The John Deere 1050K is a powerful crawler dozer designed primarily for heavy-duty applications like mining, quarrying, road building, and large-scale earthmoving tasks.

It packs a powerful 13.5-liter John Deere PowerTech PSS 6135 diesel engine delivering 261 kW (350 hp) at 1,800 rpm, meeting EPA Final Tier 4 / EU Stage IV emissions standards.

Here are detailed specs, features, usage, common problems, and other key details for the 1050K:

John Deere 1050K Engine and Power

Powered by a John Deere PowerTech 6135 turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled diesel engine.

Displacement: 13.5 liters (824 cubic inches).

Net rated power: 261 kW (350 horsepower) at 1,800-2,000 rpm.

Net peak torque: 1,576 Nm (1,162 lb-ft) at 1,300 rpm.

Complies with EPA Tier 2 / EU Stage II emission standards for the original model; newer versions meet EPA Final Tier 4 / EU Stage IV.

Equipped with a dual-element dry canister air cleaner with external rotary ejector precleaner.

Cooling system employs a variable-speed suction fan with automatic reversing.

Eco mode feature reduces fuel consumption by up to 25% by regulating engine rpm.

John Deere 1050K Transmission and Drivetrain

Features an automatic, dual-path hydrostatic transmission (HST) allowing power to be independently delivered to each track.

Load-sensing system automatically adjusts speed and power to match changing load conditions.

The dual-path design allows pushing a full load through turns without losing material, unlike torque-converter transmissions on competitor machines.

This transmission provides automatic adjustment of speed and torque to load conditions and enables counterrotation for maneuverability.

Its suspended double-bogie undercarriage reduces operator vibration by up to 75%, increasing operator comfort and machine durability.

John Deere 1050K Weight and Dimensions

Operating weight: approximately 42,800 to 43,100 kg (94,300 to 95,000 lbs), depending on configuration.

Track length on the ground: about 3,419 mm (134.6 inches).

Grouser (track shoe) widths available: 610, 660, and 711 mm (24, 26, and 28 inches).

Blade choices include Semi-U and U blades.

Typical height and width dimensions are available but may vary with blade and attachments.

Usage

Ideal for heavy construction and industrial applications such as surface mining, quarrying, large-scale earthmoving, and road building.

Enhanced operator comfort and control with features like variable-pitch blade control from the cab, programmable return-to-pitch settings, and superior visibility.

The suspension includes a double-bogie undercarriage design that reduces operator station vibrations by up to 75%, minimizing wear and breakdowns in rough conditions.

Common Problems

Reports of coolant leaking into the engine oil due to head gasket failure or cylinder liner issues, caused by overheating or liner degradation—leading to engine oil contamination.

Some users report issues with the rear wheels locking up or problems with clutch and transmission getting stuck.

The importance of using proper diesel coolant additives to prevent cavitation and liner pitting is emphasized to prolong engine life.

Regular maintenance and inspection of cylinder head gaskets, liners, and oil pan areas are critical to early detection of problems.

Design And Maintenance

The cab-forward design offers excellent visibility with ergonomic joystick controls and a Total Machine Control (TMC) monitor that allows customization of machine response and settings to operator preferences. It comes grade-control ready, facilitating easy installation of systems like Trimble or Topcon.

Maintenance is simplified with large hinged doors and tilting cab for easy access to service points.

John Deere 1050K Price for Sale

The 1050K is a heavy industrial machine typically selling in the used equipment market since newer bulldozers replace older models.

Recent listings show used 1050K crawler dozers, such as a 2021 model, available through dealers (prices vary widely based on year, hours, condition, and configuration; specific current pricing is best checked through dealers or resale sites).

Conlcusion

The John Deere 1050K is a robust, high-powered crawler dozer with advanced transmission and operator comfort features, suited for demanding earthmoving operations.

Like many heavy machines, it requires attentive maintenance to prevent common engine cooling and drivetrain issues.

Its substantial weight and power output make it a preferred choice for large-scale jobs where reliability and productivity are critical.

Overall, the John Deere 1050K is engineered for productivity, operator comfort, fuel efficiency (with Eco mode reducing fuel use by up to 15%), and durability in the toughest earthmoving conditions.