The John Deere 850 is a compact utility tractor that was produced from 1978 to 1989 as part of the 50 Compact Series. This versatile tractor was manufactured by Yanmar in Japan and distributed under the John Deere brand. Known for its reliability and adaptability, the John Deere 850 is a well-regarded model among enthusiasts and farmers.
Its compact size and durable construction made it suitable for various agricultural tasks, and it could be equipped with a range of attachments, including a mid-mount mower deck, snowblower, blade, front-end loader, and backhoe, enhancing its utility on the farm. The tractor was available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations to provide flexibility for different operating conditions.
The John Deere 850 was powered by a Yanmar 3-cylinder diesel engine, delivering a respectable amount of horsepower to handle various tasks. Its user-friendly design, ease of maintenance, and optional power steering made it a practical choice for both small and medium-sized farms.
| General Information |
|---|
| Manufacturer | John Deere (Distributor) |
| Manufacturer of Engine | Yanmar |
| Model | 850 |
| Series | 50 Compact Series |
| Type | Compact Utility Tractor |
| Production Location | Japan |
| Original Price (1983) | $7,670 |
| Original Price (1989) | $11,000 |
| Engine Details |
|---|
| Engine Type | Yanmar 3T80-J |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Number of Cylinders | 3 |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 78 cubic inches (1.3 liters) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.15 x 3.35 inches (80 x 85 mm) |
| Power (Gross) | 25 horsepower (18.6 kW) |
| Air Cleaner | Paper element |
| Compression Ratio | 21.2:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2600 |
| Starter Voltage | 12 volts |
| Coolant Capacity | 6 quarts (5.7 liters) |
| Transmission |
|---|
| Type | Gear |
| Number of Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | 210mm dry disc |
| Power |
|---|
| Engine (Gross) | 25 horsepower (18.6 kW) |
| Drawbar (Claimed) | 19 horsepower (14.2 kW) |
| PTO (Claimed) | 22 horsepower (16.4 kW) |
| Drawbar (Tested) | 17.77 horsepower (13.3 kW) |
| PTO (Tested) | 22.27 horsepower (16.6 kW) |
| Mechanical Details |
|---|
| Drive | Two- or four-wheel drive |
| Steering | Manual (Power steering optional) |
| Brakes | Mechanical expanding shoe brakes |
| Roll-Over Protection Structure (ROPS) | Two-post ROPS |
| Capacity |
|---|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 8.5 gallons (32.2 liters) |
| Hydraulic System Capacity | 4.75 gallons (18.0 liters) or 5.25 gallons (19.9 liters) |
| Hydraulics |
|---|
| Type | Open center |
| Hydraulic Pressure | 2030 psi (140.0 bar) |
| Tractor Hitch |
|---|
| Rear Hitch Type | Category I |
| Control | Position control |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO Type | Transmission or live two-stage clutch |
| Rear PTO Speed | 540 RPM @ 2258 engine RPM |
| Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front Tires | 5.00-15 |
| Ag Rear Tires | 9.5-24 or 11.2-24 |
| Lawn/Turf Front Tires | 23/8.5-12 |
| Lawn/Turf Rear Tires | 13.6-16 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 64 inches (162 cm) |
| Length | 117.7 inches (298 cm) |
| Width | 53.3 inches (135 cm) |
| Height (Hood) | 50.8 inches (129 cm) |
| Weight | 2400 pounds (1088 kg) |
| Max Drawbar Capacity | 825 pounds (374 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 13.7 inches (34 cm) |
| Front Tread Range | 42 to 58 inches (106 to 147 cm) |
| Rear Tread Range | 42 to 50 inches (106 to 127 cm) |
| Attachment Variants (Optional) |
|---|
| Attachment | 72″ Mid-Mount Mower Deck |
| Attachment | Snowblower |
| Attachment | Blade |
| Attachment | Front-End Loader |
| Attachment | Backhoe |
| 72″ Mower Deck Details |
|---|
| Type | Mid-mount John Deere 72 |
