John Deere 4850
The John Deere 4850 is a powerful row crop tractor made from 1983 to 1988. It has a strong diesel engine with six cylinders and 207.9 hp, which is above average for tractors. The engine is liquid-cooled and has a turbocharger to make it even stronger. This tractor is big and heavy, weighing 18,717 lb, which helps it work well in tough conditions. The 4850 has many features that make it easy to use. It has power steering and a transmission with 15 forward gears and 4 reverse gears. This lets the driver choose the right speed for different jobs. The tractor has a three-point hitch at the back that can lift up to 9,600 lb, which is very high for its class. It also has a PTO (power take-off) that spins at 1000 rpm to run other farm tools. Farmers can choose between a Sound-Gard cab or an open design with a roll bar for safety. With its size and power, the John Deere 4850 is great for big farms and heavy work.
Key specifications
- Category
- Row Crop
- Engine power
- 208hp
- Operating weight
- 18,717 lb
- Transmission
- Full power shift
Category comparison
4850 compared with its category
vs. Row Crop medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
All recorded Row Crop tractors
This model
The 4850 ranks at the 78th percentile for engine power among recorded row crop tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere 4850
The John Deere 4850 is a powerful row crop tractor made from 1983 to 1988. It has a strong diesel engine with six cylinders and 207.9 hp, which is above average for tractors. The engine is liquid-cooled and has a turbocharger to make it even stronger. This tractor is big and heavy, weighing 18,717 lb, which helps it work well in tough conditions. The 4850 has many features that make it easy to use. It has power steering and a transmission with 15 forward gears and 4 reverse gears. This lets the driver choose the right speed for different jobs. The tractor has a three-point hitch at the back that can lift up to 9,600 lb, which is very high for its class. It also has a PTO (power take-off) that spins at 1000 rpm to run other farm tools. Farmers can choose between a Sound-Gard cab or an open design with a roll bar for safety. With its size and power, the John Deere 4850 is great for big farms and heavy work.
Full specifications
Recorded specifications
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 4850 |
| Category | Row Crop tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1983–1988 |
| Operating weight | 18,717lb(8,490 kg) |
Engine
| Make | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Power | 207.9hp(155 kW) |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 466ci(7.64 L) |
| Bore | 4.56in(115.8 mm) |
| Stroke | 4.75in(120.6 mm) |
Transmission
| Type | Full power shift |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 15 |
| Reverse gears | 4 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Power |
| Brakes | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Cab | Sound-Gard cab or four-post Roll-Gard ROPS (optional) |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent with hydraulic wet disc clutch |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 1,000rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 179.5in(4,559 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 84.6in(2,149 mm) |
| Height | 117.7in(2,990 mm) |
| Operating weight | 18,717lb(8,490 kg) |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 8gal(30.28 L) |
|---|
Closest alternatives
4850 compared with the nearest models by horsepower
By engine horsepower, the nearest row crop models to the 4850 are the Massey Ferguson 7497 and the Massey Ferguson 6497. The Massey Ferguson 7497 matches it on rated power and weighs 860 lb less. It entered production in 2009, 26 years after the 4850. The Massey Ferguson 6497 is rated 1 hp higher and weighs 5,200 lb more, at 115 lb per horsepower against 90 lb. It entered production in 2008, 25 years after the 4850.
| Spec | John Deere 4850 | Massey Ferguson 7497 | Massey Ferguson 6497 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 207.9 hp155 kW | 207.8 hp155 kW | 208.9 hp155.8 kW |
| Operating weight | 18,717 lb8,490 kg | 17,860 lb8,101 kg | 23,920 lb10,850 kg |
| Weight per hp | 90 lb/hp55 kg/kW | 86 lb/hp52 kg/kW | 115 lb/hp70 kg/kW |
| Displacement | 466 ci7.64 L | 449 ci7.36 L | 449 ci7.36 L |
| Cylinders | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission | Full power shift | Continuously variable transmission (CVT) | Partial power shift |
| Drive | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Years built | 1983-1988 | 2009-2012 | 2008-2012 |
Calculators
Calculators for the 4850
PTO power
About 173 to 187 PTO hp
Estimated from the 207.9 hp engine rating. The calculator also estimates drawbar power by surface.
Implement sizing
Implements a 207.9 hp tractor can run
Maximum size is about a 24.5 ft rotary cutter or a 21 ft tiller. The calculator also sizes discs, plows and balers.
Ballast
105 lb per PTO hp as listed
Heavy draft work calls for 130 to 150 lb/hp. The calculator gives the ballast to add.
Units
207.9 hp is 155.0 kW
The converter gives kW and metric PS values, as used on European spec sheets.
Parts and manuals
Parts and manuals for the John Deere 4850
Each link opens a retailer search keyed to the fields recorded for this model. Confirm fitment against the serial plate before ordering.
Filters
- Oil filter for the John DeereAmazon
Fits the John Deere 6-cylinder diesel engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Air filter for the John DeereAmazon
Fits the John Deere 6-cylinder diesel engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Fuel filter for the John DeereAmazon
Fits the John Deere 6-cylinder diesel engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Hydraulic filter for the John DeereAmazon
Fits the John Deere 6-cylinder diesel engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
Manuals
- John Deere 4850 service and repair manualseManualOnline
Digital manuals. Built 1983 to 1988. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- John Deere 4850 operator's manualAmazon
Printed and reprint manuals. Built 1983 to 1988. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- John Deere 4850 service manualAmazon
Shop and repair manuals for this model.
Links in this section go to retailers. A purchase through them earns this site a commission at no extra cost to the buyer. As an Amazon Associate, Heavy Equipment Specs earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure
Category medians
4850 vs. Row Crop median
John Deere 4850 compared with other Row Crop tractors
| Spec | This model | Row Crop median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 208 hp | 138 hp | +51% | 78th |
| Engine Displacement | 466 ci | 391 ci | +19% | 82nd |
| Cylinders | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 15 | 16 | -6% | 33rd |
| Operating Weight | 18,717 lb | 12,307 lb | +52% | 80th |
| Length | 180 in | 180 in | 0% | 50th |
| Width | 84.6 in | 91.2 in | -7% | 35th |
| Height | 118 in | 114 in | +4% | 64th |
| 3-Point Hitch Capacity | 9,600 lb | 11,023 lb | -13% | 42nd |
Medians and percentiles are calculated from the row crop tractors in the database that have a recorded value for each specification (sample size 279–1,417 models).
Same manufacturer
Other John Deere models
Other manufacturers
Models with similar horsepower
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was the John Deere 4850 made?
The John Deere 4850 was manufactured from 1983 to 1988.
What type of hydraulic system does the John Deere 4850 use?
Hydraulics on the John Deere 4850 are Closed center.
What hitch category is the John Deere 4850?
The John Deere 4850 uses a Category Category 3 hitch with a lift capacity of 9,600 lb.
What is the engine power output of the John Deere 4850?
Rated engine output for the John Deere 4850 is 207.9 hp, delivered by a 6-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 466 ci.
What is the operating weight of the John Deere 4850?
The John Deere 4850 has an operating weight of about 18,717 lb.
Which transmission does the John Deere 4850 use?
The John Deere 4850 is equipped with a Full power shift transmission with 15 forward gears.
How do I maintain a John Deere 4850?
Routine service for the John Deere 4850 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.





