
John Deere 8440
Power
215 hp
Production
1979-1982
Engine
Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder
Transmission
John Deere Quad-Range
Weight
26,590 lbs*With 20.8-38 duals. [12061 kg]
Drive
4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 8440: 4WD Agricultural Tractor
The John Deere 8440 is a four-wheel drive tractor produced between 1979 and 1982 at the company's facility in Waterloo, Iowa, USA. Designed for heavy-duty agricultural operations, it served as a high-horsepower workhorse during its production cycle.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 7.6-liter (466 cubic inch) John Deere turbocharged diesel engine. This six-cylinder unit delivers 215 horsepower at a rated engine speed of 2100 RPM. It features a compression ratio of 15.5:1 and a liquid-cooling system to ensure thermal stability during prolonged heavy-load operation.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 8440 is equipped with the John Deere Quad-Range transmission, which provides 16 forward and 6 reverse gears. This system utilizes a partial power shift mechanism, allowing for gear changes within ranges without clutching. However, the machine must be stationary to switch between the four primary ranges (A-D). The drivetrain includes four-wheel drive and hydraulic differential locks on both front and rear axles for improved traction.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system is a closed-center design, featuring a pump flow capacity of 33 gallons per minute (124.9 lpm). It is configured with two valves as standard, providing the necessary hydraulic pressure for heavy implements. The tractor includes a Category III rear three-point hitch with a lift capacity of 8,545 lbs (3,876 kg), and an independent 1000 RPM rear power take-off (PTO).
Dimensions and Construction
Built with an articulated frame for enhanced steering, the tractor has a wheelbase of 125 inches and an operating weight of 26,590 lbs when equipped with dual rear tires. The chassis is supported by hydraulic wet disc brakes and a rack-and-pinion axle system, allowing for adjustable front and rear tread widths between 63 and 130 inches to suit various row-crop spacings.
Conclusion
The John Deere 8440 is a robust, high-performance tractor designed for large-scale field work. Its combination of a high-torque turbocharged engine, 4WD capability, and significant hydraulic capacity makes it suitable for heavy tillage and demanding draft applications.
Production Information of John Deere, 8440
- Original price was $64,000 in 1982
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 8440
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 3.937 by 95.8 inches [99 by 2433 mm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 125 inches [317 cm] |
| Front axle | Rack-and-pinion: 3.937 by 95.8 inches [99 by 2433 mm] |
| Ground clearance | 19.4 inches [49 cm] |
| Length | 223.5 inches [567 cm] |
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 3.937 by 118.4 inches [99 by 3007 mm] |
| Front axle | Rack-and-pinion: 3.937 by 118.4 inches [99 by 3007 mm] |
| Operating weight | 26,590 lbs [12061 kg] |
| Rear tread | 63 to 130 inches [160 to 330 cm] |
| Front tread | 63 to 130 inches [160 to 330 cm] |
With 20.8-38 duals.
| Ag front | 18.4-34 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 18.4-34 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 8440
- John Deere
- Liquid-cooled
- Turbocharged diesel
- 6-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 40 qts [37.9 L] |
|---|---|
| Compression | 15.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2100 |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2100 |
| Idle RPM | 800-2300 |
| Displacement | 466 ci [7.6 L] |
| Power | 215 hp [160.3 kW] |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.5625x4.75 inches [116 x 121 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 22 qts [20.8 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Firing order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 8440
Transmission variants 1
- Four gears (1-4) in four ranges (A-D). Tractor must be stopped to select range. Power shift between gears 1-2 and 3-4 within range.
| Transmission | John Deere Quad-Range |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 160 qts [151.4 L] |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 6 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 8440
- Four-wheel drive
- Cab standard.
- Hydraulic wet disc brakes
- Articulated power steering
| Differential lock | Hydraulic front and rear |
|---|
Power Information of John Deere, 8440
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 8440
| Type | Closed center |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 33 gpm [124.9 lpm] |
| Capacity | 40 gal [151.4 L] |
| Valves | 2 |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 8440
| Rear Type | III |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 8545 lbs [3876 kg] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 8440
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery CCA | 850 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Charging amps | 90 |
Where it sits
With 215 HP, the John Deere 8440 sits just below 8450 (225 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 91th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1259 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 8440 have?
The John Deere 8440 delivers 215 HP.
What years was the John Deere 8440 produced?
The John Deere 8440 was produced in 1979-1982.
What engine does the John Deere 8440 have?
The John Deere 8440 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 8440 use?
The John Deere 8440 uses a John Deere Quad-Range transmission.
How much does the John Deere 8440 weigh?
The John Deere 8440 weighs 26,590 lbs*With 20.8-38 duals. [12061 kg].
Is the John Deere 8440 4WD?
The John Deere 8440 is available in 4WD.