Brand siblingJohn Deere 870
The John Deere 870 is a utility tractor that was made from 1989 to 1998. It's a small, useful machine with a 2WD drive system and manual steering. The tractor has a 9-speed forward and 2-speed reverse transmission, which gives the driver good control over speed. Under the hood, the John Deere 870 has a Yanmar 3TN84 engine. This engine is diesel-powered and has 3 cylinders. It can produce 28 horsepower, which is below average for tractors. The engine is cooled by liquid and breathes normally without any extra help. At the back, there's a three-point hitch that can lift up to 1,879 pounds, which is above average. The tractor also has a live PTO that spins at 540 rpm, useful for running tools. The John Deere 870 is quite light at 2,515 pounds, making it easy to move around the farm without damaging the ground too much.

Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 28hp
- Operating Weight
- 2,515 lb
- Transmission
- Collar Shift
At a glance
How the 870 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The 870 ranks at the 20th percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere 870
The John Deere 870 is a utility tractor that was made from 1989 to 1998. It's a small, useful machine with a 2WD drive system and manual steering. The tractor has a 9-speed forward and 2-speed reverse transmission, which gives the driver good control over speed. Under the hood, the John Deere 870 has a Yanmar 3TN84 engine. This engine is diesel-powered and has 3 cylinders. It can produce 28 horsepower, which is below average for tractors. The engine is cooled by liquid and breathes normally without any extra help. At the back, there's a three-point hitch that can lift up to 1,879 pounds, which is above average. The tractor also has a live PTO that spins at 540 rpm, useful for running tools. The John Deere 870 is quite light at 2,515 pounds, making it easy to move around the farm without damaging the ground too much.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 870 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1989–1998 |
| Operating weight | 2,515lb |
Engine
| Make | Yanmar |
|---|---|
| Model | 3TN84 |
| Power | 28hp |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 83.1ci |
| Bore | 3.31in |
| Stroke | 3.39in |
Transmission
| Type | Collar Shift |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 9 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential Wet Disc |
| Cab | Open with two-post ROPS |
Hydraulics
| Type | Open Center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Live with two stage clutch |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 122.8in |
|---|---|
| Width | 70.5in |
| Height | 82.7in |
| Operating weight | 2,515lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 1.38gal |
|---|
Head to head
870 vs. Utility median
How the John Deere 870 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 28 hp | 55 hp | -49% | 20th |
| Engine Displacement | 83.1 ci | 183 ci | -55% | 14th |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 | -25% | 23rd |
| Forward Gears | 9 | 12 | -25% | 35th |
| Operating Weight | 2,515 lb | 5,303 lb | -53% | 17th |
| Length | 123 in | 137 in | -10% | 32nd |
| Width | 70.5 in | 66 in | +7% | 61st |
| Height | 82.7 in | 94.1 in | -12% | 30th |
| 3-Point Hitch Capacity | 1,879 lb | 3,197 lb | -41% | 20th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 1,083–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 3005 | 27 hp | 3,262 lb | 2008–2018 | Compare → |
| John Deere 4210 | 27 hp | 2,375 lb | 2002–2004 | Compare → |
| John Deere AR | 26.6 hp | 4,751 lb | 1935–1941 | Compare → |
| John Deere 3120 | 29.5 hp | 2,998 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 1520 | 29.54 hp | 5,855 lb | 1968–1972 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGCO ST28A | 28.4 hp | 2,400 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO ST30x | 28.4 hp | 1,984 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers D272 | 27.5 hp | 2,060 lb | — | Compare → |
| Ascot Universal 300 | 27.5 hp | 3,800 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers D10 | 28.57 hp | 2,700 lb | 1959–1967 | Compare → |
Explore
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Gallery
John Deere 870 photos





FAQ
Common questions
What years was the John Deere 870 manufactured?
Production of the John Deere 870 ran from 1989 through 1998.
What type of transmission does the John Deere 870 have?
The John Deere 870 uses a Collar Shift transmission offering 9 forward gears.
What type of hydraulic system does the John Deere 870 use?
Hydraulics on the John Deere 870 are Open Center.
What hitch category is the John Deere 870?
The John Deere 870 uses a Category I hitch with a lift capacity of 1,879 lb.
How powerful is the John Deere 870?
The John Deere 870 has an engine power output of 28 hp. It is powered by a 3-cylinder engine displacing 83.1 ci.
What is the working weight of the John Deere 870?
The operating weight of the John Deere 870 is approximately 2,515 lb.
What routine service does the John Deere 870 need?
Regular maintenance for the John Deere 870 includes checking and changing engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and filters, plus routine inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specific intervals and procedures.



