John Deere 8520T
The John Deere 8520T is a powerful crawler tractor built for tough farm work. It has tracks instead of wheels, which helps it move well on different types of ground. The tractor has a strong diesel engine with 6 cylinders that can produce about 256 horsepower. This engine power is above average compared to other tractors. The 8520T is big, measuring 207 inches long, 119.5 inches wide, and 122.9 inches tall. This tractor has a lot of useful features for farmers. It has a full power shift transmission with 16 forward gears and 4 reverse gears, making it easy to change speeds. The rear hitch can lift very heavy equipment, up to 16,520 pounds, which is much higher than most tractors. The 8520T also has a comfortable cab for the driver and a special hydraulic system that helps control the tractor's movements. John Deere, a well-known American company, made this tractor to be tough and reliable for farm use.
Quick specs
- Category
- Crawler
- Engine Power Output
- 256hp
- Operating Weight
- 27,280 lb
- Transmission
- Full power shift
At a glance
How the 8520T compares
vs. Crawler medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Crawler tractors
This model
The 8520T ranks at the 58th percentile for engine power among recorded crawler tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere 8520T
The John Deere 8520T is a powerful crawler tractor built for tough farm work. It has tracks instead of wheels, which helps it move well on different types of ground. The tractor has a strong diesel engine with 6 cylinders that can produce about 256 horsepower. This engine power is above average compared to other tractors. The 8520T is big, measuring 207 inches long, 119.5 inches wide, and 122.9 inches tall. This tractor has a lot of useful features for farmers. It has a full power shift transmission with 16 forward gears and 4 reverse gears, making it easy to change speeds. The rear hitch can lift very heavy equipment, up to 16,520 pounds, which is much higher than most tractors. The 8520T also has a comfortable cab for the driver and a special hydraulic system that helps control the tractor's movements. John Deere, a well-known American company, made this tractor to be tough and reliable for farm use.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 8520T |
| Category | Crawler tractor |
| Type | Crawler |
| Operating weight | 27,280lb |
Engine
| Make | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Power | 255.96hp |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 496ci |
| Bore | 4.56in |
| Stroke | 5.06in |
Transmission
| Type | Full power shift |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 16 |
| Reverse gears | 4 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | Crawler |
|---|---|
| Drive | Track |
| Steering | Electro-hydraulic power |
| Brakes | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Cab | Cab |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed center pressure-flow compensated (PFC) |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent with hydraulic wet disc clutch |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 1,000rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 207in |
|---|---|
| Width | 119.5in |
| Height | 122.9in |
| Operating weight | 27,280lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 8.98gal |
|---|
Head to head
8520T vs. Crawler median
How the John Deere 8520T compares to other Crawler tractors
| Spec | This model | Crawler median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 256 hp | 200 hp | +28% | 58th |
| Engine Displacement | 496 ci | 468 ci | +6% | 54th |
| Cylinders | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 16 | 10 | +60% | 69th |
| Operating Weight | 27,280 lb | 23,320 lb | +17% | 62nd |
| Length | 207 in | 146 in | +42% | 70th |
| Width | 120 in | 79.5 in | +50% | 86th |
| Height | 123 in | 90.6 in | +36% | 69th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the crawler tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 134–192 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 8320RT | 261.34 hp | 35,465 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 6R 250 | 246.8 hp | 21,270 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 8330T | 270.21 hp | 28,350 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 8410T | 270.62 hp | 26,380 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 8330 | 275 hp | — | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGCO DT220A | 260 hp | 19,951 lb | 2005–2008 | Compare → |
| CaseIH 4694 | 261 hp | 22,310 lb | — | Compare → |
| Big Bud HN250 | 250 hp | 34,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO DT225B | 266.3 hp | 25,795 lb | 2009–2010 | Compare → |
| AGCO DT205B | 242.3 hp | 25,840 lb | 2009–2010 | Compare → |
Explore
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FAQ
Common questions
What is the engine power output of the John Deere 8520T?
Rated engine output for the John Deere 8520T is 255.96 hp, delivered by a 6-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 496 ci.
Which transmission does the John Deere 8520T use?
The John Deere 8520T is equipped with a Full power shift transmission with 16 forward gears.
What type of hydraulic system does the John Deere 8520T use?
Hydraulics on the John Deere 8520T are Closed center pressure-flow compensated (PFC).
What hitch category is the John Deere 8520T?
The John Deere 8520T uses a Category III/IIIN hitch with a lift capacity of 16,520 lb.
What is the operating weight of the John Deere 8520T?
In working trim, the John Deere 8520T comes in at roughly 27,280 lb.
How do I maintain a John Deere 8520T?
Routine service for the John Deere 8520T 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.


