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Antique Miscellaneous Tractor: Sheppard SD3

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This picture shows a 1953 version. Sheppard Diesel tractors first appeared around 1950 and offered three different models. The SD-3 had a 3-cylinder engine, the SD-2 had a 2-cylinder engine, and the SD-4 had a 4-cylinder engine.

Sheppard SD3 Tractor


Do you have any comments or questions about this tractor? Ever use one? Know anyone who owned one? If so, please join in on the discussion below. Use the form for entering your comments.

Comments on this Tractor

Matt Dorty wrote on Sunday, March 23, 2014 (PDT):
  • I am parting out an SD 4 and have a few parts for an SD 2 or 3. Also looking to buy anything that is Sheppard, Tractors or engines.
    License Plate Search wrote on Thursday, January 27, 2011 (PST):
  • How should you perform a reverse license plate owner research I would like to know if there is any kind of way you can type in a license plate number online and see the contact of that guy if it is associated with or perhaps the address of that person. Can anybody assist me It s an Illinois license plate with S in the end of it. Please email me if you re able to do a search or post if you know the way to do a free one. Thanks in advance.
    Evan Ells wrote on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 (PST):
  • I am looking for parts for an SD-3. The one we have the crankshaft broke and need another one. If you know where to find one let me know. I am in Lincoln, NE Thanks Evan
    Robert Briggs wrote on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 (PST):
  • I m the editor of the National Sheppard Diesel Club. For those who are not a member shall contact me for join in the club and newsletter. This will be helpful for you and it is fun to know new and old friends. I am from Iowa. Thanks.
    george prince wrote on Sunday, December 05, 2010 (PST):
  • need tranmission gears for sd-4 tractor. any one know where i can find them
    ED . R wrote on Friday, December 25, 2009 (PST):
  • FOR THE GENT WANTING TO KNOW ABOUT TRANS OIL. IF THERE WAS A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM THE OIL USED WAS 20/30 WT ENG OIL . IF NO HYD. ANY HP 90 WILL DO . THE TRANS WAS BUILT BY THE TIMKEN CO. BEARINGS YOU MIGHT GET FURTHER INFO THERE.. NOT WELL KNOWN , BUT THERE WAS ALSO A 6 CYL ENG . AND ONE BIG BERTHA TRACTOR AS WE CALLED IT WAS MADE FOR EXPERIMENT ON THE SHEPPARD FARMS MR SHEPPARD ALSO HAD A BOAT IN BALTIMORE WITH TWO OF THESE HUGE ENGINES IN IT I WAS A FORMER EMPLOYEE AT THE PLANT. AND HELPED WITH SOME TESTING OF THE SD4 MODEL. A TRIP TO THE DRAFT BOARD ENDED ALL THE FUN.
    Ted Winderl wrote on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 (PST):
  • For all you Sheppard enthusists out there. My dad was also a dealer of these tractors and engines in the late 40 s and 50 s. I had alot of info for SD3 and SD4 that I gave to some farmers from Norh Dakota that bought the engines. Some facts that were unique about these were that, pistons,rings,bearings,sleeves rocker arms,injectors were all the same. If one was desparate, you coulde cut the 4th cylinder off of the head gasket and use it for the SD3 engine. To fix the rear main seal on the SD3 was simple, to just simply slid it across a real fine sand paper on the sealing surface on a perfectly flat surface and it would take all the nicks out of it and it would seal again. On rebuilding the injector pumps, one would have to take it to a machine shop and bore out the plunger bore and sleeve it back to standard. Similar to like putting bushings in valve guides in a cylinder head. The waterpump on an SD3 was the same as that on an M-farmall gas tractor. Sheppard made the SD3 engine to where it would fit right into an M-Farmall. During the 40 s when gasoline was rationed, Sheppard had a conversion to where the SD3 engine could be put into a Packard car. I believe that would be real heavy in the front end!! Shepperd also made a 6 cylinder. I saw photos of one in the literature I gave away.It was used as a power plant. Hope this helps you guys.
