The John Deere 8100 is a powerful row-crop tractor produced from 1995 to 1999, designed for demanding agricultural tasks. With its robust turbocharged diesel engine and advanced full power shift transmission, the 8100 delivers exceptional performance for heavy-duty operations like tillage, planting, and hauling. Its CommandView Cab provides superior operator comfort and visibility, while the choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive ensures adaptability across various terrains. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the 8100 remains a favorite among farmers, balancing power and practicality with user-friendly features that enhance productivity and minimize downtime in the field.
| Overview |
|---|
| Model | John Deere 8100 |
| Years | 1995 – 1996 |
| Series | 8000/8000T Series Row-Crop Tractor |
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Factory | Waterloo, Iowa, USA |
| Engine |
|---|
| Engine | John Deere turbocharged diesel, 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 466 ci (7.6 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.5625 x 4.75 inches (116 x 121 mm) |
| Compression | 15.1:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Air Cleaner | Dual paper elements with aspirator |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Oil Capacity | 22.7 qts (21.5 L) |
| Coolant Capacity | 28.8 qts (27.3 L) |
| Transmission |
|---|
| Transmission | John Deere PowerShift |
| Type | Full power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Oil Capacity | 148 qts (140.1 L) |
| Power |
|---|
| PTO (Claimed) | 160 hp (119.3 kW) |
| Drawbar (Tested) | 141.81 hp (105.7 kW) |
| PTO (Tested) | 179.15 hp (133.6 kW) |
| Mechanical |
|---|
| Chassis | Two- or four-wheel drive |
| Final Drives | Inboard planetary |
| Differential Lock | Electro-hydraulic |
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
| Brakes | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Operator Station | CommandView Cab standard, Row-Trak guidance optional |
| Capacity |
|---|
| Fuel Capacity | 135 gal (511.0 L) |
| Hydraulic System Capacity | 37 gal (140.0 L) |
| Front Hubs | 3.2 qts (each) (3.0 L) |
| Front Differential | 11.5 qts (10.9 L) |
| Hydraulics |
|---|
| Type | Closed center pressure-flow compensated (PFC) |
| Capacity | 37 gal (140.0 L) |
| Pressure | 2900 psi (200.0 bar) |
| Valves | 3 to 5 |
| SCV Flow | 30 gpm (113.6 lpm) |
| Tractor Hitch |
|---|
| Rear Type | 3/3N |
| Control | Electro-hydraulic draft sensing |
| Rear Lift | 10,400 lbs (4717 kg), optional 14,165 lbs (6425 kg) |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Independent |
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 (1.75 inches), optional 540/1000 (1.375 inches) |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| 2WD Wheelbase | 122.8 inches (311 cm) |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 116.1 inches (294 cm) |
| Length | 206.5 inches (524 cm) |
| Height | 120.2 inches (305 cm) |
| 2WD Ground Clearance | 31.5 inches (80 cm) |
| 4WD Ground Clearance | 23.2 inches (58 cm) |
| Optional Short Rear Axle | 3.937 by 110.5 inches (99 by 2806 mm) |
| Standard Rear Axle | 3.937 by 118.5 inches (99 by 3009 mm) |
| Optional Large Rear Axle | 4.331 by 118.5 inches (110 by 3009 mm) |
| 2WD Front Tread | 60 to 84 inches (152 to 213 cm) |
| 4WD Front Tread | 60 to 88 inches (152 to 223 cm) |
| Weight |
|---|
| 2WD Shipping | 16,435 lbs (7454 kg) |
| 4WD Shipping | 17,876 lbs (8108 kg) |
| Operating | 18,914 lbs (8579 kg) |
| Tires |
|---|
| 2WD Standard Tires (Ag) | Front |
| Optional Tires | Front |
| Electrical |
|---|
| Ground | Negative |
| Charging System | Alternator |
| Charging Amps | 140 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Battery CCA | 925 |
| Battery Volts | 12 |
John Deere 8100 Overview
The John Deere 8100, manufactured between 1995 and 1999, represents a pinnacle of row-crop tractor engineering from its era. Part of the highly regarded 8000 Series, the 8100 was designed to meet the needs of farmers seeking a powerful, reliable, and versatile machine. Its 7.6L six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine delivers up to 160 PTO horsepower, making it well-suited for demanding agricultural tasks such as heavy tillage, planting, and hauling. The tractor’s 16-speed full power shift transmission ensures smooth and precise gear changes, allowing operators to handle a variety of field conditions with ease.
One of the standout features of the John Deere 8100 is its CommandView Cab, which provides excellent visibility, intuitive controls, and a focus on operator comfort. The cab’s ergonomic design reduces fatigue during long hours of operation, while optional features like Row-Trak guidance enhance productivity and precision. Farmers could choose between two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations, both equipped with inboard planetary final drives and electro-hydraulic differential locks to maximize traction and stability on varying terrains.
The 8100’s hydraulic system, featuring closed-center pressure-flow compensation, is highly capable, with a flow rate of 30 gallons per minute and support for up to five hydraulic valves. This makes it ideal for operating modern, high-demand implements. Additionally, the tractor offers robust PTO options, including 540/1000 RPM configurations, to accommodate a wide range of equipment. Its generous 135-gallon fuel tank minimizes downtime, allowing for extended working hours in the field.
Like any machine, the John Deere 8100 has its pros and cons. Owners often praise its reliability, power, and ease of operation, but some have noted that the hydraulic system requires regular maintenance to avoid potential leaks. The full power shift transmission, while durable, can exhibit wear over time, particularly under heavy use. Additionally, while its large size provides stability and power, it may not be the best choice for operations requiring extreme maneuverability in tight spaces.
John Deere 8100 remains a beloved tractor among farmers and collectors, celebrated for its combination of power, versatility, and comfort. Despite being a historical model today, it continues to find use in fields around the world, a testament to its enduring quality and John Deere’s legacy of excellence in agricultural machinery.
