John Deere Tractor Equipped with a V16 Detroit Diesel Tugboat Engine Is a Powerhouse for Sled Pulling

      Kyle Ross via YouTube

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      Race cars are exciting, but they often have to adhere to specific regulations. The same applies to pulling trucks and tractors. However, that doesn’t deter some individuals from creating the ultimate versions of their vehicles. While some may modify Corvettes into track machines that could outperform factory models, Dave Will focused his ingenuity on a John Deere 5020 equipped with a 16-cylinder Detroit Diesel engine sourced from a tugboat.

      This creation is dubbed “Johnzilla,” and the name is well-deserved. The impressive two-stroke engine, which itself measures 1,136 cubic inches, is situated at the front. Will had to extend the frame by three feet to accommodate it, as it essentially consists of two V8 engines arranged in parallel. It boasts an estimated 600 horsepower and an unknown amount of torque.

      That's certainly a significant amount of power, but other pulling tractors often generate much more with lower displacement. Maximum specific output isn’t the objective of Will’s project. He explained to Farm Show Magazine that he had previously constructed a John Deere with a Detroit 12V71 engine, and this time he aimed for something more extreme.

      The outcome is undeniably striking. Enormous dually wheels, dual shiny air intakes, and twin chrome stacks all enhance its appearance. While the Detroit engine is painted John Deere Green, which is somewhat unusual, it might look peculiar in the traditional Alpine Green. Nonetheless, it suits the vehicle.

      “I’ve taken it to local pulling events, and it attracts a lot of attention when I start it up and take it down the track. Everyone cheers for me,” Will shared with Farm Show Magazine.

      You can hear for yourself in this YouTube video posted by the TractorZoom channel:

      16V71-powered John Deere…because why not?

      It can be tough to catch the crowd's reaction over the roar of the V16 engine, but we can trust Will’s account.

      “Johnzilla” made quite an impression at the Busch Light Pulling Nationals in Evansville, Indiana, not long ago, and it garnered significant attention during its initial appearance on the track just months prior:

      A John Deere with a 16V71 Detroit Diesel Tugboat Engine

      When Will revs up the throttle, there’s no drama involved. Other sled-pullers often spin their tires when taking off, reaching high RPMs with smoke and flames erupting from the exhaust stack. This tractor, however, accomplishes its pulls just as effectively without the same kind of theatrics.

      That’s not to imply it’s dull, of course. It’s simply a robust machine that gets the job done. What an incredible piece of equipment.

      Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out to them directly at: caleb@thedrive.com.