| Blade Type | 3-blade |
| Cutting Width | 72 inches (182 cm) |
| Weight | 525 pounds (238 kg) |
| Overall Width | 84 inches (213 cm) |
| 72″ Blade Details |
|---|
| Type | Front-mount John Deere 423 |
| Blade Width | 72 inches (182 cm) |
| Blade Height | 24 inches (60 cm) |
| Lift | 14.5 inches (36 cm) |
| Angling | 27° |
| Weight | 405 pounds (183 kg) |
| 66″ Snow Blower Details |
|---|
| Type | John Deere 666 |
| Blower Width | 66 inches (167 cm) |
| Clear Height | 28 inches (71 cm) |
| Mounting | Front-mount |
| Weight | 612 pounds (277 kg) |
| Front-End Loader (75 Loader) Details |
|---|
| Lift Capacity (Full at Pin) | 950 pounds (430 kg) |
| Breakout Force (at Pin) | 1710 pounds (775 kg) |
| Dump Angle | 40° |
| Reach (Dumped) | 24 inches (60 cm) |
| Reach (Ground) | 55 inches (139 cm) |
| Rollback (Ground Line) | 19° |
| Height (at Pin) | 92 inches (233 cm) |
| Clearance (Dumped) | 75 inches (190 cm) |
| Bucket Width | 53 inches (134 cm) or 61 inches (154 cm) |
| Backhoe (Optional) Details |
|---|
| Backhoe Types | John Deere 8A Backhoe or John Deere 1550 Backhoe |
| Weight | 1300 pounds (589 kg) |
| Transport Height | 68 inches (172 cm) |
| Digging Depth | 93 inches (236 cm) |
| Reach from Pivot | 131 inches (332 cm) |
| Loading Height | 65.5 inches (166 cm) |
| Bucket Rotation | 180° |
| Swing Arc | 180° |
| Bucket Force | 3107 pounds (1409 kg) |
| Dipperstick Force | 1470 pounds (666 kg) |
The John Deere 850 is a collector’s gem with significant historical value in the world of vintage tractors. Here’s what makes it special and unique:
Historical Significance: The John Deere 850 is a symbol of a pivotal era in agricultural history. Produced from 1978 to 1989, it marked a period when compact utility tractors were gaining prominence, revolutionizing farming practices.
Yanmar Collaboration: This model’s collaboration with Yanmar, a renowned Japanese manufacturer, brought together the expertise of two respected brands in the world of agriculture. Yanmar’s engineering excellence added to the tractor’s appeal.
Versatility: The John Deere 850’s compact size and adaptability made it suitable for a wide range of farming tasks. It could be equipped with various attachments, from mowers to loaders and backhoes, enhancing its utility and versatility.
Reliability: Known for its robust construction and durability, the 850 earned a reputation for reliability in the field. Its user-friendly design and ease of maintenance endeared it to farmers.
Compact Design: In an era when compact tractors were gaining popularity, the John Deere 850 stood out for its compact yet powerful design. It offered a unique balance of power and maneuverability.
Optional Features: The availability of optional features like power steering added to its appeal, allowing for a more comfortable and efficient farming experience.
Distinctive Appearance: Adorned in the classic John Deere green and yellow color scheme with the iconic branding, the 850 boasts a timeless and visually appealing design.
Collectibility: Due to its historical significance and limited production span, the John Deere 850 has become a sought-after collector’s item. Enthusiasts value it for its rarity and its representation of a transformative period in agriculture.
Cultural Icon: John Deere is synonymous with American farming, and the 850 is a part of this rich heritage. It embodies the spirit of hard work and innovation that has defined American agriculture.
John Deere 850 compact utility tractor is special and unique among tractors due to its historical significance, collaboration with Yanmar, versatility, reliability, compact design, optional features, distinctive appearance, collectibility, and its role as a cultural icon in the world of farming. As a collectible model with historical value, it represents a bygone era while remaining a cherished piece of agricultural history.
