The John Deere 4450, belonging to the 50 Series of row-crop tractors, is a legendary agricultural workhorse that left a lasting impact on the farming industry. Known for its robust performance, versatility, and innovative features, this tractor was a trusted companion to farmers across the United States. With its powerful turbocharged diesel engine, seamless transmission options, and groundbreaking Caster/Action front-wheel drive system, the 4450 offered unmatched capabilities in the field. Its enduring popularity and reputation for reliability have made it a symbol of excellence in the world of farming, representing a bygone era of American agricultural ingenuity.
| John Deere 4450 |
|---|
| Production Years | 1983 – 1988 |
| Series | 50 Series |
| Type | Row-Crop Tractor |
| Built in | Waterloo, Iowa, USA |
| Original Price | Varies by configuration (e.g., $46,670 for 1983 Quad-Range ROPS 2WD) |
| Engine |
|---|
| Power | 158.2 hp (118.0 kW) |
| Displacement | 466 ci (7.6 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.56×4.75 inches (116 x 121 mm) |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Starter | Electric (12 volts) |
| Oil Capacity | 18 qts (17.0 L) |
| Coolant Capacity | 27 qts (25.6 L) |
| Transmissions |
|---|
| Transmission Types | Quad-Range (Partial Power Shift) and Power Shift (Full Power Shift) |
| Gears | 16 forward and 6 reverse (Quad-Range), 15 forward and 4 reverse (Power Shift) |
| Clutch | Perma-Clutch wet disc |
| Shift Mechanism | Clutchless power shift between certain speeds in Quad-Range |
| Mechanical Details |
|---|
| Drive | Two-or four-wheel drive |
| Final Drives | Inboard planetary |
| Differential Lock | Hydraulic rear |
| Steering | Power-assisted |
| Brakes | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Cab | Sound-Gard cab standard, optional Roll-Gard ROPS |
| Capacity |
|---|
| Fuel Tank | 65 gallons (246.0 L) |
| Hydraulic System | 10.5 gallons (2WD Power Shift), 13.5 gallons (4WD Power Shift), 16.0 gallons (Quad-Range) |
| Hydraulics |
|---|
| Type | Closed center |
| Valves | 2 or 3 |
| Pump Flow | 26.5 gpm (100.3 lpm) |
| Tractor Hitch |
|---|
| Type | IIIN/II |
| Control | Lower-link draft sensing |
| Rear Lift | 6,294 lbs (2,854 kg) to 7,418 lbs (3,364 kg) depending on configuration |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Independent |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Rear RPM | 540/1000 |
| Engine RPM | 540@2200, 1000@2200 |
| Electrical |
|---|
| Ground | Negative |
| Charging System | Alternator |
| Charging Amps | 72 (90 amps optional) |
| Batteries | 2 (6 or 12 volts, depending on configuration) |
| Tires |
|---|
| Standard Tires | Varies by configuration (e.g., 10.00-16 front and 18.4-38 rear for 2WD) |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 106.7 inches (2WD), 105.3 inches (4WD) |
| Length | 154.1 inches (2WD), 164.1 inches (4WD) |
| Width | 96 inches (109 inches or 119 inches optional axle width) |
| Height | 116.5 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 15.75 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 12,745 lbs |
| Operating Weight | 15,400 lbs (varies by configuration) |
| Attachment variants |
|---|
| Loader | John Deere 158 |
| Loader | John Deere 265 |
| Loader | John Deere 280 |
| John Deere 158 Loader |
|---|
| Lift Capacity (Full at Pin) | 3,634 lbs (1,648 kg) |
| Breakout Force | 4,621 lbs (2,096 kg) |
| Dump Angle | 37° |
| Reach (Dumped) | 28 inches (71 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 14° |
| Height (at Pin) | 156 inches (396 cm) |
| Clearance (Dumped) | 127 inches (322 cm) |
| Clearance (Level) | 149 inches (378 cm) |
| Boom Cylinder Diameter | 2.75 inches (6 cm) |
| Bucket Cylinder Diameter | 2.5 inches (6 cm) |
| Weight | 1,771 lbs (803 kg) |
| Bucket Width | Available in 60, 72, 84, and 96 inches |
| Bucket Capacity | Available in 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, and 0.9 cubic yards (cu yd) / 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 cubic meters (cu m) |
