The John Deere 950 is a highly versatile and durable compact utility tractor with a legacy spanning from 1978 to 1989. Known for its exceptional performance and reliability, it embodies the essence of agricultural innovation during its era. Produced in collaboration with Yanmar, this tractor is celebrated for its compact design, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of attachments, including loaders, backhoes, mowers, blades, and snow blowers. Its iconic green and yellow appearance, coupled with John Deere’s renowned reputation, makes the 950 a cherished collectible among enthusiasts, symbolizing a pivotal period in the evolution of compact utility tractors in agriculture.
General Information
Manufacturer
John Deere (Distributor)
Manufacturer of Engine
Yanmar
Model
950
Series
50 Compact Series
Type
Compact Utility Tractor
Production Location
Japan
Original Price (1983)
$8,670
Original Price (1988)
$12,000
Power
Engine (Gross)
31 horsepower (23.1 kW)
Drawbar (Claimed)
23 horsepower (17.2 kW)
PTO (Claimed)
27 horsepower (20.1 kW)
Drawbar (Tested)
22.12 horsepower (16.5 kW)
PTO (Tested)
27.36 horsepower (20.4 kW)
Engine Detail
Engine Type
Yanmar 3T90-J
Fuel Type
Diesel
Number of Cylinders
3
Cooling
Liquid-cooled
Displacement
105 cubic inches (1.7 liters)
Bore/Stroke
3.54 x 3.54 inches (90 x 90 mm)
Power (Gross)
31 horsepower (23.1 kW)
Air Cleaner
Paper element
Compression Ratio
20.4:1
Rated RPM
2400
Starter Voltage
12 volts
Coolant Capacity
6.5 quarts (6.2 liters)
Transmission
Type
Gear
Number of Gears
8 forward and 2 reverse
Clutch
210mm dry disc
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)
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 (1.375)
Tires
Ag Front Tires
5.00-15
Ag Rear Tires
11.2-24 or 12.4-28
Lawn/Turf Front Tires
27/8.5-15
Lawn/Turf Rear Tires
13.6-28
Dimensions
Wheelbase
68.9 inches (175 cm)
Length
122 inches (309 cm)
Width
53.3 inches (135 cm)
Height (Hood)
53.1 inches (134 cm)
Ground Clearance
15.3 inches (38 cm)
Front Tread Range
44.9 to 56.7 inches (114 to 144 cm)
Rear Tread Range
45.3 to 59.1 inches (115 to 150 cm)
Weight
4WD Shipping Weight
3000 pounds (1360 kg)
2WD Operating Weight
2700 pounds (1224 kg)
Ballasted Weight
3615 pounds (1639 kg)
Max Drawbar Capacity
825 pounds (374 kg)
Attachment Variants:
Option
72″ Mid-Mount Mower Deck
Option
Snowblower
Option
Blade
Option
John Deere 75 Loader
Option
John Deere 80 Loader
Option
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)
Note
Hydraulic Lift and Manual Angle options available.
66″ Snow Blower Details:
Type
John Deere 666
Blower Width
66 inches (167 cm)
Clear Height
28 inches (71 cm)
Weight
612 pounds (277 kg)
John Deere 75 Loader Details
Lift Capacity (Full at Pin)
950 pounds (430 kg)
Breakout Force (at Pin)
1710 pounds (775 kg)
Bucket 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)
Boom Cylinder
2 inches (5 cm)
Weight
833 pounds (377 kg)
Bucket Width Options
53 inches (134 cm) or 61 inches (154 cm)
John Deere 80 Loader Details
Lift Capacity (Full at Pin)
920 pounds (417 kg)
Breakout Force
1,800 pounds (816 kg) or 2,060 pounds (934 kg) with bucket
Bucket Dump Angle
39°
Reach (Dumped)
24 inches (60 cm)
Reach (Ground)
53.2 inches (135 cm)
Rollback (Ground Line)
22°
Height (at Pin)
93.9 inches (238 cm)
Clearance (Dumped)
75.5 inches (191 cm)
Raise Time
4.3 seconds
Dump Time
4.7 seconds
Lower Time
2.6 seconds
Rollback Time
2.8 seconds
Bucket Width
53 inches (134 cm)
John Deere 8A Backhoe Details
Backhoe Type
John Deere 8A Backhoe
Weight
950 pounds (430 kg)
Transport Height
81 inches (205 cm)
2-Foot Flat Digging Depth
102 inches (259 cm)
Reach from Pivot
133 inches (337 cm)
Loading Height
82 inches (208 cm)
Bucket Force
3,200 pounds (1451 kg)
John Deere 1550 Backhoe Details
Backhoe Type
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)
Historical Significance
The John Deere 950 was produced during a pivotal period in agricultural history, between 1978 and 1989, when farming practices were evolving. Collaboration with Yanmar:
It stands out for its collaboration with Yanmar, a respected manufacturer, combining expertise to create a robust and reliable compact utility tractor. Versatility:
The tractor’s exceptional versatility is a standout feature, as it can be equipped with various attachments, including loaders, backhoes, mowers, blades, and snow blowers, adapting to a wide range of farming tasks. Compact and Durable Design:
Its compact yet durable design makes it suitable for both small and medium-sized farms, offering a balance of power and maneuverability that sets it apart from larger tractors. Iconic Branding:
Adorned in the classic John Deere green and yellow color scheme with the iconic branding, it exudes a sense of tradition and trust in American agriculture. Collectible Vintage Model:
As a collectible vintage tractor, the John Deere 950 holds historical significance and represents a transformative era when compact utility tractors were gaining prominence. Enduring Appeal:
Its enduring appeal lies in its reliability, adaptability, and its role in shaping the future of farming practices. Symbol of Agricultural Evolution:
The 950 symbolizes the transition to more efficient and versatile farming equipment, making it a cherished piece of farming history.
John Deere 950 is a historical treasure with unique qualities such as its collaboration with Yanmar, versatility, iconic branding, and status as a symbol of agricultural evolution during a transformative era in farming practices.
