John Deere 4250

The John Deere 4250 is a classic 50 Series row-crop tractor known for its strong 144-horsepower turbo diesel engine, smooth Quad-Range or Power Shift transmissions, and comfortable Sound-Gard cab. Built from 1983 to 1988, it remains popular for its durability, versatility with loaders and implements, and easy maintenance. While age can bring minor hydraulic leaks or cab wear, owners appreciate its dependable pulling power, operator comfort, and excellent parts support. Even decades later, the 4250 stands out as a practical, reliable workhorse for farmers who want proven performance with classic Deere simplicity.

Overview
ModelJohn Deere 4250
Years1983 – 1988
ManufacturerJohn Deere
FactoryWaterloo, Iowa, USA
TypeRow-Crop tractor
Series50 Series
Original price$43,341 (Quad-Range ROPS 2WD), $63,597 (Power Shift Cab 4WD)
VariantsHi-Crop high clearance
Engine
Engine modelJohn Deere
TypeTurbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement466 ci (7.6 L)
Bore/Stroke4.56 x 4.75 inches (116 x 121 mm)
Compression15.8:1
Rated RPM2200
Power144 hp (107.4 kW)
Air cleanerDry
Firing order1-5-3-6-2-4
Starter volts12
Oil capacity18 qts (17.0 L)
Transmission
Options16-speed partial power shift (Quad-Range) or 15-speed full power shift (Power Shift)
Quad-Range typePartial power shift
Gears16 forward, 6 reverse
ClutchPerma-Clutch wet disc
Oil capacity64 qts (60.6 L)
NotesStop to select ranges, clutchless shift between speeds 1-2 and 3-4 in each range
Quad-Range speeds:
A12.1 mph (3.3 kph)
A22.6 mph (4.3 kph)
A33.4 mph (5.5 kph)
A44.4 mph (7.0 kph)
B14.8 mph (7.7 kph)
B26.1 mph (9.8 kph)
B37.9 mph (12.7 kph)
B410.1 mph (16.2 kph)
C15.7 mph (9.1 kph)
C27.2 mph (11.6 kph)
C39.0 mph (14.5 kph)
C411.9 mph (19.2 kph)
D18.7 mph (14.0 kph)
D211.1 mph (17.8 kph)
D314.4 mph (23.2 kph)
D418.3 mph (29.4 kph)
Reverse
A-R13.3 mph (5.4 kph)
A-R24.2 mph (6.8 kph)
B-R17.7 mph (12.3 kph)
B-R29.1 mph (14.6 kph)
C-R19.1 mph (14.6 kph)
C-R211.5 mph (18.6 kph)
Power Shift typeFull power shift
Gears15 forward, 4 reverse
ClutchPerma-Clutch wet disc
Oil capacity42 qts (2WD) or 54 qts (4WD)
NotesClutchless shift through all gears, forward and reverse
Power Shift speeds:
11.4 mph (2.2 kph)
22.0 mph (3.2 kph)
32.3 mph (3.7 kph)
43.0 mph (4.8 kph)
53.4 mph (5.6 kph)
63.9 mph (6.3 kph)
74.5 mph (7.2 kph)
85.0 mph (8.1 kph)
95.8 mph (9.3 kph)
106.6 mph (10.6 kph)
117.6 mph (12.2 kph)
128.7 mph (14.0 kph)
1310.8 mph (17.3 kph)
1414.7 mph (23.7 kph)
1518.2 mph (29.3 kph)
Reverse
R11.7 mph (2.7 kph)
R22.4 mph (3.9 kph)
R33.6 mph (5.9 kph)
R45.5 mph (8.8 kph)
Power
Engine144 hp (107.4 kW)
Drawbar (claimed)101 hp (75.3 kW)
PTO (claimed)120 hp (89.5 kW)
Drawbar (tested)106.38 hp (79.3 kW)
PTO (tested)120.86 hp (90.1 kW)
Mechanical
DriveTwo- or four-wheel drive
Final drivesInboard planetary
Differential lockHydraulic rear
SteeringPower steering
BrakesHydraulic wet disc
CabSound-Gard cab standard, four-post Roll-Gard ROPS optional
Capacity
Fuel65 gal (246.0 L)
Hydraulic system10.5 gal (2WD Power Shift), 13.5 gal (4WD Power Shift), 16.0 gal (Quad-Range)
Hydraulics
TypeClosed center
Pressure2277 psi (157.0 bar)
Valves2 or 3
Pump flow26.5 gpm (100.3 lpm)
Tractor Hitch
Rear TypeIIIN/II
ControlLower-link draft sensing
Rear lift6,290 lbs (2853 kg)
Power Take-off (PTO)
Rear PTOIndependent
ClutchHydraulic wet disc
Rear PTO type540/1000
Engine RPM540@2200, 1000@2200
Dimensions
2WD wheelbase106.7 inches (271 cm)
4WD wheelbase105.3 inches (267 cm)
Length154.1 inches (2WD) (391 cm), 164.1 inches (4WD) (416 cm)
Width96 inches (243 cm), 113 inches (optional long axle) (287 cm)
Height (cab)116.5 inches (295 cm)
Shipping weight11,755 lbs (5332 kg)
Operating weight13,855 lbs (2WD Power Shift) (6284 kg)
Ground clearance15.75 inches (40 cm)
Rear axleRack-and-pinion 3.375 by 96 inches or 3.375 by 113 inches
Tires
2WD front10.00-16
2WD rear18.4-38
4WD front14.9-26
4WD rear18.4-38
Optional rears18.4-34, 20.8-34, 15.5-38, 20.8-38, 20.8R38
Attachments
Compatible loadersJohn Deere 148, 158, 260, 280 loaders
148 Loader lift2988 lbs (1355 kg)
148 Loader breakout4490 lbs (2036 kg)
158 Loader lift3634 lbs (1648 kg)
158 Loader breakout4621 lbs (2096 kg)
260 Loader lift3186 lbs (1445 kg)
260 Loader breakout4871 lbs (2209 kg)
280 Loader lift3718 lbs (1686 kg)
280 Loader breakout5126 lbs (2325 kg)
Serial Numbers
19831000
19846001
19859001
198611001
198712501
198813501
198920001
LocationRear of tractor
Electrical
GroundNegative
Charging systemAlternator
Charging amps72 standard, 90 with Sound-Gard cab
Batteries2
Battery volts6 standard, 12 optional
John Deere 4250 overview

