Brand siblingJohn Deere 8960
The John Deere 8960 is a powerful utility tractor built from 1989 to 1993. It has a 4x4 articulated chassis and four-wheel drive, making it great for tough jobs. The tractor is powered by a Cummins diesel engine with 6 cylinders and 333.4 horsepower, which is very high compared to other tractors. This engine is turbocharged and liquid-cooled, helping it work hard in all conditions. The 8960 has a 12-speed PowerShift transmission with 6 reverse gears, giving farmers lots of options for different tasks. It has a Category 3 hitch at the back that can lift up to 16,514 pounds, which is much more than most tractors. The tractor weighs 35,570 pounds and is 268.9 inches long. It has big 20.8R-42 tires on both front and back, perfect for farm work. The cab, called Sound-Gard, keeps the driver comfortable and safe. With its strong engine, heavy lifting ability, and tough build, the John Deere 8960 is a top choice for farmers who need a reliable and powerful tractor.
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 333hp
- Operating Weight
- 35,570 lb
- Transmission
- PowerShift
At a glance
How the 8960 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The 8960 ranks at the 97th percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere 8960
The John Deere 8960 is a powerful utility tractor built from 1989 to 1993. It has a 4x4 articulated chassis and four-wheel drive, making it great for tough jobs. The tractor is powered by a Cummins diesel engine with 6 cylinders and 333.4 horsepower, which is very high compared to other tractors. This engine is turbocharged and liquid-cooled, helping it work hard in all conditions. The 8960 has a 12-speed PowerShift transmission with 6 reverse gears, giving farmers lots of options for different tasks. It has a Category 3 hitch at the back that can lift up to 16,514 pounds, which is much more than most tractors. The tractor weighs 35,570 pounds and is 268.9 inches long. It has big 20.8R-42 tires on both front and back, perfect for farm work. The cab, called Sound-Gard, keeps the driver comfortable and safe. With its strong engine, heavy lifting ability, and tough build, the John Deere 8960 is a top choice for farmers who need a reliable and powerful tractor.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 8960 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x4 articulated 4WD |
| Years built | 1989–1993 |
| Operating weight | 35,570lb |
Engine
| Make | Cummins |
|---|---|
| Power | 333.4hp |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 855ci |
| Bore | 5.5in |
| Stroke | 6in |
Transmission
| Type | PowerShift |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 12 |
| Reverse gears | 6 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x4 articulated 4WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 4WD |
| Steering | Articulated power |
| Brakes | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Cab | Sound-Gard Cab (standard) |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed-center pressure compensated |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 1,000rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 268.9in |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 35,570lb |
Tires
| Front | 20.8R-42 |
|---|---|
| Rear | 20.8R-42 |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 18gal |
|---|
Head to head
8960 vs. Utility median
How the John Deere 8960 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 333 hp | 55 hp | +506% | 97th |
| Engine Displacement | 855 ci | 183 ci | +367% | 98th |
| Cylinders | 6 | 4 | +50% | 93rd |
| Forward Gears | 12 | 12 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 35,570 lb | 5,303 lb | +571% | 98th |
| Length | 269 in | 137 in | +97% | 98th |
| 3-Point Hitch Capacity | 16,514 lb | 3,197 lb | +417% | 96th |
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 9320 | 333.43 hp | 36,560 lb | 2002–2007 | Compare → |
| John Deere 9230 | 325 hp | 34,510 lb | 2007–2011 | Compare → |
| John Deere 8770 | 300 hp | 32,960 lb | 1993–1996 | Compare → |
| John Deere 8850 | 370 hp | 37,700 lb | 1982–1988 | Compare → |
| John Deere 9330 | 375 hp | 37,115 lb | 2007–2011 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CaseIH 9170 | 335 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| CaseIH 9270 | 335 hp | 34,045 lb | — | Compare → |
| CaseIH Magnum 335 | 330 hp | 21,350 lb | — | Compare → |
| Big Bud HN320 | 320 hp | 36,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| CaseIH Magnum 315 | 347 hp | 27,800 lb | — | Compare → |
Explore
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FAQ
Common questions
When was the John Deere 8960 made?
The John Deere 8960 was manufactured from 1989 to 1993.
What is the operating weight of the John Deere 8960?
In working trim, the John Deere 8960 comes in at roughly 35,570 lb.
Which transmission does the John Deere 8960 use?
The John Deere 8960 is equipped with a PowerShift transmission with 12 forward gears.
What type of hydraulic system does the John Deere 8960 use?
Hydraulics on the John Deere 8960 are Closed-center pressure compensated.
What size tires does the John Deere 8960 use?
Factory rubber for the John Deere 8960 is 20.8R-42 front tires and 20.8R-42 rear tires.
What hitch category is the John Deere 8960?
The John Deere 8960 uses a Category IV hitch with a lift capacity of 16,514 lb.
What is the engine power output of the John Deere 8960?
Rated engine output for the John Deere 8960 is 333.4 hp, delivered by a 6-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 855 ci.
How do I maintain a John Deere 8960?
Routine service for the John Deere 8960 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.

