The John Deere 950 was a compact utility tractor produced from 1978 to 1989 as part of the 50 Compact Series. Yanmar manufactured the tractor in Japan for distribution by John Deere. The 950 served as the middle model in a three-tractor series that included the 850 (25.0hp) and 1050 (37.0hp).
The tractor was replaced by the 970 model, which ran from 1989 to 1998. Original pricing started at $8,670 in 1983 and increased to $12,000 by 1988.
Engine
The John Deere 950 used a Yanmar 1.7L 3-cylinder diesel engine. The engine produced 31 gross horsepower (23.1 kW). Testing showed the drawbar delivered 22.12 hp (16.5 kW) while the PTO output measured 27.36 hp (20.4 kW). Claimed specifications listed 23 hp (17.2 kW) for the drawbar and 27 hp (20.1 kW) for the PTO.
Transmission
The 950 featured an 8-speed gear transmission. Operators could select from two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations. The tractor came with manual steering as standard equipment, with power steering available as an option.
Mechanical Features
The tractor used mechanical differential and expanding shoe brakes. John Deere equipped the 950 with a two-post ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure). The rear hitch was Type I with position control functionality.
Power Take-Off and Hydraulics
The rear PTO operated at 540 RPM with a 1.375-inch shaft. The system used transmission power with a live two-stage clutch. The hydraulic system was open center design with 4.75 gallons (18.0 L) to 5.25 gallons (19.9 L) capacity, depending on configuration. Operating pressure reached 2030 psi (140.0 bar).
Dimensions and Specifications
The wheelbase measured 68.9 inches (175 cm). Weight ranged from 2,700 to 3,000 pounds depending on configuration and attachments. Standard tire sizes were 5.00-15 for the front and 11.2-24 for the rear.
Fuel capacity was 8.5 gallons (32.2 L). The 12-volt electrical system used a negative ground with a 25-amp alternator and 570 CCA battery (BCI Group 30H).
Attachments
Available attachments included a 72-inch mid-mount mower deck, snowblower, blade, front-end loader, and backhoe. These attachments expanded the tractor’s utility for various farming and landscaping tasks.
Production Numbers
Serial number records show production began in 1978 with serial number 1024 and ended in 1989 with final serial number 31853. The serial number plate was located on the rear of the tractor below the PTO shaft.
Annual production numbers by year:
- 1978: 1024
- 1979: 5229
- 1980: 10453
- 1981: 14893
- 1982: 16204
- 1983: 18204
- 1984: 20007
- 1985: 23001
- 1986: 26001
- 1987: 28501
- 1988: 30082
The John Deere 950 represented part of John Deere’s entry into the compact tractor market through partnership with Japanese manufacturer Yanmar. The 11-year production run established the model as a standard in the compact utility tractor category.