    Peter Squires wrote on Friday, October 23, 2009 (PDT):
  • I hope to write an article on the Sheppard tractors and would appreciate any information including what the 6-cylinder tractor engine was.
    Doug Swenson wrote on Monday, July 06, 2009 (PDT):
  • I have a SD3 and am looking for the drive gear and hydraulic pump for it. If you have one please e-mail me Thanks Doug
    Phil Miollis wrote on Thursday, June 25, 2009 (PDT):
  • I have an unrestored Sheppard SD2, any ideas what it is worth
    Elaine Davis wrote on Monday, May 26, 2008 (PDT):
  • I grew up in Cohocton NY. My dad purchased a 1952 Shepherd Diesel tractor. It was huge and bright orange and we thought it was wonderful. He bought it new from a tractor place in Batavia NY. Years later, my dad died and my older brother took over farming. The tractor quit working and was abandoned in the farm junk yard. Someone came along and wanted to buy it and my brother sold it for junk. Now 2008 another brother is very interested in old tractors. He has made it a goal to locate our dad s old tractor. He has the serial number and is offering a reward to anyone who can help him find out where this tractor ended up. He would love to get it back. Can anyone help ,,
    mac pace wrote on Sunday, March 30, 2008 (PDT):
  • There s an old farmer with a 1951 SD-3 near my home. Its in fair shape and is running. He wants to sell it. If you are interested, i have some pictures. Send me an email at jpace1620 at charter.net. Located near St. Louis, MO.
    Cody Sheppard wrote on Monday, December 03, 2007 (PST):
  • I am looking for a Sheppard Diesel Tractor and would be interested in the sign Mr Dorty Please Call 512-734-0303
    Brandon Decker wrote on Monday, November 26, 2007 (PST):
  • i need a oliver 99 any shape cheep
    Brandon Decker wrote on Monday, November 26, 2007 (PST):
  • i need a oliver 99 any shape cheep
    Matt Dorty wrote on Monday, November 26, 2007 (PST):
  • I have an original Sheppard Diesel sign that hung in front of George Dorty s store. He used to sell Sheppard s in the day. I was wondering what it would be worth. Thanks Matt
    Ralph Beals wrote on Friday, June 29, 2007 (PDT):
  • As a teen in the late 50 s our neighbor had a SD3 that I did some farming with. This tractor is now located at Ft. Recovery, OH and I see it occasionally at the Tri State Engine and Tractor show in Portland, IN. It brings back a lot of good memories to see the same tractor I used 50+ years ago.
    Shauna Yeagle wrote on Thursday, October 05, 2006 (PDT):
  • If you need any information please let me know. I'm the editor of the Sheppard Newsletter and I can get you incontact with the right person Thanks Shauna
    Dan McNeill wrote on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 (PDT):
  • I have a sheppard S D 3 engine in a crawler I don,t know who made the crawler. I took it to a tractor show and no one could tell me any info on the thing.I have used it off and on for the last 15 years and it still runs good. Iam asking 2500.00 for the little gem If anyone has any info on the crawler portion plese let me know,or would like to purchase it drop me a line on the net. Iam located in washington State. Thanks guys Dan
    Dan McNeill wrote on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 (PDT):
  • I have a sheppard S D 3 engine in a crawler I don,t know who made the crawler. I took it to a tractor show and no one could tell me any info on the thing.I have used it off and on for the last 15 years and it still runs good. Iam asking 2500.00 for the little gem If anyone has any info on the crawler portion plese let me know,or would like to purchase it drop me a line on the net. Iam located in washington State. Thanks guys Dan
    Rob Shuey wrote on Monday, December 05, 2005 (PST):
  • I am looking to purchase a Sheppard Diesel SD-3 wide front tractor. In addition I am looking to purchase parts for a Sheppard Diesel SD-4 tractor.
