John Deere 8110 Overview

The John Deere 8110 is a powerful row-crop tractor manufactured by John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa, from 1999 to 2002.

It belongs to the John Deere 8010 series and serves as the entry-level model in that series.

Designed for heavy-duty agricultural tasks, the John Deere 8110 offers a balance of horsepower, durability, and modern features for efficient farming operations.

It’s available in both wheeled (8110) and crawler (8110T) variants, catering to different terrain and traction needs.

Engine Details

The John Deere 8110 houses a robust John Deere 8.1L (496 cubic inch) 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with a compression ratio of 16.5:1.

It runs at a rated speed of 2200 RPM and delivers a PTO (Power Take-Off) horsepower of approximately 165 hp.

The tractor has a large fuel tank capacity of 135 gallons (511 liters), allowing extended operation with fewer refills.

The engine is well-regarded for its durability and overall efficiency in fieldwork.

Key Specifications

Specification Details
Manufacturer John Deere
Model John Deere 8110 (Wheeled tractor)
Production Years 1999 to 2002
Engine Type 8.1L 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel
PTO Horsepower 165 hp (claimed)
Transmission 16-speed full powershift
Drive 4×2 (standard), 4×4 MFWD optional
Steering Hydrostatic power
Hydraulic System Closed center PFC
Hydraulic Valves 3 to 5
Hydraulic Pump Flow 30 gallons per minute (113.6 lpm)
Rear Hitch Type Category III, IIIN optional
Rear Hitch Lift Capacity 10,400 lbs (standard), 14,165 lbs (optional)
Rear PTO Independent, 1000 RPM standard, optional 540/1000 RPM
Wheelbase 116.4 inches (295 cm)
Tire Sizes Front: 16.9R30, Rear: 18.4R46
Weight (Factory) Approx. 16,435 lbs (7,460 kg)
Max Operating Weight Up to 17,876 lbs (8,110 kg) with weights
Electrical System 12 Volts, 140 amps charging, 2 batteries (1850 CCA each)
Top Speed Around 23.7 mph (38 km/h)

Dimensions

  • Length: Approx. 14 to 15 feet (varies with attachments)

  • Wheelbase: 116.4 inches

  • Height: Varies depending on tires and configuration

Price

When new, the John Deere 8110 had an original price tag of around $97,000. Used models currently sell widely in the market, with prices depending on condition, hours, and rebuild status.

As of recently, used tractors can range from $30,000 to over $80,000 depending on features and condition.

Used John Deere 8110 Buyer’s Checklist

1. Visual and Physical Inspection

  • Check overall tractor condition for dents, rust, and paint quality indicating care level.

  • Inspect tires for uneven wear, damage, or patches; consider replacement cost.

  • Examine the 3-point hitch for damage, missing bolts, or non-original parts.

  • Check frame and undercarriage for cracks, metal fragments, or excessive wear.

2. Engine and Powertrain

  • Start the engine cold; listen for unusual noises such as knocking or scraping.

  • Check for leaks in hoses, fuel lines, and around the engine block.

  • Inspect fluid levels and quality: engine oil, coolant, transmission and hydraulic fluid.

  • Ensure the air filter is clean and recently replaced.

  • Verify engine hours and maintenance history.

3. Transmission & Hydraulics

  • Test the 16-speed powershift transmission for smooth shifting with no slipping.

  • Operate hydraulic valves to test for leaks, responsiveness, and appropriate pressure.

  • Check rear hitch lift capacity and operation.

4. Electrical and Controls

  • Verify all gauges, lights, and control panel functionality.

  • Test battery condition and charging system.

  • Check for presence and functionality of safety features such as seat belts and ROPS.

5. PTO and Attachments

  • Engage PTO (1000 RPM) and listen for smooth operation without knocking.

  • Confirm PTO specification matches your needs (540 or 1000 RPM).

  • Inspect rear PTO shaft for wear or damage.

6. Driving and Steering

  • Drive tractor to test steering responsiveness and check for looseness or wandering.

  • Listen for knocking noises during articulation or turns that could indicate pin damage.

7. Documentation and History

  • Request maintenance records and verify routine service completion.

  • Confirm ownership and absence of liens or legal issues.

  • Check for accident history or major repairs.

8. Price Evaluation

  • Compare asking price against market value for similar condition and hours.

  • Consider cost of any upcoming repairs or needed maintenance.

This checklist will help ensure a thorough evaluation for a used John Deere 8110 tractor purchase, minimizing surprises and maximizing value

Common Problems

  • PTO Shaft Strength: The John Deere 8110 features a “big 1000” PTO shaft that supports full engine power, but the smaller 540 PTO shaft can only handle about 120 HP safely. Using high power implements on the smaller PTO may cause shaft breakage.

  • 3-Point Hitch Seals: Some tractors have issues with 3-point hitch seals getting stuck or failing to lower properly, especially if it was used mostly for baling and not frequently operated.

  • Engine Rebuilds: Although the 8.1L engine is known for reliability, some units have undergone engine rebuilds around 4,000-5,000 hours due to wear or blow-by issues. Proper maintenance is critical.

  • Weight Distribution: Operators often add dual wheels and front weights to balance the tractor properly for heavy work.

  • Transmission: The 16-speed full powershift transmission is reliable but requires regular maintenance, especially with hydraulic controls.

Summary

The John Deere 8110 remains a popular and dependable row-crop tractor known for its durability, solid engine, and efficient hydraulics.

It suits farmers needing a powerful workhorse with good PTO capabilities and flexibility for various attachments.

While care should be taken regarding PTO shaft limits and maintenance, the John Deere 8110 offers strong performance in its class.