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Caterpillar RD4

Production years: 1935–1940

Compare with other modelsValue machine
Engine horsepower
44 HP
—
Displacement
5.1 L
4-cylinder engine
Drive and chassis
Tracks (Crawler)
Gear (5F/1R)
Operating weight
N/A
—

Sources and field evidence

Catalog Archive: Baseline specifications compiled from historical manufacturer archives and equipment registries. Laboratory test report verification in progress.

Caterpillar RD4
VLM Verified Authentic
Caterpillar RD4

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Engineering & Capability Benchmark

Specific output, tractive ratio, and segment percentile

Compact / Sub-Compact Yard
Global Tractor Fleet Power SpectrumTop 82% of all indexed machinery
Compact (20 HP)Utility (100 HP)Row-Crop (250 HP)Titans (600+ HP)
Specific Output
8.6 HP/L
Aspiration: Unknown
Traction Ratio
—
Agile transport & crop care
PTO Efficiency
—
Mechanical driveline
Hydraulic Flow
Standard
Auxiliary implement ports

Engine and power specifications

Engine model
Caterpillar
Fuel type
Diesel
Rated horsepower
44 hp
Rated PTO Power
N/A (Caterpillar specification)
Drawbar Power @ Rated Engine Speed
35.06 hp (Nebraska OECD Test 2218)
Cylinders
4
Displacement
5.1 L (312.1 ci)
Bore / stroke
4.25x5.50 inches 108 x 140 mm
Rated RPM
1400 RPM
Crankcase oil capacity
N/A
Coolant capacity
N/A

Maintenance picks for the RD4

Filters, oil and common wear parts for this model.

Transmission and chassis specifications

Transmission type
Gear (5F/1R)
Gears (forward / reverse)
5 forward / 1 reverse
Drive system
Tracks (Crawler)
Wheelbase
N/A
Front tire
N/A
Rear tire
N/A
Hydraulic flow
N/A
Rear hitch
N/A
ASABE EP496 Engineering Matcher

Implement Draft & Ballast Matcher

Simulate draft resistance, drawbar power transfer, and optimal axle weight distribution for Caterpillar RD4.

Overloaded / Wheel Slip Alert(160%)
CAD DRAFT SCHEMATIC • Wide-Span Field Cultivator
SOIL: Medium Tilled LoamDEPTH: 4"SPEED: 7 MPH160% LOAD
SOIL SURFACE (0.0")SUB-SURFACE PLOW PAN (~14")44 HP◄ 3,129 LBS DRAFT4" DEPTH
DRAWBAR DEMAND: 58.4 HPWIDTH / SIZE: 18 ft Width
ASABE D497.7 Tillage Specific Resistance Formula
Implement Size (ft Width)18 ft Width
18 ft WidthDefault: 4270 ft Width
Tillage / Seeding Depth4 inches (10 cm)
2"Target: 4"6"
Target Operating Field Speed7.0 mph (11.3 km/h)
5 mphRated: 7 mph9 mph
Engine Power Demand vs Rated Output70.4 HP / 44 HP Rated
0%55% (Min Load)60-85% (Sweet Spot)100% (Cap)
Draft Force
3,129 lbs
Drawbar Power
58.4 HP
Target Slip
8% - 12%
Axle Ballast Balance (Twin Track Rubber Belt )Calibrated for Wide-Span Field Cultivator (100 lbs/HP standard)
Target: 4,400 lbs
Front Axle: 62%Rear Axle: 38%
1,237 kg (2,728 lbs)758 kg (1,672 lbs)
Ballast Adjustment vs Base:+220 lbs (100 kg)
Hourly Diesel Burn
2 gal/h
7.6 L/hr (est. $8/h)
Hydraulic Fan Status
Standard Draw
No fan req

Engine demand (70.4 HP) exceeds rated power (44 HP). Reduce working speed by 1.0-1.5 mph or reduce working width.

Catalog archival serial-number ranges

4 production years
Production yearStarting serial #Ending serial #Assembly plant
1936#41#43,662Factory not specified
1937#43,663#48,857Factory not specified
1938#48,858#49,911Factory not specified
1939#49,912End of runFactory not specified

Instant Used Market Valuation Projector

Algorithmic resale estimate for Caterpillar RD4 (1935)

Full Appraisal Tool
Operating Meter Hours3,200 hrs
Mechanical & Physical Condition
Empirical model calibrated against dealer & auction lots
Estimated Fair Market Value
$1,988
Basis: 44 HP • 91 yrs old
Auction / Wholesale
$1,630 – $1,829
Dealer Retail Asking
$2,087 – $2,346
3-Year Projected Resale Curve~5% annual retention decay
Year 2027
$1,889
Year 2028
$1,794
Year 2029
$1,704

Direct Segment Rivals & Showdowns

Head-to-head match-ups calibrated by horsepower and era

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50 HP
Eagle Manufacturing+6 HP
H 22-45
50 HP

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Caterpillar

USA • 49 Models

Caterpillar Inc., commonly known as CAT, is a globally dominant American manufacturer of heavy machinery and industrial equipment. Founded in 1925 through the merger of Holt Manufacturing Company and C.L. Best Tractor Co., Caterpillar quickly established itself as a pioneer in tracked machinery and diesel engine technology. The company's early innovations in crawler tractors revolutionized construction and earthmoving industries, setting the stage for its future dominance. While Caterpillar's primary focus has been on construction, mining, and heavy industrial equipment, the company has also made significant contributions to agriculture. In 1987, Caterpillar re-entered the agricultural market with the introduction innovative Challenger line of rubber-tracked crawlers, which represented a major technological advancement in farm machinery. However, in 2002, Caterpillar made the strategic decision to sell its agricultural division, including the Challenger line, to AGCO, allowing it to concentrate on its core construction and mining equipment business. Today, Caterpillar is recognized as the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, with a vast product portfolio that includes engines, industrial turbines, and heavy machinery. The company's commitment to innovation, quality, and global reach is supported by the largest dealer network in the industry, ensuring that Caterpillar equipment is available and supported worldwide. Despite its reduced presence in agriculture, Caterpillar's legacy in the farm equipment sector remains significant, particularly through the technological advancements introduced by the Challenger line.

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