John Deere 8850
Power
370 hp
Production
1982-1988
Engine
Intercooled turbocharged diesel, 8-cylinder
Transmission
Quad-Range
Weight
37,700 lbs [17100 kg]
Drive
4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 8850 Four-Wheel Drive Tractor
The John Deere 8850 is a high-horsepower, four-wheel drive tractor produced between 1982 and 1988 in Waterloo, Iowa. It represents a significant era in agricultural machinery, notable for being the largest model of its series and featuring a distinct V8 engine configuration.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 15.7-liter (955 ci) liquid-cooled V8 turbocharged diesel engine. This unit produces 370 horsepower at a rated engine speed of 2100 RPM. The engine features an intercooled induction system and a compression ratio of 15.5:1, designed to meet the high power demands of large-scale farming operations.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 8850 utilizes a Quad-Range partial power shift transmission, providing 16 forward and 6 reverse gears. The system employs a Perma-Clutch hydraulic wet disc clutch. Operation requires the tractor to be stationary to select one of the four ranges, while power shifts are possible between specific speeds within each range. Final drive is achieved through inboard compound planetary gears, supported by an articulated steering system.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The hydraulic system is a closed-center, constant-pressure design delivering a pump flow of 44 gpm (166.5 lpm), supporting three to four valves. The rear hitch is a category 4/4N type equipped with lower-link draft sensing for precise implement control, capable of lifting up to 10,250 lbs (4,649 kg).
Operator Environment and Chassis
The machine is equipped with the Sound-Gard cab, which includes factory-installed air conditioning to enhance operator comfort. Traction is managed by an electro-hydraulic differential lock on both the front and rear axles. The tractor features power wet disc brakes and weighs approximately 37,700 lbs (17,100 kg) in operating configuration.
Conclusion
The John Deere 8850 was engineered for heavy-duty primary tillage and large-scale agricultural traction requirements. Its combination of high engine displacement, articulated steering, and substantial lift capacity positions it as a specialized machine for expansive farming operations that demand significant power output.
Production Information of John Deere, 8850
- The model 8850 was the largest of the four-wheel drive tractors that John Deere unveiled in 1982. Its big V-8 was a departure from John Deere's usual engine design. The 8850 had an available full-power PTO and Load-and-Depth control three-point hitch.
- Original price was $122,694 in 1983
- Four-wheel Drive (4WD) tractor
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 8850
| Wheelbase | 133 inches [337 cm] |
|---|---|
| Front axle | 4.331 by 127.5 inches [110 by 3238 mm] |
| Operating weight | 37,700 lbs [17100 kg] |
| Length | 257.8 inches [654 cm] |
| Rear axle | 4.331 by 127.5 inches [110 by 3238 mm] |
| Shipping weight | 37,480 lbs [17000 kg] |
| Ag front | 20.8-38 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 24.5-32 |
| Ag front(optional) | 23.1-34 |
| Ag rear | 20.8-38 |
| Ag rear | 20.8-42 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 30.5L-32 |
| Ag front | 20.8-42 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8-42 |
| Ag front(optional) | 24.5-32 |
| Ag front(optional) | 23.1-34 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8-42 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 8850
- Liquid-cooled V8
- Intercooled turbocharged diesel
- 8-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 51 qts [48.3 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 955 ci [15.7 L] |
| Compression | 15.5:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 5.51x5.00 inches [140 x 127 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 78 qts [73.8 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Rated RPM | 2100 |
| Power | 370 hp [275.9 kW] |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 8850
Transmission variants 1
- Tractor must be stopped to select one of four ranges. Clutchless power shift between speeds 1-2 and 3-4 in range. A synchronized shift (using clutch) can be made between 2 and 3 in range.
| Transmission | Quad-Range |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 182 qts [172.2 L] |
| Clutch | Perma-Clutch hydraulic wet discs |
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 6 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 8850
- Four-wheel drive
- Power wet disc brakes
- Articulated power steering
- Sound-Gard cab with air-conditioning
| Final drives | Inboard compound planetary |
|---|---|
| Differential lock | Electro-hydraulic front and rear |
Power Information of John Deere, 8850
| Rear PTO(optional) | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 (1.75) |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 8850
| Type | Closed center constant-pressure |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 44 gpm [166.5 lpm] |
| Capacity | 45.5 gal [172.2 L] |
| Valves | 3 to 4 |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 8850
| Rear Type | 4/4N |
|---|---|
| Control | Lower-link draft sensing |
| Rear lift | 10,250 lbs [4649 kg] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 8850
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery CCA | 625 |
| Batteries | 3 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging amps | 110 |
Where it sits
With 370 HP, the John Deere 8850 sits just above 8650 (290 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 98th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 8850 have?
The John Deere 8850 delivers 370 HP.
What years was the John Deere 8850 produced?
The John Deere 8850 was produced in 1982-1988.
What engine does the John Deere 8850 have?
The John Deere 8850 is powered by a Intercooled turbocharged diesel, 8-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 8850 use?
The John Deere 8850 uses a Quad-Range transmission.
How much does the John Deere 8850 weigh?
The John Deere 8850 weighs 37,700 lbs [17100 kg].
Is the John Deere 8850 4WD?
The John Deere 8850 is available in 4WD.