
John Deere 8520T
Power
305 hp
Production
2002-2005
Transmission
John Deere PowerShift
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 8520T Agricultural Crawler Tractor
The John Deere 8520T is a high-horsepower agricultural crawler tractor manufactured in Waterloo, Iowa, between 2002 and 2005. Designed for heavy-duty field operations, this machine utilizes a track-based drive system to optimize traction and weight distribution.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an 8.1-liter liquid-cooled inline engine. It produces a rated net power of 295 hp (220.0 kW) at 2200 RPM, with a maximum net power output of 325 hp (242.4 kW). The engine features a 16.5:1 compression ratio and requires an oil change every 250 hours of operation.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The vehicle is equipped with a John Deere PowerShift transmission, providing 16 forward and 4 reverse gears. The full power shift design allows for on-the-fly gear changes without interrupting torque delivery. Steering is managed through an electro-hydraulic power system, and braking is handled by hydraulic wet disc brakes.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system is a closed-center pressure flow compensated (PFC) setup with a pump flow of 30 gpm (113.6 lpm) and a total flow capacity of 33.5 gpm (126.8 lpm). It operates at a pressure of 2900 psi (200.0 bar) and supports up to 5 valves. The rear hitch is a category III/IIIN type with a lift capacity of 15,180 lbs (6885 kg).
Dimensions and Undercarriage
This crawler tractor features a wheelbase of 89 inches and utilizes 24-inch wide tracks. The machine's operating weight ranges from 25,950 to 27,280 pounds, depending on configuration. The standard track width is 120 inches, with a wide track option available.
Conclusion
The John Deere 8520T is engineered for large-scale agricultural tasks where high tractive effort and soil compaction management are critical. Its combination of a high-capacity hydraulic system, robust PowerShift transmission, and track-based propulsion makes it suitable for demanding heavy-duty cultivation and heavy draft applications.
Production Information of John Deere, 8520T
- Agricultural Crawler tractor
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 8520T
- Liquid-cooled inline
| Coolant capacity | 35.9 qts [34.0 L] |
|---|---|
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Rated Power (gross) | 305 hp [227.4 kW] |
| Oil change | 250 h |
| Compression | 16.5:1 |
| Maximum Power (gross) | 335 hp [249.8 kW] |
| Displacement | 496 ci [8.1 L] |
| Oil capacity | 22.7 qts [21.5 L] |
| Rated Power (net) | 295 hp [220.0 kW] |
| Maximum Power (net) | 325 hp [242.4 kW] |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.56x5.06 inches [116 x 129 mm] |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
| Idle RPM | 900-2300 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 8520T
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | John Deere PowerShift |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 260 qts [246.1 L] |
| Type | Full power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 4 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 8520T
- Cab standard.
- Hydraulic wet disc brakes
| Drive | Crawler |
|---|---|
| Steering | Electro-hydraulic power |
Power Information of John Deere, 8520T
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 (1-3/4) |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 8520T
| Type | Closed center pressure flow compensated (PFC) |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 30 gpm [113.6 lpm] |
| Valves | 5 |
| Capacity | 65 gal [246.0 L] |
| Total flow | 33.5 gpm [126.8 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2900 psi [200.0 bar] |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 8520T
| Rear Type | III/IIIN |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 15,180 lbs [6885 kg] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 8520T
| 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 8520T sits just above 8420T (284 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 8520T have?
The John Deere 8520T delivers 305 HP.
What years was the John Deere 8520T produced?
The John Deere 8520T was produced in 2002-2005.
What transmission does the John Deere 8520T use?
The John Deere 8520T uses a John Deere PowerShift transmission.