😊

[@jonelsonster]

It will be fun to get it working in the spring.

[@Dodgeram591]

Great videos! I recently purchased a 48. AR at an auction. Same scenario.

[@jonelsonster]

These old JDs are tough. We pulled an AR from a field several years back and it runs fantastically. Here is a link to those videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLFyQBtxp-h2pFssyUj8JI4zgprBIZREG2&si=xHnThbdNfVKntRy1

[@classic89deerefever80]

Very cool!! Saved two more iconic tractors

[@jonelsonster]

Yup! 👍🏼

[@jonmiller8819]

Great video as always

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@alspeers6931]

Really solid machine

[@jonelsonster]

Excited to get it into the field this summer and see how it does under load.

[@wemedeeres4105]

Nice original paint tractor you've scored, not a scratch of dent on it that I can see!

[@jonelsonster]

Yes, it is really nice. The paint is old, but as we've looked at it closely, it looks like it's been repainted once in its lifetime. The biggest clue is that under the hood, the magneto cap and the disk plug wires have green spray on them. No big deal. Either way, the metal is straight and sound and the engine runs, albeit a little smokey. It's a fun project.

[@wemedeeres4105]

@@jonelsonster Even if it's a repaint it looks like they did a good job. You don't find many that are that straight so defiantly a great score there! As far as the smoking goes, a couple hours on a plow will clean that problem up 🙂

[@jonelsonster]

@@wemedeeres4105 yep. A good sweat should clear the cobwebs out and stop the smoking.

[@mooseguyable]

The John Deere R is a model of farm tractor that was produced by John Deere. The John Deere R was part of the "letter series" tractors introduced by the company. Here are some key features and information about the John Deere R: The John Deere R was produced from 1949 to 1954. It was part of the lineup that included models such as the A, B, G, H, and others.

[@jonelsonster]

More info from your tractor book?

[@CheeseMiser]

It was the largest 2 cyl deere made, the first diesel deere, the last letter series, and technically the D replacement

[@jonelsonster]

@@CheeseMiser yes, it was the first diesel. But the D had a larger engine displacement at 501. And the 80/820/830 tractors were also larger at 471 in3. The R was only 420 in3.

[@johnalexander4356]

What a great find! I've been looking for a 2 cylinder diesel for years. But they are rare around here. I can find hazards but not the diesels.

[@jonelsonster]

The bad thing about the diesel textures is that they tend to be a little more expensive to buy than the gas models. We have a few two cylinder diesels and they are strong running tractors and they have been very reliable.

[@ralphnorris-vk8ff]

Them John deeres are nice , but i want that yellow truck setting behind them! Looks like it might be an old mack!

[@jonelsonster]

There are two old macks. I did a video showing them up close kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqG7mXdmiNyFnrM

[@lttl858]

Pony sounds strong! With a little TLC this R will run as good as your other one.

[@jonelsonster]

It seems to run ok. It doesn't smoke much, which is nice. But for some reason it doesn't run as smoothly as the pony on our other R. But we'll get it figured out.

[@timcope3115]

Put a spark tester on it while running. That way you can tell if you are loosing spark, if so you will know which way to go. Ignition or back in the carb. I am guessing you may have to do some more work on the carb the way it sounded.@@jonelsonster

[@jonelsonster]

@@timcope3115 we put new plugs in the point motor today and adjusted the carburetor ever so slightly. It is very touchy. But we got it to run more smoothly.

[@harveystephens6115]

Nice

[@jonelsonster]

Thanks

[@dawsoncanfield5386]

A couple of small dabs of roofing tar might help stop belt slipping. What Dad used on the old Papec blower.

[@jonelsonster]

We got the point motor started after getting it home, so hopefully we don't need to mess around with the belt on this tractor anymore. But I could see how tar would make thing grippy... And messy 🤣

[@dawsoncanfield5386]

That is why you only need a couple of small dabs. It will spread out to make a thin layer after a bit, then, when it gets warm, spread out even more. Our old drive belt had a thin layer in the middle and it didn't get sticky unless it slipped, but then would grab and go again.

[@zodiacallday3807]

I’ve had a few John Deers…. nice to see this one run , I enjoyed this video …❤ we had one of these on the farm …. It was a little smaller the same principle. I’ll never forget the time we fired it up and it fired backwards and it went backwards when we put it in a forward gear . It blew oil out the stack lol we wasn’t long shutting it down-till we figure it out what we done wrong Lol good job guzz .. is slowly becoming a lost art thanks to our stupid politicians, farming is the backbone of our country.

[@jonelsonster]

I've heard of two stroke diesels running backwards... That works be a trip!

[@adhdrebel982]

One of the other tricks was to use a spray lube with a propane propellant the spray lube compression fires and the propane propellant fires too helping combustion

[@jonelsonster]

Yes, a lot of starting fluid has upper end lubricant added in.

