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.
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 25hp
- Operating Weight
- 2,400 lb
- Transmission
- Gear
At a glance
How the 850 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
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
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 850 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1978–1989 |
| Operating weight | 2,400lb |
Engine
| Make | Yanmar |
|---|---|
| Model | 3T80-J |
| Power | 25hp |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 78ci |
| Bore | 3.15in |
| Stroke | 3.35in |
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 |
|---|---|
| Width | 53.1in |
| Height | 50.8in |
| Operating weight | 2,400lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 1.5gal |
|---|
Head to head
850 vs. Utility median
How the John Deere 850 compares to 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 computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 3,933–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 2025R | 25 hp | 1,660 lb | 2013–2016 | Compare → |
| John Deere 900HC | 25 hp | 2,865 lb | 1986–1988 | Compare → |
| John Deere 1026R | 25.2 hp | 1,444 lb | 2011–2012 | Compare → |
| John Deere 2026R | 25.2 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 3025D | 24.4 hp | 2,778 lb | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allis Chalmers 5020 | 25 hp | 2,060 lb | 1977–1985 | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers FD3 | 25 hp | 3,150 lb | — | Compare → |
| Apollo 254 | 25 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| Belarus 254 | 25 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| Bobcat CT1025 | 24.5 hp | 1,488 lb | — | Compare → |
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FAQ
Common 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?
In working trim, the John Deere 850 comes in at roughly 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.



