The John Deere 4050 is a classic 1980s row-crop tractor known for its solid build, smooth 6-cylinder diesel power, and comfortable Sound-Gard cab. Popular for its choice of reliable Quad-Range or Power Shift transmissions, the 4050 handles tillage, haying, and loader work with ease. While age can bring hydraulic leaks or minor electrical quirks, owners value its simple maintenance, strong PTO, and good parts support. Decades later, it remains a trusted workhorse for farmers wanting dependable power and classic Deere durability in the field.
John Deere 7.6L 6-cylinder diesel, John Deere 5.9L 6-cylinder turbo diesel (Europe and late NA)
7.6L Engine
–
Type
Diesel, 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement
466 ci (7.6 L)
Bore/Stroke
4.56 x 4.75 inches (116 x 121 mm)
Compression
17.0 in 1
Rated RPM
2200
Power
130 hp (96.9 kW)
Air cleaner
Dry
Firing order
1-5-3-6-2-4
Starter volts
12
Oil capacity
18 qts (17.0 L)
Coolant capacity
21 qts (19.9 L)
5.9L Engine
–
Type
Turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement
359 ci (5.9 L)
Bore/Stroke
4.19 x 4.33 inches (106 x 110 mm)
Compression
17.8 in 1
Rated RPM
2200
Transmission
Options
16-speed partial power shift (Quad-Range) or 15-speed full power shift (Power Shift)
Quad-Range:
Type
Partial power shift
Gears
16 forward, 6 reverse
Clutch
Perma-Clutch wet disc
Oil capacity
64 qts (60.6 L)
Notes
Tractor must stop to shift ranges; clutchless shift between speeds 1-2 & 3-4; synchronized shift 2-3 with clutch
Speeds with 18.4-38 tires
–
A1
2.1 mph (3.3 kph)
A2
2.6 mph (4.3 kph)
A3
3.4 mph (5.5 kph)
A4
4.4 mph (7.0 kph)
B1
4.8 mph (7.7 kph)
B2
6.1 mph (9.8 kph)
B3
7.9 mph (12.7 kph)
B4
10.1 mph (16.2 kph)
C1
5.7 mph (9.1 kph)
C2
7.2 mph (11.6 kph)
C3
9.0 mph (14.5 kph)
C4
11.9 mph (19.2 kph)
D1
8.7 mph (14.0 kph)
D2
11.1 mph (17.8 kph)
D3
14.4 mph (23.2 kph)
D4
18.3 mph (29.4 kph)
Reverse
–
A-R1
3.3 mph (5.4 kph)
A-R2
4.2 mph (6.8 kph)
B-R1
7.7 mph (12.3 kph)
B-R2
9.1 mph (14.6 kph)
C-R1
9.1 mph (14.6 kph)
C-R2
11.5 mph (18.6 kph)
Power Shift:-
Type
Full power shift
Gears
15 forward, 4 reverse
Clutch
Perma-Clutch wet disc
Oil capacity
42 qts (2WD) (39.7 L), 54 qts (4WD) (51.1 L)
Notes
Clutchless power shifts in any gear, forward or reverse
Speeds with 18.4-38 tires
–
1
1.4 mph (2.2 kph)
2
2.0 mph (3.2 kph)
3
2.3 mph (3.7 kph)
4
3.0 mph (4.8 kph)
5
3.4 mph (5.6 kph)
6
3.9 mph (6.3 kph)
7
4.5 mph (7.2 kph)
8
5.0 mph (8.1 kph)
9
5.8 mph (9.3 kph)
10
6.6 mph (10.6 kph)
11
7.6 mph (12.2 kph)
12
8.7 mph (14.0 kph)
13
10.8 mph (17.3 kph)
14
14.7 mph (23.7 kph)
15
18.2 mph (29.3 kph)
Reverse
–
R1
1.7 mph (2.7 kph)
R2
2.4 mph (3.9 kph)
R3
3.6 mph (5.9 kph)
R4
5.5 mph (8.8 kph)
Power
Engine
130 hp (96.9 kW)
Drawbar (claimed)
87 hp (64.9 kW)
PTO (claimed)
100 hp (74.6 kW)
Drawbar (tested)
94.99 hp (70.8 kW)
PTO (tested)
105.89 hp (79.0 kW)
Mechanical
Drive
Two- or four-wheel drive
Final drives
Inboard planetary
Differential lock
Hydraulic rear
Steering
Power steering
Brakes
Hydrostatic wet disc
Cab
Sound-Gard cab standard with A/C; four-post Roll-Gard ROPS optional
Capacity
Fuel
46 gal (174.1 L)
Hydraulic system
10.5 gal (2WD Power Shift), 13.5 gal (4WD Power Shift), 16 gal (Quad-Range)
Front axle
4WD adds larger capacity
Hydraulics
Type
