John Deere 120
Power
12 hp
Production
1970-1971
Transmission
Sundstrand 15
Weight
736 lbs [333 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 120 Garden Tractor
The John Deere 120 is a garden tractor produced between 1970 and 1971. Manufactured in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA, this machine was designed as a versatile platform for residential property maintenance and light utility tasks.
Engine and Powerplant
The tractor is powered by an air-cooled, horizontal-shaft engine with a displacement of 476 cc (29.1 ci). It delivers a gross power output of 12 hp (8.9 kW). The engine utilizes a dry-type air cleaner and is supported by a 12-volt electrical system with an electric starter. Maintenance requirements include an oil capacity of 1.5 quarts (1.4 L), with oil changes recommended every 25 hours.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Equipped with a Sundstrand 15 hydrostatic transmission, the tractor provides infinite forward and reverse speed control, allowing for precise maneuvering. The system is shaft-driven and holds 5 quarts (4.7 L) of Deere 303 oil, with a recommended service interval of 500 hours for fluid changes.
Hydraulics and Attachments
The machine features an independent front PTO (Power Take-Off) operated via an electric clutch, facilitating the use of various powered attachments. It is compatible with 38-inch or 46-inch mower decks and offers an optional sleeve hitch for additional implement utility.
Chassis and Dimensions
Built on a two-wheel-drive chassis with manual steering, the tractor has a wheelbase of 46 inches (116 cm) and a total operating weight of 736 lbs (333 kg). The open operator station provides access to standard controls, including a throttle, brake, and parking brake. It rides on turf-specific tires, with front tread widths ranging from 29 to 34.5 inches depending on configuration.
Conclusion
The John Deere 120 is a compact, hydrostatic-drive tractor suited for homeowners and collectors focused on lawn maintenance and light groundskeeping. Its mechanical simplicity and the availability of diverse attachments make it a durable solution for small-scale property management.
Production Information of John Deere, 120
- Garden tractor
- Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 120
| Rear tread | 29/34.5 inches [73/87 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 46 inches [116 cm] |
| Weight | 736 lbs [333 kg] |
| Height | 43 inches [109 cm] |
| Length | 67.5 inches [171 cm] |
| Front tread | 31.25 inches [79 cm] |
| Width | 38 inches [96 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 16x6.50-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x10.50-12 |
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x8.50-12 |
| Lawn/turf front | 4.80/4.00-8 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 120
- Air-cooled horizontal-shaft
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.020 inches (cold) [0.508 mm] |
|---|---|
| Air cleaner | Dry |
| Idle RPM | 1200-3800 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Displacement | 476 cc [29.1 ci] |
| Oil capacity | 1.5 qts [1.4 L] |
| Power (gross) | 12 hp [8.9 kW] |
| Oil change | 25 h |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.38x3.25 inches [86 x 83 mm] |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.010 inches (cold) [0.254 mm] |
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 120
Transmission variants 1
| Oil change | 500 h |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Sundstrand 15 |
| Oil type | Deere 303 |
| Oil capacity | 5 qts [4.7 L] |
| Type | Shaft-driven hydrostatic |
| Type(optional) | Deere 303 |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse |
Transmission variants 2
| 4 | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| 3 | Throttle |
| 1 | Brake |
| 2 | Forward/Reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 120
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Open operator station
Power Information of John Deere, 120
| Front PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electric |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 120
| Type(optional) | Sleeve hitch |
|---|
Electrical System of John Deere, 120
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery AH | 14 |
Where it sits
With 12 HP, the John Deere 120 sits just above 112 (10 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 76th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 120 have?
The John Deere 120 delivers 12 HP.
What years was the John Deere 120 produced?
The John Deere 120 was produced in 1970-1971.
What transmission does the John Deere 120 use?
The John Deere 120 uses a Sundstrand 15 transmission.
How much does the John Deere 120 weigh?
The John Deere 120 weighs 736 lbs [333 kg].
Is the John Deere 120 4WD?
The John Deere 120 is available in 2WD.