John Deere 108
Power
8 hp
Production
1979-1985
Engine
1-cylinder
Transmission
Peerless 801
Weight
405 lbs [183 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 108 Lawn Tractor
The John Deere 108 is a lawn tractor manufactured in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA, between 1979 and 1985. Designed primarily for residential lawn maintenance, this model is part of the 100 series, offering a balance of mechanical simplicity and operational reliability.
Engine and Powertrain
The tractor is powered by a 318 cc, 1-cylinder, air-cooled Champion CJ-8 engine, delivering 8 hp (6.0 kW). It utilizes an electric starter and a 12-volt electrical system with a 3-amp charging capacity. The engine oil capacity is 1.13 quarts (1.1 liters).
Transmission and Mowing
Equipped with a Peerless 801 belt-driven gear transmission, the machine provides five forward gears and one reverse gear. A left-foot clutch pedal is required for shifting, and the tractor should be brought to a complete stop before changing between forward and reverse directions. A 30-inch mower deck is standard, managed by an independent front PTO with an electric clutch.
Mechanical and Dimensions
The chassis features two-wheel drive with manual steering and disc brakes for control. The tractor has a wheelbase of 44.7 inches (113 cm), a total length of 61.9 inches (157 cm), and a height of 39.4 inches (100 cm). The machine weighs approximately 405 lbs (183 kg) and is fitted with 13x5.00-16 front and 18x6.50-8 rear turf tires.
Conclusion
The John Deere 108 is a compact, gear-driven lawn tractor suitable for homeowners requiring a durable machine for standard grass cutting tasks. Its straightforward mechanical design and established Peerless transmission make it a representative example of 1980s entry-level lawn care equipment.
Production Information of John Deere, 108
- Original price was $2,039 in 1983
- Lawn tractor
- Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 108
| Wheelbase | 44.7 inches [113 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 405 lbs [183 kg] |
| Length | 61.9 inches [157 cm] |
| Height | 39.4 inches [100 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 13x5.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 18x6.50-8 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 108
- Air-cooled
- 1-cylinder
| Displacement | 318 cc [19.44 ci] |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 1.13 qts [1.1 L] |
| Starter | Electric |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.00x2.75 inches [76 x 70 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.030 inches [0.762 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap(optional) | Autolite A79 |
| Sparkplug | AC CS-45 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Power | 8 hp [6.0 kW] |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 108
Transmission variants 1
- Peerless gear transmission operated with right-hand gear selector and left-foot clutch pedal. Clutch must be used to change gears but tractor does not need to be stopped to change forward gears. Tractor should be stopped before changing forward/reverse direction.
| Transmission | Peerless 801 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 1.125 qts [1.1 L] |
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 108
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Disc brakes
Power Information of John Deere, 108
| Front PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electric |
Electrical System of John Deere, 108
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Charging amps | 3 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 8 HP, the John Deere 108 sits just below 111 (11 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 52th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 108 have?
The John Deere 108 delivers 8 HP.
What years was the John Deere 108 produced?
The John Deere 108 was produced in 1979-1985.
What engine does the John Deere 108 have?
The John Deere 108 is powered by a 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 108 use?
The John Deere 108 uses a Peerless 801 transmission.
How much does the John Deere 108 weigh?
The John Deere 108 weighs 405 lbs [183 kg].
Is the John Deere 108 4WD?
The John Deere 108 is available in 2WD.