    Roger A Burns wrote on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 (PDT):
  • looking for a Sheppard 3D diesel tractor in good condition and price
    Alan Sheppard wrote on Friday, July 15, 2005 (PDT):
  • Looling for a Sheppard Diesel in the Eastern IL Western IN area I want to restore one need all the parts to be complete. I am not particular if it is a SD2 3 or 4 if anyone has one for sale let me know please.
    Lynn Klingaman wrote on Friday, March 11, 2005 (PST):
  • Lynn Klingaman 260-799-5920 - Do you need Sheppard Information or Parts? Call or email - I do not have a computer but my daughter will get the email - I have supplied many parts to many tractor/engine owners of Sheppard produced items.
    EMPLOYEE wrote on Friday, February 04, 2005 (PST):
  • YOU MAY FIND PARTS AND INFO. FRON THE R.H.SHEPPARD CO. IN HANOVER PA. THINIS WHERE THE EQUIPMENT WAS MADE
    Rob Shuey wrote on Wednesday, November 24, 2004 (PST):
  • I just purchased a Sheppard SD-4. I am looking for numerous parts/parts tractor.
    Jody Leasure wrote on Saturday, September 25, 2004 (PDT):
  • My grandfather used to sell Sheppard tractors back in the 50,s.The first Sheppard my dad and uncles farmed with was an SD-3.It worked great,but once tore out some gears.When the SD-4 came out,they bought one of them,and it worked much better.They later bought another SD-4 with power steering.My Dad also had an SD-4 with power steering,but had alot of problems with it.He quit using it around 1970.My uncle used his SD-4s 'til he quit farming in 1973.Dad bought one of them at the sale and used it for a years then parked it.Dad had five sheppards all togather;two SD-4S,two SD-2s,and an SD-4 for spare parts.He sold most of them off now,but kept the one SD-2 and gave it to me. I plan to restore it one day. It only needs painted,it really runs good.It's really great to have something that rare.
    Duane Hagen wrote on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 (PST):
  • I have a couple of SD3's and need repair or parts manuel for engine. Will be having spare parts or tractor.
    Harry L.Dill wrote on Monday, November 03, 2003 (PST):
  • I have a used mck-4002eng# sales#46-423 r.h.sheppard SD3 tractor starting motor I also have 60+coppyed instructions and parts list for1,2&3cylinder engines
    Harry L. Dill wrote on Thursday, August 21, 2003 (PDT):
  • I had a SD3 w/wide front that need some engine work and sold it.now i would like to buy a SD3 any available ?
    Gary Sayre wrote on Friday, June 20, 2003 (PDT):
  • Looking for an SD-4 with TA any condition.
    Adam Wampler in Virginia wrote on Monday, June 16, 2003 (PDT):
  • I just bought a Sheppard SD-3 toy tractor made in 1949 yesterday. These tractors were made by the actual Sheppard Company for promotional reasons. They only made 200 of these tractors so I have a very special toy. I have many full size tractors and pieces of farm machinery as well including a 1953 John Deere R, 1966 John Deere 4020, two Allis Chalmers All Crop 90 combines, and too many other things to mention here.
    jeff o'harrow wrote on Monday, March 24, 2003 (PST):
  • have sheppard sd2.sd3,sd4 looking to exchange information and parts
    richard sterner wrote on Saturday, February 08, 2003 (PST):
  • if any one any questions about sheppard tractors or needs help call 717 263 4703 and ask for richard thank you
    Jared P. Nimick wrote on Wednesday, November 06, 2002 (PST):
  • 3 years ago I purchased a Sheppard single cylinder diesel engine with approx. 8 hp. with an attached Twin-disc clutch assembly. The unit is in beautiful shape with the story that it was pulled out of a ships belly 30+ years ago in perfect running condition and placed in storage. The unit has not been run since.I have too many projects at this time, and would like to sell this to someone who can make it run again.What is it worth, or does anyone have any literature that can help? It's in beautiful shape, and needs to run again!
    norm brown wrote on Tuesday, August 13, 2002 (PDT):
  • brad---SD3 for sale. runs well. in Salem Va.
