Introduction
John Deere 870 Compact Utility Tractor
The John Deere 870 is a compact utility tractor manufactured by Yanmar in Japan for John Deere between 1989 and 1998. It was designed as a versatile machine for small-scale agricultural tasks, landscaping, and general utility work.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 1.4-liter, three-cylinder liquid-cooled engine producing 28 horsepower. It utilizes a direct injection fuel system and is equipped with an air intake heater for cold starting. The engine operates at a rated speed of 2600 RPM, with a net power output suitable for standard light-duty agricultural implements.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 870 offers two transmission configurations: a standard 9-speed unsynchronized gear transmission or an optional 9-speed partially synchronized version, both providing 9 forward and 3 reverse speeds. Power is transferred via a 225mm dry two-stage clutch. Operators can choose between two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive models, with planetary final drives and mechanical rear differential locks to manage traction in varied terrain.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system features an open-center design with a pump flow of 8.1 gallons per minute (30.7 lpm) for implements and up to 12.4 gallons per minute (46.9 lpm) for models equipped with power steering. The system operates at a pressure of 2250 psi. The rear PTO provides a standard 540 RPM at 2600 engine RPM, and an optional mid-PTO system is available, allowing for independent engagement of mid and rear shafts.
Hitch and Dimensions
Equipped with a Category I rear three-point hitch, the tractor offers position control and a lift capacity of 1880 lbs (852 kg) measured at 24 inches behind the lift points. The tractor has a wheelbase of 67.5 inches and is available with various tire configurations, including agricultural and turf options, to suit specific soil and surface requirements.
Conclusion
The John Deere 870 is a robust compact utility tractor that combines a reliable Yanmar engine with flexible transmission and hydraulic options. Its size and power output make it well-suited for professional landscaping, small-farm operations, and property maintenance tasks requiring a balance of maneuverability and implement compatibility.
Production Information of John Deere, 870
- Original price was $14,000 in 1998
- Built in Japan
- Compact Utility tractor
| Distributor | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Yanmar |
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 870
| Rear tread | 46.2 to 58 inches [117 to 147 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 67.5 inches [171 cm] |
| 2WD Weight | 2515 lbs [1140 kg] |
| 4WD Width | 58.7 inches [149 cm] |
| Length | 123 inches [312 cm] |
| 4WD Clearance (front axle) | 12.7 inches [32 cm] |
| 4WD Weight | 2670 lbs [1211 kg] |
| 2WD Width | 53.3 inches [135 cm] |
| 4WD Front tread | 39.5 inches [100 cm] |
| 2WD Front tread | 45.9 to 57.9 inches [116 to 147 cm] |
| 2WD Clearance (front axle) | 11.9 inches [30 cm] |
Minimum width.
Minimum width.
| 2WD Standard tires (ag) | Front: 5.00-15. Rear: 11.2-24 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 355/80D-20 |
| Lawn/turf front | 25x8.50-14 |
| 4WD Standard tires (ag) | Front: 7-14. Rear: 12.4-24 |
| 2WD Optional tires (ag) | Front: 5.00-15. Rear: 12.4-24 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 870
- Liquid-cooled
| Coolant capacity | 5.5 qts [5.2 L] |
|---|---|
| Fuel system | Direct injection |
| Air cleaner | Dry with safety element |
| Compression | 17.8:1 |
| Pre-heating | Air intake heater |
| Displacement | 87.3 ci [1.4 L] |
| Oil capacity | 5.1 qts [4.8 L] |
| Power (net) | 28 hp [20.9 kW] |
| Oil change | 200 h |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.31x3.39 inches [84 x 86 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Operating RPM | 800-2775 |
| Rated RPM | 2600 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 870
Transmission variants 1
- Three speeds (1-3) plus reverse (R) with three ranges (1-3). The collar shift was the standard transmission. Tractor must be stopped, and clutch used, to shift gears or ranges.
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 22 qts [20.8 L] |
| Gears | 9 forward and 3 reverse |
| Clutch | 225mm dry two-stage |
Transmission variants 2
- Three speeds, plus reverse, in three ranges. Speeds may be shifted on the move. Tractor must be stopped to shift ranges.
| Type | Partially synchronized |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 22 qts [20.8 L] |
| Gears | 9 forward and 3 reverse |
| Clutch | 225mm dry two-stage |
- 9-speed unsynchronized gear
- 9-speed partially synchronized
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 870
- Two-post ROPS.
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Wet disc brakes
| Steering(optional) | Power |
|---|---|
| Steering | Manual |
| Final drives | Planetary |
| Differential lock | Mechanical rear |
Power Information of John Deere, 870
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| Mid PTO Type | 2100 |
| Mid PTO | Live |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375) |
| Engine RPM | 2100@2600 |
| Engine RPM | 540@2600 |
Two-stage clutch
Optional. Independent engagement of mid, rear, or both PTO shafts.
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 870
| Total flow | 8.1 gpm (manual steering) [30.7 lpm] |
|---|---|
| Type | Open center |
| Mid valves(optional) | 2 |
| Rear valves(optional) | 2 |
| Capacity | 5.5 gal [20.8 L] |
| Capacity(optional) | 12.4 gpm (power steering) [46.9 lpm] |
| Pump flow | 8.1 gpm [30.7 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2250 psi [155.1 bar] |
| Steering flow | 4.3 gpm [16.3 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 870
| Rear Type | I |
|---|---|
| Control | Position control |
| Rear lift (at 24"/610mm) | 1880 lbs [852 kg] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 870
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Battery CCA | 447 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 20 |
Where it sits
With 28 HP, the John Deere 870 sits between 850 (25 HP) and 4300 (32 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 21th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 870 have?
The John Deere 870 delivers 28 HP.
What years was the John Deere 870 produced?
The John Deere 870 was produced in 1989-1998.
What transmission does the John Deere 870 use?
The John Deere 870 uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.
How much does the John Deere 870 weigh?
The John Deere 870 weighs 2515 lbs [1140 kg].
Is the John Deere 870 4WD?
The John Deere 870 is available in 2WD/4WD.