The John Deere 4250 is one of the standout models of Deere’s respected 50 Series row-crop tractors, built between 1983 and 1988 during a period when the company focused on refining performance, comfort, and versatility. Slotting between the 4050 and the larger 4450, the 4250 delivers a healthy 144 horsepower from its durable 7.6L turbocharged diesel six-cylinder engine — a powerplant known for its strong torque curve, efficient fuel use, and long service life when maintained properly. Operators appreciated how this model could pull heavy implements all day and still run PTO-driven tasks like hay baling or forage harvesting without a hiccup.

A huge advantage for the 4250 was Deere’s proven transmission choices: the 16-speed Quad-Range partial power shift or the smooth 15-speed full Power Shift. Many farmers chose the Quad-Range for its simple, rugged design, which made shifting under load easy within each range, while others valued the Power Shift’s ability to change gears seamlessly without clutching — a real benefit for loader work or frequent speed changes in the field. Owners still praise both systems for durability but note that neglected hydraulic maintenance can lead to costly repairs, especially in the Power Shift units.

Operator comfort took a big leap forward on the 4250 with the standard Sound-Gard cab. For the time, its quiet ride, effective heating and air conditioning, and clear visibility were industry-leading. Many operators spent long hours inside, and the cab’s design helped reduce fatigue and boost productivity. The closed-center hydraulic system and generous flow rates made the 4250 capable of handling modern implements and loaders with ease. Loaders like the 148, 158, 260, and 280 were all compatible, giving this tractor impressive versatility for chores like moving bales or handling silage.

Like any older machine, the 4250 has its common quirks. Age brings hydraulic leaks, wear in SCV couplers, and occasional electrical issues, especially around the dash and lights. Some owners point out that the cab seals and Sound-Gard interior trim can deteriorate after decades in the sun. However, these tractors have earned a reputation for reliability, and parts availability remains strong through Deere’s dealer network and aftermarket suppliers.

John Deere 4250 is remembered as a dependable, powerful, and comfortable tractor that can still hold its own today. It’s well-loved by farmers who appreciate straightforward mechanical systems, durable power, and the balance of horsepower and maneuverability. For many, a well-maintained 4250 continues to be a core machine in the shed — a testament to John Deere’s engineering in an era when they truly set the bar for row-crop tractor design.

John Deere 4250 front John Deere 4250 rear John Deere 4250 cabin John Deere 4250 John Deere 4250 John Deere 4250 John Deere 4250 John Deere 4250 John Deere 4250 John Deere 4250 John Deere 4250 John Deere 4250

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