Closed center
Capacity
Same as above
Pressure
2277 psi (157 bar)
Valves
2 to 3
Pump flow
26.5 gpm (100.3 lpm)
Tractor Hitch
Rear Type
II/I
Control
Lower-link draft sensing
Rear lift
6,294 lbs (2854 kg), optional 7,418 lbs (3364 kg)
Power Take-off (PTO)
Rear PTO
Independent
Clutch
Hydraulic wet disc
Rear PTO type
540/1000 (1.375)
Engine RPM
540@2200, 1000@2200
Dimensions
Wheelbase
106.7 inches (2WD) [271 cm
Tires
2WD front
10.00-16
rear
18.4-38
4WD front
14.9-26
rear
18.4-38
John Deere 4050 overview
The John Deere 4050, produced from 1983 to 1988, is one of those iconic 50 Series row-crop tractors that many farmers still remember for its dependable power, versatile transmission choices, and the introduction of more refined operator comfort features. Slotting neatly between the 4040 and larger 4250, the 4050 was offered primarily with Deere’s proven 7.6L 6-cylinder diesel engine, though a 5.9L turbocharged diesel was available in European markets and later North American units. Both engines are renowned for their strong torque and smooth power delivery at a rated 2200 RPM, giving the 4050 ample capability for medium-heavy fieldwork, pulling large implements, and running PTO-driven equipment.
One of the standout features of the 4050 is its robust transmission choices. Owners could opt for the 16-speed Quad-Range partial power shift, favored for its simplicity and durability, or the full 15-speed Power Shift, which offered seamless clutchless shifting on the go — a real luxury in the 1980s. Many operators appreciated how the Quad-Range let you shift speeds under load within a range, and both options have proven tough over decades of use, provided they receive routine service and clean fluid.
Operator comfort saw a big leap forward with the Sound-Gard cab — now considered a classic — which came standard with air-conditioning, reduced noise levels, and good all-around visibility. The 4050’s closed-center hydraulics and high-flow pump meant it could handle modern implements and loaders without struggling, and the inboard planetary final drives added strength to the rear end. Farmers often point out that the 4050 is one of the most reliable of its series, with few major flaws if properly maintained.
Some common wear points show up with age: the hydraulic system, though robust, can develop leaks at seals and SCV couplers; the PTO clutch and Perma-Clutch pack need to be kept in good condition or risk costly repairs; and the early 5.9L turbo engines require proper cooling system upkeep to prevent head gasket issues. Electrical gremlins around the dash and light circuits are typical on tractors that have lived through decades of vibration and field dust.
Despite these age-related issues, the 4050 has proven itself as a true workhorse that can still pull its weight today. Its straightforward design, parts availability, and wide compatibility with classic John Deere loaders like the 148, 158, 260, or 280 make it a flexible and valuable machine on many mixed farms. For operators who appreciate solid engineering, a quieter cab, and transmissions that have stood the test of time, the John Deere 4050 remains a practical and respected choice in the field — a testament to Deere’s thoughtful design in the 50 Series era.
