John Deere 1520
The John Deere 1520 is a utility tractor that was made from 1968 to 1972. It has a 2WD drive system and power steering to help farmers work their fields easily. The tractor uses a 3-cylinder diesel engine made by John Deere. This engine has average power for its size, producing about 29.54 hp. The 1520 has a versatile transmission with 16 forward gears and 8 reverse gears. This gives farmers many options for different tasks. It has a strong rear hitch that can lift up to 2,300 pounds, which is above average for tractors like this. The tractor weighs 5,855 pounds, making it sturdy enough for most farm jobs. It also has a PTO (power take-off) system that runs at 540 rpm, letting farmers use various tools with their tractor.

Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 30hp
- PTO HP
- 29.54
- Operating Weight
- 5,855 lb
- Transmission
- Collar shift, Two-speed power shift, Power shuttle
At a glance
How the 1520 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The 1520 ranks at the 21st percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere 1520
The John Deere 1520 is a utility tractor that was made from 1968 to 1972. It has a 2WD drive system and power steering to help farmers work their fields easily. The tractor uses a 3-cylinder diesel engine made by John Deere. This engine has average power for its size, producing about 29.54 hp. The 1520 has a versatile transmission with 16 forward gears and 8 reverse gears. This gives farmers many options for different tasks. It has a strong rear hitch that can lift up to 2,300 pounds, which is above average for tractors like this. The tractor weighs 5,855 pounds, making it sturdy enough for most farm jobs. It also has a PTO (power take-off) system that runs at 540 rpm, letting farmers use various tools with their tractor.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 1520 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1968–1972 |
| Operating weight | 5,855lb |
Engine
| Make | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 3164G (Diesel) |
| Power | 29.54hp |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 164.9ci |
| Bore | 4.02in |
| Stroke | 4.33in |
Transmission
| Type | Collar shift, Two-speed power shift, Power shuttle |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 16 |
| Reverse gears | 8 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Power assist |
| Brakes | Differential hydraulic wet disc |
| Cab | Open operator station |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| PTO power | 29.54hp |
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 124in |
|---|---|
| Width | 69.25in |
| Height | 53in |
| Operating weight | 5,855lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 3gal |
|---|
Head to head
1520 vs. Utility median
How the John Deere 1520 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 29.5 hp | 55 hp | -46% | 21st |
| Engine Displacement | 165 ci | 183 ci | -10% | 44th |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 | -25% | 23rd |
| Forward Gears | 16 | 12 | +33% | 73rd |
| Operating Weight | 5,855 lb | 5,303 lb | +10% | 55th |
| Length | 124 in | 137 in | -9% | 33rd |
| Width | 69.3 in | 66 in | +5% | 58th |
| Height | 53 in | 94.1 in | -44% | 4th |
| 3-Point Hitch Capacity | 2,300 lb | 3,197 lb | -28% | 29th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 1,083–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 3120 | 29.5 hp | 2,998 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 790 | 30 hp | 1,930 lb | 2000–2007 | Compare → |
| John Deere 2032R (2017-2019) | 30.6 hp | 2,425 lb | 2017–2019 | Compare → |
| John Deere 3032E | 31 hp | 2,175 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 950 | 31 hp | 2,700 lb | 1978–1989 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGCO ST30 | 30.3 hp | 2,594 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers D10 | 28.57 hp | 2,700 lb | 1959–1967 | Compare → |
| AGCO ST28A | 28.4 hp | 2,400 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO ST30x | 28.4 hp | 1,984 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers UC | 30.93 hp | 5,710 lb | — | Compare → |
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Gallery
John Deere 1520 photos





FAQ
Common questions
When was the John Deere 1520 made?
The John Deere 1520 was manufactured from 1968 to 1972.
What hydraulics does the John Deere 1520 have?
The John Deere 1520 uses a Closed center hydraulic system.
What three-point hitch category does the John Deere 1520 use?
The John Deere 1520 has a Category Category 3 three-point hitch rated to lift 2,300 lb.
What is the engine power output of the John Deere 1520?
Rated engine output for the John Deere 1520 is 29.54 hp, delivered by a 3-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 164.9 ci.
What is the power take-off (PTO) output of the John Deere 1520?
The John Deere 1520 has a PTO power rating of 29.54 hp.
What is the operating weight of the John Deere 1520?
In working trim, the John Deere 1520 comes in at roughly 5,855 lb.
Which transmission does the John Deere 1520 use?
The John Deere 1520 is equipped with a Collar shift, Two-speed power shift, Power shuttle transmission with 16 forward gears.
How do I maintain a John Deere 1520?
Routine service for the John Deere 1520 covers engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic and coolant level checks, air filter cleaning, and scheduled inspections. Refer to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for exact intervals.


