Brand siblingJohn Deere 8870
The John Deere 8870 is a powerful four-wheel drive tractor made from 1993 to 1996. It has a big 6-cylinder diesel engine that makes 350 horsepower. This tractor is built for heavy farm work and can handle tough jobs easily. The 8870 has a special transmission with 24 forward gears and 12 reverse gears. This gives the driver lots of options for different speeds and tasks. It also has a strong 3-point hitch in the back that can lift up to 14,980 pounds. The tractor comes with a comfortable Sound-Gard cab to keep the driver safe and comfy. It's a big machine, measuring 268.9 inches long and weighing 35,130 pounds.

Quick specs
- Category
- Four-Wheel Drive
- Engine Power Output
- 350hp
- Operating Weight
- 35,130 lb
- Transmission
- Powersync Diesel 12 and 24 Speeds
At a glance
How the 8870 compares
vs. Four-Wheel Drive medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Four-Wheel Drive tractors
This model
The 8870 ranks at the 41st percentile for engine power among recorded four-wheel drive tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere 8870
The John Deere 8870 is a powerful four-wheel drive tractor made from 1993 to 1996. It has a big 6-cylinder diesel engine that makes 350 horsepower. This tractor is built for heavy farm work and can handle tough jobs easily. The 8870 has a special transmission with 24 forward gears and 12 reverse gears. This gives the driver lots of options for different speeds and tasks. It also has a strong 3-point hitch in the back that can lift up to 14,980 pounds. The tractor comes with a comfortable Sound-Gard cab to keep the driver safe and comfy. It's a big machine, measuring 268.9 inches long and weighing 35,130 pounds.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 8870 |
| Category | Four-Wheel Drive tractor |
| Type | 4x4 articulated 4WD |
| Years built | 1993–1996 |
| Operating weight | 35,130lb |
Engine
| Make | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Power | 350hp |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 619ci |
| Bore | 5.12in |
| Stroke | 5in |
Transmission
| Type | Powersync Diesel 12 and 24 Speeds |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 24 |
| Reverse gears | 12 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x4 articulated 4WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 4WD |
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
| Brakes | Hydraulic wet discs |
| Cab | Sound-Gard cab (standard) |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed center pressure compensated |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent (optional) |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 1,000rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 268.9in |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 35,130lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 14.5gal |
|---|
Head to head
8870 vs. Four-Wheel Drive median
How the John Deere 8870 compares to other Four-Wheel Drive tractors
| Spec | This model | Four-Wheel Drive median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 350 hp | 375 hp | -7% | 41st |
| Engine Displacement | 619 ci | 826 ci | -25% | 20th |
| Cylinders | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 24 | 16 | +50% | 98th |
| Operating Weight | 35,130 lb | 37,428 lb | -6% | 43rd |
| Length | 269 in | 275 in | -2% | 41st |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the four-wheel drive tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 104–162 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 9300 | 358.32 hp | 37,135 lb | 1997–2001 | Compare → |
| John Deere 9360R | 360 hp | 37,530 lb | 2012–2014 | Compare → |
| John Deere 9R 390 | 370.61 hp | 46,800 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 9R 440 | 390 hp | 46,800 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 9200 | 296.92 hp | 35,120 lb | 1996–2001 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bud HN350 | 350 hp | 40,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| Big Bud KT350 | 350 hp | 40,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| CaseIH Magnum 315 | 347 hp | 27,800 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO AGCOSTAR 8360 | 360 hp | — | 1995–2001 | Compare → |
| Big Bud 360/10 | 360 hp | 39,000 lb | — | Compare → |
Explore
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Gallery
John Deere 8870 photos



FAQ
Common questions
When was the John Deere 8870 made?
The John Deere 8870 was manufactured from 1993 to 1996.
Which transmission does the John Deere 8870 use?
The John Deere 8870 is equipped with a Powersync Diesel 12 and 24 Speeds transmission with 24 forward gears.
What type of hydraulic system does the John Deere 8870 use?
Hydraulics on the John Deere 8870 are Closed center pressure compensated.
What hitch category is the John Deere 8870?
The John Deere 8870 uses a Category Category 3 hitch with a lift capacity of 14,980 lb.
What is the engine power output of the John Deere 8870?
Rated engine output for the John Deere 8870 is 350 hp, delivered by a 6-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 619 ci.
What is the operating weight of the John Deere 8870?
In working trim, the John Deere 8870 comes in at roughly 35,130 lb.
How do I maintain a John Deere 8870?
Routine service for the John Deere 8870 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.