[@Showboat_Six]

It lives again!

[@jonelsonster]

Take two! 🎬

[@jaysteidinger6193]

I had a 720 missing like that at an idle but cleared up on a pull. Found dirt in one injector.

[@jonelsonster]

Yes, hopefully we can get it to start easier. Otherwise we'll need to pull the injectors and see how they are.

[@SchnelleKat]

Wow! there a lot of stuff in that yard to mess with! I've never been a real JD guy although we farm with two of them. I'm starting to like them more. I like the little JD on that augar wagon.. looks like an MT?

[@jonelsonster]

It is an M. And it is rusted solid.

[@panders55]

Here's a thought, get you a 1500 watt can heater and install it and it'll stop a lot of wear and tear in the winter.

[@jonelsonster]

A block heater is a good idea. For now we'll we just get it moved out of this field and back home to our heated shop.

[@georgedavidson1221]

Sad when you a man dies or too old to look after his pride and joys

[@jonelsonster]

In the end, it happens to even the best of them.

[@tomchrisfield7348]

I thought you guys were getting the industrial yellow 830 also ?

[@jonelsonster]

We did. We hauled it home last week. I ran into few problems getting it started. But I hope in the next week or two to get it running too. There will be some videos on that too.

[@dB-hy6lh]

It's been about 50 years since I was last on a John Deere 2-cylinder, but it seems like you were in third (or 4th) gear as you maneuvered around to pull up on that trailer - were all the gears working okay (or accessible) on the R? I'd I've been in first, maybe second...

[@jonelsonster]

We were in first gear when we pulled up onto the trailer.

[@matty2helpfull]

When I shut my 820 off I shut off the fuel till its almost stopped then I pull the decom till the big engine is fully off but even still I'm glad to see this old iron saved ❤❤❤ you gained yourself a new follower today ❤❤❤

[@jonelsonster]

Good advise! That's what we do too... Except I think my dad may have forgotten to do it in this video... Can't remember for sure. But in one of the videos we didn't pull the comp release lever and several commenters pointed it out!

[@matty2helpfull]

@jonelsonster he did but I forget sometimes too no worries 😊

[@frontagulus]

You don't need ether if you have the A driving it - just let the A turn it over for 5 minutes and it'll start by itself. Running against compression without fuel will heat the cylinders sufficiently for it to start. Standard starting practice on Cat and probably is on JD. I see this all the time - people turn on the fuel way too early. You have to run against compression with NO fuel for sufficient time (multiple starts will tell you how long that is under various ambient temperatures) to build heat in the cylinders. If you do this for long enough (the usual time old-timers say is roll and smoke one cigarette), it will start right up as soon as you open the throttle (yes I know, it's a diesel)

[@jonelsonster]

You should watch my other video detailing the starting procedure for a John Deere R. I explain all that you just commented. On this day, as I noted in the text on the screen, we were having issues with the belt slipping, so we couldn't sit and let it turn over with compression. The belt began slipping... So we have it a shot of ether.

[@jonelsonster]

Also watch my video from two weeks ago when we started this same tractor for the first time. We did not use ether.

[@ClintsHobbiesDIY]

Attaboy.

[@jonelsonster]

👍🏼

[@paulprillwitz9901]

😄😄👍👍👍👍

[@jonelsonster]

👍🏻

[@adhdrebel982]

BUT-- Remember that Propane in diesel is like NOS in a TURBO gas motor , use it sparingly!!!

[@jonelsonster]

Don't worry, I only gave it half a second off a shot.

[@user-fx4od6rq7g]

The R is a great tractor, but it's not your best friend in cold weather, or at least mine isn't.

[@jonelsonster]

You got that right! We now have two R's, a diesel JD 70, and two 830s and we have to keep them in the heated shop if we have any desire or need to start them during the winter.

[@fredpierson7488]

Seems like the rings my be stuck

[@jonelsonster]

Very likely. But we'll get it home, work it, and get some heat into it and that'll help free things up... Hopefully.

[@fredpierson7488]

@@jonelsonster put it on a plow, it'll be fine. Nice machine

[@jonelsonster]

@@fredpierson7488 yes, that's the plan. Put it to work!

[@johnscott8221]

It slid on the trailer when he hit the brakes. Yikes!

[@jonelsonster]

Yes, it has good brakes.

[@JD2CYLINDERNUT]

Hopefully you have scuba gear…….

[@jonelsonster]

I didn't follow

[@halfdanlothbrock8587]

White exhaust is a bit concerning

[@jonelsonster]

It's cold. The fuel is 20+ years old. And it hasn't run in that same amount of time. With clean filters, clean fuel, and getting out and working it and getting heat into the old engine I am optimistic it will clear up.

[@dannyroach8743]

Not a better sound than that.

[@jonelsonster]

I do not disagree. A two cylinder JD, especially a diesel, is iconic.