Introduction
John Deere 850 Compact Utility Tractor
The John Deere 850 is a compact utility tractor produced between 1978 and 1989. Manufactured by Yanmar in Japan for John Deere, this model was designed to serve small-scale agricultural operations and utility maintenance tasks.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Yanmar 3T80-J liquid-cooled diesel engine. This 3-cylinder unit features a 1.3-liter displacement (78 cubic inches) with a bore and stroke of 80 x 85 mm. It provides a gross power output of 25 horsepower at a rated engine speed of 2600 RPM, operating with a compression ratio of 21.2:1.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The drivetrain consists of a gear-type transmission providing 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds. Power is transferred via a 210mm dry disc clutch. Starting in 1984, a live two-stage clutch became available. The tractor was offered in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system utilizes an open-center design with a system pressure of 2030 psi (140.0 bar). The hydraulic capacity is 4.75 gallons (18.0 L), increasing to 5.25 gallons (19.9 L) on units produced after 1984. The rear hitch is a Category I three-point hitch equipped with position control.
Dimensions and Chassis
With a wheelbase of 64 inches (162 cm) and an overall length of 117.7 inches (298 cm), the tractor features a ground clearance of 13.7 inches (34 cm). The base weight is approximately 2400 lbs (1088 kg). The machine is equipped with mechanical expanding shoe brakes and a two-post Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS).
Conclusion
The John Deere 850 is a versatile utility tractor suited for light-duty agricultural work, property maintenance, and landscaping. Its compact dimensions and availability in both 2WD and 4WD configurations provide operational flexibility, while the Yanmar-sourced engine ensures mechanical reliability for its class.
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Production Information of John Deere, 850
- Built in Japan
- Compact Utility tractor
| Distributor | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Original price | $7,670 (1983 ) |
| Manufacturer | Yanmar |
| Manufacturer(optional) | $11,000 (1989 ) |
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 850
| Ground clearance | 13.7 inches [34 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 64 inches [162 cm] |
| Weight | 2400 lbs [1088 kg] |
| Height (hood) | 50.8 inches [129 cm] |
| Length | 117.7 inches [298 cm] |
| Front tread | 42 to 58 inches [106 to 147 cm] |
| Max Drawbar | 825 lbs [374 kg] |
| Width | 53.3 inches [135 cm] |
| Rear tread | 42 to 50 inches [106 to 127 cm] |
| Ag front | 5.00-15 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 13.6-16 |
| Lawn/turf front | 23/8.5-12 |
| Ag rear | 9.5-24 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 11.2-24 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 850
- Yanmar 3T80-J
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 3-cylinder
| Starter volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 78 ci [1.3 L] |
| Air cleaner | Paper element |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.15x3.35 inches [80 x 85 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 6 qts [5.7 L] |
| Rated RPM | 2600 |
| Compression | 21.2:1 |
| Power (gross) | 25 hp [18.6 kW] |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 850
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | 210mm dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 850
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Two-post ROPS.
- Differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power |
Power Information of John Deere, 850
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Engine RPM | 540@2258 |
| Engine RPM(optional) | Live two-stage clutch |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375) |
Early models, through the 1983 model year.
Introduced in 1984, tractor serial number 16001.
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 850
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 2030 psi [140.0 bar] |
| Capacity | 4.75 gal [18.0 L] |
| Capacity(optional) | 5.25 gal [19.9 L] |
After 1984
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 850
| Rear Type | I |
|---|---|
| Control | Position control |
Electrical System of John Deere, 850
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery CCA | 570 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery Group | BCI 30H |
| Charging amps | 25 |
Where it sits
With 25 HP, the John Deere 850 sits between 750 (20 HP) and 870 (28 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 14th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1259 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 850 have?
The John Deere 850 delivers 25 HP.
What years was the John Deere 850 produced?
The John Deere 850 was produced in 1978-1989.
What engine does the John Deere 850 have?
The John Deere 850 is powered by a Diesel, 3-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 850 use?
The John Deere 850 uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the John Deere 850 weigh?
The John Deere 850 weighs 2400 lbs [1088 kg].
Is the John Deere 850 4WD?
The John Deere 850 is available in 2WD/4WD.