UtilityPerformance profile
John Deere 8970
The John Deere 8970 is a powerful utility tractor made from 1993 to 1996. It has a 4x4 articulated chassis and four-wheel drive, making it great for tough jobs. The tractor uses a Cummins diesel engine with 6 cylinders and 400 horsepower, which is very high compared to other tractors. It has a big fuel tank that can hold 220 US gallons. This tractor is heavy, weighing 33,655 pounds, which is more than most tractors. It has a 24-speed transmission with 6 reverse gears, giving the driver lots of options. The John Deere 8970 comes with a comfortable Sound-Gard cab for the driver. It has special features like hydraulic wet disc brakes and an optional PTO that spins at 1000 rpm. The tractor uses big 24.5R-32 tires on both the front and back, which help it work well in fields.
ManufacturerJohn DeerePower400 hpEngine6-cylTrans12 and 24 Speed Powersync
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 400hp
- Operating Weight
- 33,655 lb
- Transmission
- 12 and 24 Speed Powersync
At a glance
How the 8970 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
400 hp · 98th
This model
9
Median 55 hp
177
400
This modelUtility tractorsMediann = 5,383
The 8970 ranks at the 98th percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the John Deere 8970
The John Deere 8970 is a powerful utility tractor made from 1993 to 1996. It has a 4x4 articulated chassis and four-wheel drive, making it great for tough jobs. The tractor uses a Cummins diesel engine with 6 cylinders and 400 horsepower, which is very high compared to other tractors. It has a big fuel tank that can hold 220 US gallons. This tractor is heavy, weighing 33,655 pounds, which is more than most tractors. It has a 24-speed transmission with 6 reverse gears, giving the driver lots of options. The John Deere 8970 comes with a comfortable Sound-Gard cab for the driver. It has special features like hydraulic wet disc brakes and an optional PTO that spins at 1000 rpm. The tractor uses big 24.5R-32 tires on both the front and back, which help it work well in fields.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Model | 8970 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x4 articulated 4WD |
| Years built | 1993–1996 |
| Operating weight | 33,655lb |
Engine
| Make | Cummins |
|---|---|
| Power | 400hp |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 861.1ci |
| Bore | 5.5in |
| Stroke | 6in |
Transmission
| Type | 12 and 24 Speed Powersync |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 24 |
| 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 with hydraulic wet disc clutch (optional) |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 1,000rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 268.9in |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | 33,655lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 18gal |
|---|
Head to head
8970 vs. Utility median
How the John Deere 8970 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 400 hp | 55 hp | +627% | 98th |
| Engine Displacement | 861 ci | 183 ci | +370% | 98th |
| Cylinders | 6 | 4 | +50% | 93rd |
| Forward Gears | 24 | 12 | +100% | 92nd |
| Operating Weight | 33,655 lb | 5,303 lb | +535% | 98th |
| Length | 269 in | 137 in | +97% | 98th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 4,659–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared John Deere tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 9410R | 410 hp | 38,785 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 9330 | 375 hp | 37,115 lb | 2007–2011 | Compare → |
| John Deere 9400 | 425 hp | 37,410 lb | — | Compare → |
| John Deere 9430 | 425 hp | 38,600 lb | 2007–2011 | Compare → |
| John Deere 8850 | 370 hp | 37,700 lb | 1982–1988 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin DM400 | 400 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| Baldwin DP400 | 400 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| Big Bud 400 | 400 hp | 43,700 lb | — | Compare → |
| Big Bud 400/20 | 400 hp | — | — | Compare → |
| Big Bud 400/30 | 400 hp | 40,000 lb | — | Compare → |
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Gallery
John Deere 8970 photos
FAQ
Common questions
When was the John Deere 8970 in production?
John Deere 8970 production started in 1993 and ended in 1996.
What transmission is in the John Deere 8970?
Transmission on the John Deere 8970 is 12 and 24 Speed Powersync, with 24 forward speeds.
What hydraulics does the John Deere 8970 have?
The John Deere 8970 uses a Closed center pressure compensated hydraulic system.
How much horsepower does the John Deere 8970 have?
The John Deere 8970 produces 400 hp from its 6-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 861.1 ci.
How much does the John Deere 8970 weigh?
The John Deere 8970 weighs about 33,655 lb in operating condition.
What maintenance does the John Deere 8970 require?
Like any tractor, the John Deere 8970 needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.