John Deere 300 lawn tractor

John Deere 300

Power

16 hp

Production

1975-1977

Engine

1-cylinder

Transmission

Sundstrand 15

Weight

700 lbs [317 kg]

Drive

2WD

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Introduction

John Deere 300 Garden Tractor

The John Deere 300 is a garden tractor model produced between 1975 and 1977. Manufactured in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA, this machine was designed for residential and property maintenance tasks, offering a balance of maneuverability and mechanical versatility.

Engine and Powertrain

The tractor is powered by a 16 hp (11.9 kW) air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a horizontal shaft and a displacement of 588 cc (35.9 ci). It utilizes a dry-type air cleaner and operates on a 12-volt electrical system. The power is transmitted through a Sundstrand 15 shaft-driven hydrostatic transmission, which provides infinite forward and reverse gear ratios for precise speed control.

Hydraulics and Attachments

The hydraulic system is an open-center design featuring one front valve as standard, with the option to add two additional rear valves. It includes an independent front PTO with an electric clutch, allowing for the operation of various front-mounted implements. The tractor is compatible with 38-inch or 46-inch mower decks and offers both sleeve hitch and optional rear hitch configurations.

Chassis and Dimensions

Built on a 46-inch (116 cm) wheelbase, the unit measures 69 inches (175 cm) in length and 42.5 inches (107 cm) in width. With an open operator station and manual steering, the tractor weighs approximately 700 lbs (317 kg). It is equipped with 16x6.50-8 front tires and 23x8.50-12 rear tires designed for lawn and turf applications.

Conclusion

The John Deere 300 is a compact, hydrostatic-drive tractor suited for landowners requiring a dedicated machine for mowing and light utility work. Its combination of a simple operator interface and proven hydrostatic transmission made it a staple of the mid-1970s garden tractor market.

Production Information of John Deere, 300

  • Original price was $2,695 in 1977
  • Garden tractor
  • Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
ManufacturerJohn Deere

Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 300

Wheelbase46 inches [116 cm]
Weight700 lbs [317 kg]
Height44 inches [111 cm]
Length69 inches [175 cm]
Width42.5 inches [107 cm]
Lawn/turf front16x6.50-8
Lawn/turf rear23x8.50-12

Engine Specifications of John Deere, 300

  • Air-cooled horizontal-shaft
  • 1-cylinder
Sparkplug gap0.035 inches [0.889 mm]
Displacement588 cc [35.9 ci]
Oil capacity1.5 qts [1.4 L]
Air cleanerDry
Bore/Stroke3.75x3.25 inches [95 x 83 mm]
Point gap0.020 inches [0.508 mm]
SparkplugChampion H10
Starter volts12
Power (gross)16 hp [11.9 kW]

Transmission Information of John Deere, 300

Transmission variants 1

TransmissionSundstrand 15
Oil typeLow-Viscosity Hy-Gard
Oil capacity5 qts [4.7 L]
TypeShaft-driven hydrostatic
Type(optional)Low-Viscosity Hy-Gard
GearsInfinite forward and reverse

Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 300

  • Two-wheel drive
  • Manual steering
  • Open operator station.

Power Information of John Deere, 300

Front PTOIndependent
ClutchElectric

Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 300

TypeOpen center
Front valves1
Front valves(optional)2

Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 300

Rear Type(optional)0
Type(optional)Sleeve hitch

Electrical System of John Deere, 300

GroundNegative
Battery volts12

Where it sits

With 16 HP, the John Deere 300 sits just above 140 (12 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 300 have?

The John Deere 300 delivers 16 HP.

What years was the John Deere 300 produced?

The John Deere 300 was produced in 1975-1977.

What engine does the John Deere 300 have?

The John Deere 300 is powered by a 1-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the John Deere 300 use?

The John Deere 300 uses a Sundstrand 15 transmission.

How much does the John Deere 300 weigh?

The John Deere 300 weighs 700 lbs [317 kg].

Is the John Deere 300 4WD?

The John Deere 300 is available in 2WD.

Compare the John Deere 300 with another model