Utility tractorsSpec sheet
John Deere 850
The John Deere 850 is a compact utility tractor that was made from 1978 to 1989. It's a small but capable machine, perfect for light farm work and yard tasks. This tractor has a 2WD chassis and manual steering, making it easy to handle in tight spaces. Under the hood, the John Deere 850 has a Yanmar 3T80-J engine. This diesel engine has 3 cylinders and puts out 25 horsepower, which is below average for tractors but good for its size. It has a liquid cooling system to keep it running smoothly. The tractor has an 8-speed forward and 2-speed reverse gear transmission, giving the driver good control over speed. It also has a rear three-point hitch and a 540 rpm PTO, useful for attaching and powering various tools. At 2,400 pounds, it's a lightweight tractor that won't compact soil too much. The open operator station with a roll-over protection system (ROPS) keeps the driver safe while working.
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Key specifications
- Category
- Utility
- Engine power
- 25hp
- Operating weight
- 2,400 lb
- Transmission
- Gear
Category comparison
850 compared with its category
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
All recorded Utility tractors
25 hp · 16th
This model
9
Median 55 hp
177
This modelUtility tractorsMediann = 5,383
The 850 ranks at the 16th percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere 850
The John Deere 850 is a compact utility tractor that was made from 1978 to 1989. It's a small but capable machine, perfect for light farm work and yard tasks. This tractor has a 2WD chassis and manual steering, making it easy to handle in tight spaces. Under the hood, the John Deere 850 has a Yanmar 3T80-J engine. This diesel engine has 3 cylinders and puts out 25 horsepower, which is below average for tractors but good for its size. It has a liquid cooling system to keep it running smoothly. The tractor has an 8-speed forward and 2-speed reverse gear transmission, giving the driver good control over speed. It also has a rear three-point hitch and a 540 rpm PTO, useful for attaching and powering various tools. At 2,400 pounds, it's a lightweight tractor that won't compact soil too much. The open operator station with a roll-over protection system (ROPS) keeps the driver safe while working.
Full specifications
Recorded specifications
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 850 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1978–1989 |
| Operating weight | 2,400lb(1,089 kg) |
Engine
| Make | Yanmar |
|---|---|
| Model | 3T80-J |
| Power | 25hp(18.64 kW) |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 78ci(1.28 L) |
| Bore | 3.15in(80.01 mm) |
| Stroke | 3.35in(85.09 mm) |
Transmission
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 8 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential mechanical expanding shoe |
| Cab | Open operator station with two-post ROPS |
Hydraulics
| Type | Open center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Transmission or live two-stage clutch |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 117.3in(2,979 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 53.1in(1,349 mm) |
| Height | 50.8in(1,290 mm) |
| Operating weight | 2,400lb(1,089 kg) |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 1.5gal(5.68 L) |
|---|
Closest alternatives
850 compared with the nearest models by horsepower
By engine horsepower, the nearest utility models to the 850 are the John Deere 2025R and the John Deere 900HC. The John Deere 2025R matches it on rated power and weighs 740 lb less, so it is lighter for its power, which favors PTO and transport work over heavy draft. It entered production in 2013, 35 years after the 850. The John Deere 900HC matches it on rated power and weighs 470 lb more, at 115 lb per horsepower against 96 lb. It entered production in 1986, 8 years after the 850.
| Spec | John Deere 850 | John Deere 2025R | John Deere 900HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 25 hp18.6 kW | 25 hp18.6 kW | 25 hp18.6 kW |
| Operating weight | 2,400 lb1,089 kg | 1,660 lb753 kg | 2,865 lb1,300 kg |
| Weight per hp | 96 lb/hp58 kg/kW | 66 lb/hp40 kg/kW | 115 lb/hp70 kg/kW |
| Displacement | 78 ci1.28 L | 77.3 ci1.27 L | 78.2 ci1.28 L |
| Cylinders | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Transmission | Gear | Hydrostatic | Manual |
| Drive | - | MFWD - Mechanical Front Wheel Drive | 2WD |
| Years built | 1978-1989 | 2013-2016 | 1986-1988 |
Calculators
Calculators for the 850
PTO power
About 21 to 23 PTO hp
Estimated from the 25 hp engine rating. The calculator also estimates drawbar power by surface.
Implement sizing
Implements a 25 hp tractor can run
The calculator sizes mowers, tillers, discs, plows and balers for this tractor.
Ballast
112 lb per PTO hp as listed
Heavy draft work calls for 120 to 135 lb/hp. The calculator gives the ballast to add.
Units
25 hp is 18.6 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 850
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 Yanmar 3T80-JAmazon
Fits the Yanmar 3T80-J 3-cylinder diesel engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Air filter for the Yanmar 3T80-JAmazon
Fits the Yanmar 3T80-J 3-cylinder diesel engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Fuel filter for the Yanmar 3T80-JAmazon
Fits the Yanmar 3T80-J 3-cylinder diesel engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Hydraulic filter for the Yanmar 3T80-JAmazon
Fits the Yanmar 3T80-J 3-cylinder diesel engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
Manuals
- John Deere 850 service and repair manualseManualOnline
Digital manuals. Built 1978 to 1989. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- John Deere 850 operator's manualAmazon
Printed and reprint manuals. Built 1978 to 1989. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- John Deere 850 service manualAmazon
Shop and repair manuals for this model.
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Category medians
850 vs. Utility median
John Deere 850 compared with other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 25 hp | 55 hp | -55% | 16th |
| Engine Displacement | 78 ci | 183 ci | -57% | 11th |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 | -25% | 23rd |
| Forward Gears | 8 | 12 | -33% | 23rd |
| Operating Weight | 2,400 lb | 5,303 lb | -55% | 15th |
| Length | 117 in | 137 in | -14% | 24th |
| Width | 53.1 in | 66 in | -20% | 23rd |
| Height | 50.8 in | 94.1 in | -46% | 3rd |
Medians and percentiles are calculated from the utility tractors in the database that have a recorded value for each specification (sample size 3,933–5,720 models).
Same manufacturer
Other John Deere models
Other manufacturers
Models with similar horsepower
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was the John Deere 850 made?
The John Deere 850 was manufactured from 1978 to 1989.
What hitch category is the John Deere 850?
The John Deere 850 uses a Category I hitch.
What is the engine power output of the John Deere 850?
Rated engine output for the John Deere 850 is 25 hp, delivered by a 3-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 78 ci.
What is the operating weight of the John Deere 850?
The John Deere 850 has an operating weight of about 2,400 lb.
Which transmission does the John Deere 850 use?
The John Deere 850 is equipped with a Gear transmission with 8 forward gears.
What type of hydraulic system does the John Deere 850 use?
Hydraulics on the John Deere 850 are Open center.
How do I maintain a John Deere 850?
Routine service for the John Deere 850 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.