Brand siblingJohn Deere 8420
The John Deere 8420 is a powerful row crop tractor built for serious farming. It has a strong diesel engine with 6 cylinders that can produce 270 horsepower. This tractor is designed to handle big jobs with ease, thanks to its 4-wheel drive system and sturdy build. One of the standout features of the 8420 is its lifting power. The rear hitch can lift up to 17,897 pounds, which is very high compared to other tractors. It also has a full power shift transmission with 16 forward gears and 4 reverse gears, making it easy to find the right speed for any task. The tractor comes with a comfortable cab for the driver and has both 540 and 1000 rpm PTO options for running various implements. At 23,955 pounds, it's a heavy-duty machine built to last. John Deere is known for making reliable farm equipment, and the 8420 lives up to that reputation with its mix of power and versatility.

Quick specs
- Category
- Row Crop
- Engine Power Output
- 270hp
- Operating Weight
- 23,955 lb
- Transmission
- Full power shift
At a glance
How the 8420 compares
vs. Row Crop medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Row Crop tractors
This model
The 8420 ranks at the 90th percentile for engine power among recorded row crop tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere 8420
The John Deere 8420 is a powerful row crop tractor built for serious farming. It has a strong diesel engine with 6 cylinders that can produce 270 horsepower. This tractor is designed to handle big jobs with ease, thanks to its 4-wheel drive system and sturdy build. One of the standout features of the 8420 is its lifting power. The rear hitch can lift up to 17,897 pounds, which is very high compared to other tractors. It also has a full power shift transmission with 16 forward gears and 4 reverse gears, making it easy to find the right speed for any task. The tractor comes with a comfortable cab for the driver and has both 540 and 1000 rpm PTO options for running various implements. At 23,955 pounds, it's a heavy-duty machine built to last. John Deere is known for making reliable farm equipment, and the 8420 lives up to that reputation with its mix of power and versatility.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 8420 |
| Category | Row Crop tractor |
| Type | 4x4 MFWD 4WD |
| Operating weight | 23,955lb |
Engine
| Make | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Power | 270hp |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 496ci |
| Bore | 4.56in |
| Stroke | 5.06in |
Transmission
| Type | Full power shift |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 16 |
| Reverse gears | 4 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x4 MFWD 4WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 4WD |
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
| Brakes | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Cab | Cab (standard) |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed center pressure-flow compensated (PFC) |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent with hydraulic wet discs clutch |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 1,000rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 211.9in |
|---|---|
| Height | 122.2in |
| Operating weight | 23,955lb |
Tires
| Rear | 480/80R46 |
|---|
Capacities
| Cooling system | 8.98gal |
|---|
Head to head
8420 vs. Row Crop median
How the John Deere 8420 compares to other Row Crop tractors
| Spec | This model | Row Crop median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 270 hp | 138 hp | +96% | 90th |
| Engine Displacement | 496 ci | 391 ci | +27% | 85th |
| Cylinders | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 16 | 16 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 23,955 lb | 12,307 lb | +95% | 93rd |
| Length | 212 in | 180 in | +18% | 85th |
| Height | 122 in | 114 in | +8% | 79th |
| 3-Point Hitch Capacity | 17,897 lb | 11,023 lb | +62% | 79th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the row crop tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 279–1,417 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 7R 270 | 270 hp | 24,265 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 8310R | 271.62 hp | 27,020 lb | 2011–2013 | Compare → |
| John Deere 7260R | 260 hp | 23,795 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 8270R | 256.8 hp | 23,670 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 7R 290 | 283.6 hp | 25,440 lb | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGCO DT225B | 266.3 hp | 25,795 lb | 2009–2010 | Compare → |
| CaseIH 4694 | 261 hp | 22,310 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO DT220A | 260 hp | 19,951 lb | 2005–2008 | Compare → |
| CaseIH 9150 | 280 hp | 23,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO DT240A | 290 hp | 19,951 lb | 2005–2008 | Compare → |
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Gallery
John Deere 8420 photos



FAQ
Common questions
What is the engine power output of the John Deere 8420?
Rated engine output for the John Deere 8420 is 270 hp, delivered by a 6-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 496 ci.
Which transmission does the John Deere 8420 use?
The John Deere 8420 is equipped with a Full power shift transmission with 16 forward gears.
What hydraulics does the John Deere 8420 have?
The John Deere 8420 uses a Closed center pressure-flow compensated (PFC) hydraulic system.
What are the factory tire sizes for the John Deere 8420?
The John Deere 8420 comes with 480/80R46 rear tires.
What three-point hitch category does the John Deere 8420 use?
The John Deere 8420 has a Category Category 3 three-point hitch rated to lift 17,897 lb.
What is the operating weight of the John Deere 8420?
In working trim, the John Deere 8420 comes in at roughly 23,955 lb.
How do I maintain a John Deere 8420?
Routine service for the John Deere 8420 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.


