John Deere 68
Power
8 hp
Production
1975-1983
Engine
1-cylinder
Transmission
Belt-driven gear
Weight
320 lbs (30-inch deck) [145 kg]
Drive
2WD
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Introduction
John Deere 68 Riding Lawn Mower
The John Deere 68 is a compact riding lawn mower manufactured in Horicon, Wisconsin, between 1975 and 1983. Designed primarily for residential lawn maintenance, this model served as a standard utility mower within the John Deere lineup during its production period.
Engine and Performance
The machine is powered by an air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 8 horsepower (6.0 kW). It utilizes a vertical-shaft configuration and features a dry element air cleaner. The engine requires a spark plug gap of 0.030 inches (0.762 mm) and a point gap of 0.020 inches (0.508 mm). The oil capacity of the engine is 1.15 quarts (1.1 liters).
Transmission and Drivetrain
The tractor is equipped with a belt-driven gear transmission system, offering 5 forward gears and 1 reverse gear to accommodate various mowing speeds. It features a two-wheel drive system and is operated from an open operator station. Maneuverability is facilitated by manual steering, while stopping power is provided by disc brakes.
Mowing and PTO
The John Deere 68 is compatible with 30-inch or 34-inch mower decks. It features an independent mid-mounted Power Take-Off (PTO) system, engaged via a mechanical clutch, allowing for the operation of the cutting deck.
Dimensions and Tires
The unit measures 58.5 inches (148 cm) in length and 38 inches (96 cm) in height to the steering wheel. The base machine weight is 320 lbs (145 kg) with a 30-inch deck, or 350 lbs (158 kg) with a 34-inch deck. It rolls on specialized lawn and turf tires, with 4.80x4.00-8 tires in the front and 16x6.50-8 tires in the rear.
Conclusion
The John Deere 68 remains a recognized model among collectors and homeowners for its straightforward mechanical design and durability. Its simple transmission and compact footprint make it suitable for standard residential lawn care tasks where reliability is prioritized over high-output features.
Production Information of John Deere, 68
- Original price was $1,549 in 1983
- Riding lawn mower
- Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 68
| Length | 58.5 inches [148 cm] |
|---|---|
| Length(optional) | 350 lbs (34-inch deck) [158 kg] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 38 inches [96 cm] |
| Weight | 320 lbs (30-inch deck) [145 kg] |
| Lawn/turf front | 4.80x4.00-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 16x6.50-8 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 68
- Air-cooled vertical-shaft
- 1-cylinder
| Sparkplug | Champion J-8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 8 hp [6.0 kW] |
| Oil capacity | 1.15 qts [1.1 L] |
| Starter | Manual recoil |
| Air cleaner | Dry element |
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.030 inches [0.762 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Starter volts(optional) | Electric |
| Idle RPM | 1750-3400 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 68
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Belt-driven gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 5 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 68
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station
- Manual steering
- Disc brakes
Power Information of John Deere, 68
| Mid PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Mechanical |
Electrical System of John Deere, 68
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 8 HP, the John Deere 68 sits just above 57 (7 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 68 have?
The John Deere 68 delivers 8 HP.
What years was the John Deere 68 produced?
The John Deere 68 was produced in 1975-1983.
What engine does the John Deere 68 have?
The John Deere 68 is powered by a 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 68 use?
The John Deere 68 uses a Belt-driven gear transmission.
How much does the John Deere 68 weigh?
The John Deere 68 weighs 320 lbs (30-inch deck) [145 kg].
Is the John Deere 68 4WD?
The John Deere 68 is available in 2WD.