John Deere 8120 tractor

John Deere 8120

Power

208 hp

Production

2002-2005

Transmission

John Deere PowerShift

Drive

2WD/4WD

From the same series:

8220

Introduction

John Deere 8120 Row-Crop Tractor

The John Deere 8120 is a high-horsepower row-crop tractor produced between 2002 and 2005 at the Waterloo, Iowa, facility. It serves as a core model in the 8000 series, designed for heavy-duty field operations and demanding agricultural tasks.

Engine and Performance

The tractor is powered by an 8.1-liter, liquid-cooled inline engine featuring an electronic high-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel system. It provides a rated net power of 200 hp (149.1 kW) and a maximum net power of 220 hp (164.1 kW). The engine operates optimally between 1500 and 2200 RPM, supported by a displacement of 496 cubic inches.

Transmission and Drivetrain

Equipped with the John Deere PowerShift transmission, the machine offers 16 forward and 4 reverse gears. This full power shift system utilizes hydraulic wet disc clutches and includes an Automatic PowerShift (APS) feature, which adjusts shifting based on load requirements. The tractor is available in two-wheel drive, MFWD, or MFWD with Independent Link Suspension (ILS).

Hydraulics and Hitch

The hydraulic system is a closed-center, pressure-flow compensated (PFC) design delivering a standard flow of 33.5 gpm (126.8 lpm), with an optional upgrade to 42.5 gpm (160.9 lpm). It supports up to five valves. The rear hitch is a category III/IIIN type with a lift capacity of 12,300 lbs (5579 kg), while an optional front hitch is capable of lifting 11,000 lbs (4989 kg).

PTO and Electrical

The 8120 features an independent rear PTO. It offers standard speeds of 540 RPM at 1975 engine RPM and 1000 RPM at 2200 engine RPM. The electrical system operates on 12 volts, utilizing a dual-battery configuration with a 925 cold-cranking amps capacity, managed by a 150-amp charging system.

Conclusion

The John Deere 8120 is a robust, versatile tractor engineered for large-scale farming applications. Its combination of a high-torque engine, sophisticated power shift transmission, and high-capacity hydraulic output makes it suitable for intensive tillage, planting, and heavy implement management.

Production Information of John Deere, 8120

  • Row-Crop tractor
  • Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
ManufacturerJohn Deere

Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 8120

2WD Wheelbase123.6 inches [313 cm]
4WD Front tread60 to 80 inches [152 to 203 cm]
2WD Front tread60 to 88 inches [152 to 223 cm]
2WD Front tread(optional)118.9 inches (long frame) [302 cm]
Front axle2WD
ILS Front tread60 to 88 inches [152 to 223 cm]
ILS Wheelbase115.7 inches [293 cm]
Rack-and-pinion rear axle3.937 by 110.5 inches [99 by 2806 mm]
Front axleMFWD
Length209.9 inches [533 cm]
Height (cab)120.2 inches [305 cm]
4WD Wheelbase116.9 inches [296 cm]
Rack-and-pinion rear axle4.724 by 118.5 inches [119 by 3009 mm]
Rack-and-pinion rear axle(optional)211.9 inches (long frame) [538 cm]
Front axleMFWD ILS
Rack-and-pinion rear axle4.331 by 118.5 inches [110 by 3009 mm]
Rack-and-pinion rear axle3.937 by 118.5 inches [99 by 3009 mm]
Standard tires (ag)Front: 11.00-24. Rear: 480/80R46

Engine Specifications of John Deere, 8120

  • Liquid-cooled inline
Operating RPM1500-2200
Idle RPM900-2300
Rated Power (gross)208 hp [155.1 kW]
Starter volts12
Maximum Power (gross)230 hp [171.5 kW]
Fuel systemElectronic high-pressure common rail (HPCR)
Maximum Power (net)220 hp [164.1 kW]
Displacement496 ci [8.1 L]
Rated Power (net)200 hp [149.1 kW]
Oil capacity22.7 qts [21.5 L]
Oil change250 h
Bore/Stroke4.56x5.06 inches [116 x 129 mm]
Rated RPM2200
Coolant capacity35.9 qts [34.0 L]
Compression16.5:1
Air cleanerDry with secondary element

Transmission Information of John Deere, 8120

Transmission variants 1

  • Full power shift transmission with single shift lever with display on cab corner post. Tractor begins in 7 (forward) and 2 (reverse) on start up. Clutch pedal may be used to pre-select a gear by holding clutch and pressing lever until desired gear is reached. Automatic PowerShift (APS) allows automated shifting to match load.
TransmissionJohn Deere PowerShift
Oil capacity148 qts [140.1 L]
ClutchHydraulic wet disc
TypeFull power shift
Type(optional)158.4 qts (ILS) [149.9 L]
Gears16 forward and 4 reverse

Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 8120

  • Two- or four-wheel drive
  • Cab standard.
  • Hydraulic wet disc brakes
SteeringHydrostatic power

Power Information of John Deere, 8120

Rear PTOIndependent
Engine RPM540@1975
Engine RPM(optional)540/1000 (1.375 optional)
ClutchHydraulic wet discs
Clutch(optional)1000@2200
Rear PTO Type1000 (1.75)

Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 8120

Total flow33.5 gpm [126.8 lpm]
TypeClosed center pressure-flow compensated (PFC)
Valves5
Pressure2900 psi [200.0 bar]
Capacity37 gal [140.0 L]
Capacity(optional)42.5 gpm [160.9 lpm]
SCV flow30 gpm [113.6 lpm]
SCV flow(optional)39.6 gal (ILS) [149.9 L]

With standard 45cc pump

Optional 57cc pump

Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 8120

Rear TypeIII,IIIN
Front lift11000 lbs [4989 kg]
Front Hitch(optional)IIIN
Rear lift12,300 lbs [5579 kg]
Rear lift(optional)15,180 lbs [6885 kg]

Electrical System of John Deere, 8120

GroundNegative
Battery CCA925
Batteries2
Charging systemAlternator
Battery volts12
Charging amps150

Where it sits

With 208 HP, the John Deere 8120 sits between 8110 (183 HP) and 8130 (225 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 88th percentile of 2000s models in our database (2822 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the John Deere 8120 have?

The John Deere 8120 delivers 208 HP.

What years was the John Deere 8120 produced?

The John Deere 8120 was produced in 2002-2005.

What transmission does the John Deere 8120 use?

The John Deere 8120 uses a John Deere PowerShift transmission.

Is the John Deere 8120 4WD?

The John Deere 8120 is available in 2WD/4WD.

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