John Deere 8520
Power
305 hp
Production
2002-2005
Transmission
John Deere PowerShift
Drive
4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 8520 Row-Crop Tractor
The John Deere 8520 is a high-performance row-crop tractor manufactured in Waterloo, Iowa, between 2002 and 2005. Designed for large-scale agricultural operations, this model integrates advanced electronic engine management and power-shift transmission technology to handle heavy-duty fieldwork.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an 8.1-liter liquid-cooled inline engine utilizing an electronic high-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel system. It delivers a rated net power of 295 hp and a maximum gross power of 335 hp. The engine operates efficiently between 1500 and 2200 RPM, supported by a dry-type air cleaner with a secondary element for sustained performance in dusty environments.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Equipped with the John Deere PowerShift transmission, the 8520 offers 16 forward and 4 reverse gears. The system features full power shifting controlled by a single lever, with an Automatic PowerShift (APS) function that adjusts gear selection based on load requirements. Power is delivered through a four-wheel drive system, complemented by hydraulic wet disc brakes and hydrostatic power steering.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system is a closed-center, pressure-flow compensated (PFC) setup, providing a standard flow of 33.5 gpm, with an optional configuration reaching 42.5 gpm. It operates at 2900 psi and supports up to five valves. The rear hitch is a Category III/IIIN type with a lift capacity of 15,180 lbs, while an optional front hitch provides an additional 11,000 lbs of lift capacity.
Conclusion
The John Deere 8520 is a robust and versatile solution for intensive row-crop farming. Its combination of high-capacity hydraulics, precise power-shift transmission, and a durable 8.1L engine makes it a reliable asset for operators requiring consistent power and operational flexibility.
Production Information of John Deere, 8520
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 8520
| 4WD Front tread | 60 to 80 inches [152 to 203 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 117.7 inches [298 cm] |
| Front axle | Independent Link Suspension |
| Front axle | 4WD |
| Length | 211.9 inches [538 cm] |
| ILS Front tread | 60 to 88 inches [152 to 223 cm] |
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 4.724 by 118.5 inches [119 by 3009 mm] |
| Height (cab) | 122.2 inches [310 cm] |
| Ag rear | 18.4R46 |
|---|
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 8520
- Liquid-cooled inline
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
|---|---|
| Idle RPM | 900-2300 |
| Rated Power (gross) | 305 hp [227.4 kW] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Maximum Power (gross) | 335 hp [249.8 kW] |
| Fuel system | Electronic high-pressure common rail (HPCR) |
| Maximum Power (net) | 325 hp [242.4 kW] |
| Displacement | 496 ci [8.1 L] |
| Rated Power (net) | 295 hp [220.0 kW] |
| Oil capacity | 32.7 qts [30.9 L] |
| Oil change | 250 h |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.56x5.06 inches [116 x 129 mm] |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Coolant capacity | 35.9 qts [34.0 L] |
| Compression | 16.5:1 |
| Air cleaner | Dry with secondary element |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 8520
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.
| Transmission | John Deere PowerShift |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 158.4 qts [149.9 L] |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Type | Full power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 4 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 8520
- Four-wheel drive
- Cab standard.
- Hydraulic wet disc brakes
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
|---|
Power Information of John Deere, 8520
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Engine RPM | 1000@2200 |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet discs |
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 (1.75) |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 8520
| Type | Closed center pressure-flow compensated (PFC) |
|---|---|
| SCV flow | 30 gpm [113.6 lpm] |
| Valves | 5 |
| Capacity | 39.6 gal [149.9 L] |
| Total flow | 33.5 gpm [126.8 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2900 psi [200.0 bar] |
Optional 57cc pump
With standard 45cc pump
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 8520
| Rear Type | III/IIIN |
|---|---|
| Front lift | 11000 lbs [4989 kg] |
| Front Hitch(optional) | IIIN |
| Rear lift | 15180 lbs [6885 kg] |
| Rear lift(optional) | 17300 lbs [7847 kg] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 8520
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery CCA | 925 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging amps | 150 |
Where it sits
With 305 HP, the John Deere 8520 sits between 8420 (284 HP) and 8530 (330 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 94th percentile of 2000s models in our database (2822 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 8520 have?
The John Deere 8520 delivers 305 HP.
What years was the John Deere 8520 produced?
The John Deere 8520 was produced in 2002-2005.
What transmission does the John Deere 8520 use?
The John Deere 8520 uses a John Deere PowerShift transmission.
Is the John Deere 8520 4WD?
The John Deere 8520 is available in 4WD.