Introduction
John Deere 216 Garden Tractor
The John Deere 216 is a garden tractor produced between 1979 and 1987 in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA. It belongs to the 200 series and was designed as a versatile platform for residential landscaping and property maintenance tasks.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 16 horsepower (11.9 kW) air-cooled, horizontal-shaft engine with a displacement of 35.9 cubic inches (588 cc). It utilizes a dry-type air cleaner and requires an oil change every 25 hours of operation. The engine is designed to operate within an idle range of 1700 to 3500 RPM.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The drivetrain features a Peerless 2300 transmission, which combines a four-speed gear system with a mechanical variable drive. This configuration provides four forward gears and one reverse gear. The tractor utilizes a two-wheel drive system and is equipped with manual steering and mechanical band brakes for operator control.
Electrical and PTO Systems
The electrical system operates on 12 volts with a negative ground, utilizing an alternator for charging with a capacity of 15 amps. For implement operation, the tractor is equipped with an independent mid-mounted Power Take-Off (PTO) system, which is engaged via a manual clutch.
Physical Dimensions
The tractor measures 171 cm in length, 105 cm in width, and 106 cm in height, with a wheelbase of 116 cm. It has a base weight of 315 kg. It supports various tire configurations, including 16x6.50-8 front tires and 23x10.50-12 rear tires, available in either agricultural or lawn/turf tread patterns.
Conclusion
The John Deere 216 is a robust, manual-operation garden tractor suited for small-scale property maintenance and mowing tasks. With its 38/46-inch deck compatibility and straightforward mechanical design, it remains a functional choice for users seeking a durable machine from the late 1970s and 1980s.
Production Information of John Deere, 216
- Original price was $3,609 in 1983
- Garden tractor
- Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 216
| Wheelbase | 46 inches [116 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 695 lbs [315 kg] |
| Height | 42 inches [106 cm] |
| Length | 67.5 inches [171 cm] |
| Width | 41.5 inches [105 cm] |
| Ag front | 16x6.50-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x10.50-12 |
| Ag rear | 23x10.50-12 |
| Lawn/turf front | 16x6.50-8 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 216
- Air-cooled horizontal-shaft
- Image courtesy of Ryan Grierson
| Power (gross) | 16 hp [11.9 kW] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 588 cc [35.9 ci] |
| Air cleaner | Dry |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.75x3.25 inches [95 x 83 mm] |
| Oil change | 25 h |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Idle RPM | 1700-3500 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 216
Transmission variants 1
- Four-speed gear transmission with mechanical variable drive.
| Transmission | Peerless 2300 |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 1.75 qts [1.7 L] |
| Type | Gear with CVT |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 216
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Manual steering
- Mechanical band brakes
Power Information of John Deere, 216
| Mid PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Manual |
Electrical System of John Deere, 216
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 15 |
Where it sits
With 16 HP, the John Deere 216 sits just above 214 (14 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 95th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 216 have?
The John Deere 216 delivers 16 HP.
What years was the John Deere 216 produced?
The John Deere 216 was produced in 1979-1987.
What transmission does the John Deere 216 use?
The John Deere 216 uses a Peerless 2300 transmission.
How much does the John Deere 216 weigh?
The John Deere 216 weighs 695 lbs [315 kg].
Is the John Deere 216 4WD?
The John Deere 216 is available in 2WD.