Introduction
John Deere 116 Lawn Tractor
The John Deere 116 is a lawn tractor produced by John Deere in Horicon, Wisconsin, between 1981 and 1985. Designed for residential landscaping and lawn maintenance, this model belongs to the 110 series and was marketed as a durable, entry-to-mid-level garden tractor.
Engine and Powertrain
The tractor is powered by a 2-cylinder, air-cooled engine with a displacement of 655 cc (40 cubic inches). It delivers 16 horsepower (11.9 kW) and features a bore and stroke of 87 x 55 mm. The engine uses an electric starter system operating at 12 volts, with a charging capacity of 5 amps.
Transmission and Operation
The machine utilizes a belt-driven gear transmission providing 5 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. Gear selection is managed via a manual selector and a clutch pedal. While the clutch must be engaged to shift between gears, the tractor does not require a full stop to shift between forward gears; however, it must be brought to a complete stop before changing between forward and reverse directions.
Mechanical and Chassis
The John Deere 116 features a two-wheel drive configuration with manual steering and disc brakes for operator control. It is designed with an open operator station. The tractor weighs approximately 485 lbs (219 kg) and has a wheelbase of 44.7 inches (113 cm), ensuring stability for its class.
PTO and Mowing Capabilities
The model is equipped with an independent front power take-off (PTO) engaged by an electric clutch, allowing for efficient operation of attachments. It supports mower deck options of 38 or 46 inches, making it suitable for varying lawn sizes.
Conclusion
The John Deere 116 is a robust, manual-transmission lawn tractor suited for homeowners requiring reliable power for grass cutting and basic yard maintenance. Its combination of an independent PTO and durable 2-cylinder engine made it a significant model in the early 1980s residential tractor market.
Production Information of John Deere, 116
- Original price was $2,869 in 1983 with 38-inch deck
- Lawn tractor
- Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 116
| Wheelbase | 44.7 inches [113 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 485 lbs [219 kg] |
| Length | 63.5 inches [161 cm] |
| Height | 40.2 inches [102 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 15x6.00-6 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 18x8.50-8 |
| Lawn/turf rear(optional) | 20x10.00-8 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 116
- Air-cooled
- Image courtesy of Matthew Marchand
- 2-cylinder
| Displacement | 655 cc [40 ci] |
|---|---|
| Starter | Electric |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.44x2.16 inches [87 x 55 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.030 inches [0.762 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap(optional) | Autolite 308 |
| Sparkplug | AC R046 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Power | 16 hp [11.9 kW] |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 116
Transmission variants 1
- Peerless gear transmission operated with gear selector and 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.
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 1.25 qts [1.2 L] |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 116
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Disc brakes
Power Information of John Deere, 116
| Front PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electric |
Electrical System of John Deere, 116
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Charging amps | 5 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 16 HP, the John Deere 116 sits just above 112L (12 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 78th percentile of 1980s models in our database (977 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 116 have?
The John Deere 116 delivers 16 HP.
What years was the John Deere 116 produced?
The John Deere 116 was produced in 1981-1985.
What engine does the John Deere 116 have?
The John Deere 116 is powered by a 2-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 116 use?
The John Deere 116 uses a Belt-driven gear transmission.
How much does the John Deere 116 weigh?
The John Deere 116 weighs 485 lbs [219 kg].
Is the John Deere 116 4WD?
The John Deere 116 is available in 2WD.