    Brad Shepherd wrote on Sunday, August 04, 2002 (PDT):
  • I am looking for a sheppard diesel SD-2,SD-3,SD-4. In any condition. Any info will be appericated. Thanks Brad Shepherd
    Donald Nutt wrote on Monday, October 08, 2001 (PDT):
  • I have a SD-3 that I am going to restore, the engine is in real bad shape. I am looking for another engine or usable engine parts. These engines were also used as power plants on some generators, any help would be appreciated. Located in northern Michigan Phone # (989)- 732-8218
    Aaron Tipton wrote on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 (PDT):
  • I recently purchased a SD 3 . Injection pump is weak on no. 2 and 3 injectors. Need help finding a parts source or someone who can rebuild a Sheppard pump or parts so i can. Thanks any help is greatly appreciated. (828) 682 4442 NC
    Don Santore wrote on Sunday, September 09, 2001 (PDT):
  • I have a 1952 SD3 which is complete and hardly used but needs engine work-would like to sell-located in Connecticut-sorry but don't know how much to ask, any help appreciated.
    Shauna Kerkhoff wrote on Saturday, July 28, 2001 (PDT):
  • My friend and his brother have inherited a SD-3 from their grandfather. It is a 1950 and is running. If anyone knows or has any information on this tractor please let us know. Thanks
    Jerry Priddy wrote on Saturday, March 24, 2001 (PST):
  • I'm a volunteer at the West Virginia State Farm Museum at Point Pleasant W. Va., and we have an SD3 which I have been putting together without the help of any manuals, I need technical info, or better, a service manual. Please contact me with any information you can about this project. Right now I need info on a front motor mount and rocker arm lubrication system. I started this project with the engine totally dissassembled and parts scattered around the shop, so I really need some help.
    Jack Hitt wrote on Saturday, September 23, 2000 (PDT):
  • I have a SD-3 Sheppard and I'm trying to find a head gasket. Can you help me or steer me in the right direction. So far, you have been the only site to even list the Sheppard.
    P.Getman wrote on Sunday, September 17, 2000 (PDT):
  • In the late 60's early 70's my father purchased an 3 cylinder Sheppard Diesel. It had a hand plunger device to inject fuel oil directly to the cylinders to fire the engine up. But most of the time we towed the thing to get it going. Once running, we kept it running all day. The power was decent and it did all our hay. One time the rod broke and luckily we purchased another one from Pennsylvania. ANother time the bull gear lost some teeth, so we put another one of those in. Then the pinion went and we put another of those in. I guess these Sheppards were versatile according to many people. Easy to repair...ect . , but after a while the Real Metal Seal would leak engine oil. Being OEM it was hard to get parts that worked. It was our main tractor for 20 years. Big batteries were needed to fire it up. The PTO would run all the time so we would hook the PTO up Before starting. Then it would have a tremendous drag. But after a little running, things would loosen up. The best advantage was that it was live hydraulics and 8 speeds ahead and two reverse's. The Rear End was Cockshutt so the parts needed were available. There is a Sheppard Day down in Pennsylvania I hear and the owner, Mr. Sheppard comes and visits. I hear the Sheppard Company only made thru it's history less that a 1000 tractors.
    Moos Brandon wrote on Monday, March 27, 2000 (PST):
  • I am Looking for a place to buy or repair my Water pump for a SD3. Or If anybody Knows were to to find a seal and shaft for the pump Thanks
    MIKE MCCORMICK wrote on Wednesday, March 15, 2000 (PST):
  • I have a sheppard 12hp.engine in my garage bolted down to the bottom of a shipping creat. I think it is new. I got it started twice,and then the starter burned up. I would like to find another starter for it.I might adapt one if I can't find one at a good price.If anyone knows of other web pages with information on them please let me know.


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