John Deere L
The John Deere L is a classic utility tractor that was made from 1937 to 1946. It's a small, simple machine perfect for light farm work. This tractor has a 2WD system and manual steering, making it easy to handle in tight spaces. Under the hood, the John Deere L has a small gasoline engine with two cylinders. It's not very powerful, with only 10.17 hp, but it's reliable for its time. The engine is liquid-cooled and has a below-average displacement of 56.5 ci. It has a simple 3-forward and 1-reverse gear transmission, which was common for tractors of this era. The tractor is compact, measuring 91 inches long, 49 inches wide, and 57 inches tall. It's also quite light, weighing just 1515 lb, which is below average for tractors. The John Deere L has an open operator station, typical for its time, and runs on agricultural tires both front and back.
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 10hp
- Operating Weight
- 1,515 lb
- Transmission
- Unsynchronized gear
At a glance
How the L compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The L ranks at the 1st percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere L
The John Deere L is a classic utility tractor that was made from 1937 to 1946. It's a small, simple machine perfect for light farm work. This tractor has a 2WD system and manual steering, making it easy to handle in tight spaces. Under the hood, the John Deere L has a small gasoline engine with two cylinders. It's not very powerful, with only 10.17 hp, but it's reliable for its time. The engine is liquid-cooled and has a below-average displacement of 56.5 ci. It has a simple 3-forward and 1-reverse gear transmission, which was common for tractors of this era. The tractor is compact, measuring 91 inches long, 49 inches wide, and 57 inches tall. It's also quite light, weighing just 1515 lb, which is below average for tractors. The John Deere L has an open operator station, typical for its time, and runs on agricultural tires both front and back.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | L |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1937–1946 |
| Operating weight | 1,515lb |
Engine
| Make | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | John Deere |
| Power | 10.17hp |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 56.5ci |
| Bore | 2.99in |
| Stroke | 4.02in |
Transmission
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 3 |
| Reverse gears | 1 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Cab | Open |
Dimensions
| Length | 91in |
|---|---|
| Width | 49in |
| Height | 57in |
| Operating weight | 1,515lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 2.5gal |
|---|
Head to head
L vs. Utility median
How the John Deere L compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 10.2 hp | 55 hp | -82% | 1st |
| Engine Displacement | 56.5 ci | 183 ci | -69% | 4th |
| Cylinders | 2 | 4 | -50% | 3rd |
| Forward Gears | 3 | 12 | -75% | 3rd |
| Operating Weight | 1,515 lb | 5,303 lb | -71% | 6th |
| Length | 91 in | 137 in | -33% | 4th |
| Width | 49 in | 66 in | -26% | 16th |
| Height | 57 in | 94.1 in | -39% | 8th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 3,933–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 62 | 10 hp | 1,500 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 655 | 16 hp | 1,565 lb | 1986–1990 | Compare → |
| John Deere 40 | 16.8 hp | — | 1953–1955 | Compare → |
| John Deere 650 | 17 hp | 1,530 lb | 1981–1989 | Compare → |
| John Deere 20C | 18.5 hp | 1,962 lb | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Cadet 104 | 10.1 hp | 604 lb | — | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 105 | 10.1 hp | 624 lb | 1967–1969 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 108 | 10.1 hp | — | 1971–1974 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 109 | 10.1 hp | — | 1971–1974 | Compare → |
| Bolens 1050 | 10 hp | 644 lb | 1966–1969 | Compare → |
Explore
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FAQ
Common questions
When was the John Deere L made?
The John Deere L was manufactured from 1937 to 1946.
What is the operating weight of the John Deere L?
In working trim, the John Deere L comes in at roughly 1,515 lb.
Which transmission does the John Deere L use?
The John Deere L is equipped with an Unsynchronized gear transmission with 3 forward gears.
What is the engine power output of the John Deere L?
Rated engine output for the John Deere L is 10.17 hp, delivered by a 2-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 56.5 ci.
How do I maintain a John Deere L?
Routine service for the John Deere L covers engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic and coolant level checks, air filter cleaning, and scheduled inspections. Refer to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for exact intervals.