| Compatibility | For use on tractors with two-wheel drive |
| John Deere 265 Loader |
|---|
| Lift Capacity (Full at Pin) | 3,920 lbs (1,778 kg) |
| Breakout Force | 5,730 lbs (2,599 kg) |
| Reach (Dumped) | 25.6 inches (65 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 43° |
| Height (at Pin) | 157 inches (398 cm) |
| Clearance (Dumped) | 123 inches (312 cm) |
| Clearance (Level) | 150 inches (381 cm) |
| Boom Cylinder Diameter | 3.125 inches (7 cm) |
| Bucket Cylinder Diameter | 2.75 inches (6 cm) |
| Weight | 2,619 lbs (1,187 kg) |
| Bucket Width | Available in 61 and 73 inches |
| Compatibility | For use on tractors with two-wheel drive |
| John Deere 280 Loader |
|---|
| Lift Capacity (Full at Pin) | 3,718 lbs (1,686 kg) |
| Breakout Force | 5,126 lbs (2,325 kg) |
| Dump Angle | 44° |
| Reach (Dumped) | 26 inches (66 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 41° |
| Height (at Pin) | 178 inches (452 cm) |
| Clearance (Dumped) | 152 inches (386 cm) |
| Clearance (Level) | 173 inches (439 cm) |
| Boom Cylinder Diameter | 3.5 inches (8 cm) |
| Bucket Cylinder Diameter | 3.125 inches (7 cm) |
| Weight | 2,795 lbs (1,267 kg) |
| Bucket Width | Available in 85 and 97 inches |
| Compatibility | For use on tractors with four-wheel drive |
John Deere 4450 overview
The John Deere 4450, part of the renowned 50 Series of row-crop tractors, represents a pinnacle of agricultural machinery during its production years from 1983 to 1988. Hailing from the heart of American farming, Waterloo, Iowa, this tractor was designed with power, efficiency, and versatility in mind. Its initial price varied significantly depending on the configuration, ranging from $46,670 for the 1983 Quad-Range ROPS 2WD to $67,009 for the 1983 Power Shift Cab 4WD, making it an investment for farmers seeking top-notch performance.
At the core of the John Deere 4450 lies a robust turbocharged diesel engine with six cylinders, liquid-cooling, and a displacement of 7.6 liters, delivering an impressive 158.2 horsepower. This engine, coupled with its various transmission options, offered unparalleled power to tackle demanding agricultural tasks, from plowing fields to hauling heavy loads.
The transmission choices included a 16-speed partial power shift and a 15-speed full power shift, each with its own set of advantages. The John Deere Quad-Range transmission allowed for smoother shifts between gears, enhancing operator comfort and productivity. On the other hand, the John Deere Power Shift transmission provided seamless gear changes, ideal for situations where efficiency was paramount.
What set the John Deere 4450 apart was its innovative Caster/Action front-wheel drive system, enabling the front wheels to angle up to 13 degrees. This breakthrough allowed for sharper turn angles and the use of larger front tires, enhancing maneuverability and reducing soil compaction, critical considerations for modern farming.
The tractor was available in both two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations to suit the needs of diverse agricultural operations. Hydraulic wet disc brakes, power steering, and a range of comfort features, including the Sound-Gard cab, contributed to the overall ease of operation.
In addition to its impressive power and performance, the John Deere 4450 was compatible with a range of loader attachments, such as the John Deere 158, 265, and 280 loaders. These attachments provided various lift capacities, breakout forces, and bucket options, making the 4450 a versatile workhorse capable of handling a wide array of tasks.
The John Deere 4450 remains a celebrated model within the farming community, thanks to its reliability, power, and innovative features. During its production years, the 4450 alone accounted for a significant portion of sales within the 50 Series line, solidifying its reputation as a dependable and efficient tractor trusted by farmers across the United States and beyond.
