John Deere 185
The John Deere 185 is a tractor produced by John Deere Lawn Tractors. It is equipped with a 534 cc 32.64 ci engine. The listed engine power is Gasoline (gross): 17 hp / 12.7 kW. Transmission: Sundstrand. Operating weight: 625 to 645 pounds.
Engine Power
Gasoline (gross): 17 hp / 12.7 kW
Fuel & Capacities
2.2 gal
8.3 L
Transmission
Sundstrand
Operating Weight
625 to 645 pounds
Overview
 | 1986 - 1990
Late 100 Lawn SeriesLawn tractor
Late 100 Lawn Series
Lawn tractor |
|---|
Production | |
|---|---|
Manufacturer | John Deere |
Lawn tractor | |
Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA | |
Original price | $3,900 (1990 38-inch ) |
$4,100 (1990 42-inch ) | |
The John Deere 185 was available with either 38 or 46-inch rear deck. A 6.5-bushel rear bagger (BM16790) was optional. When the bagger was used on hills, front wheel weights were recommended. Dual 40-pound rear weight plates plus rear tire chains were available for use with the optional 38-inch single-stage snowblower. | |
Variants | |
|---|---|
180 | gear drive |
185 | hydro drive |
John Deere 185 Engine | |
|---|---|
17HP Kawasaki 534cc 1-cyl gasoline | |
Fuel tank | 2.2 gal
8.3 L |
Engine details ...  | |
John Deere 185 Transmission | |
|---|---|
hydrostatic | |
Transmission details ...  |
Mechanical | |
|---|---|
Two-wheel drive | |
Manual steering | |
Integral mechanical transmission disc brakes | |
Open operator station. |
Power Take-off (PTO) | |
|---|---|
Mid PTO | independent |
Clutch | electric |
Dimensions & Tires | |
|---|---|
Wheelbase | 44.7 inches
113 cm |
Weight | 625 to 645 pounds |
Front tire | 15x6.00-6 |
Rear tire | 18x8.50-8 |
Full dimensions and tires ...  | |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
Ground | negative |
Charging system | flywheel alternator |
Charging amps | 15 |
Battery CCA | 255 |
Battery volts | 12 |
References | |
|---|---|
 | |
John Deere Lawn Tractors 100 Series published in 1989 | |
John Deere Lawn Tractors and Riding Mowers published in 1986 | |
Lawn Tractors published in 1987, by John Deere | |
Lawn & Garden Equipment published in 1990, by John Deere | |
Grounds Care & Recreation Products Sales Manual published in 1989, by John Deere | |
 | |
Operator's Manual 170, 175, 180 and 185 (OMM78999) published in 1988 | |
Operator's Manual 130, 160, 165, 180, and 185 (OMM89684) published in 1985 | |
Technical Manual 130, 160, 165, 175, 180, and 185 Lawn Tractors. (TM1351) published in 1988 |
Engine
Engine Detail — 534 cc / 32.64 ci Gasoline
Manufacturer | Kawasaki FC540V |
Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Configuration | 1-cylinder, air-cooled vertical-shaft |
Displacement | 534 cc
32.64 ci |
Bore/Stroke | 3.50x3.38 inches
89 x 86 mm |
Power (gross) | 17 hp
12.7 kW |
Air cleaner | dry with foam precleaner |
Rated RPM | 3350 |
Starter volts | 12 |
Oil capacity | 1.7 qts
1.6 L |
John Deere 185 Engine | |
|---|---|
 | |
Image courtesy of Scott |
Transmission
Transmission — Sundstrand
Transmission | Sundstrand |
Type | belt-driven hydrostatic |
Gears | infinite forward and reverse |
Oil capacity | 0.75 qts
0.7 L |
Eaton transmission with Peerless differential through 1987. Sundstrand transmission with Kanzaki differential beginning with the 1988 model year. | |
With 18x8.50-8 rear tires. | |
 | |
185 Transmission Controls | |
|---|---|
 | |
1 | Forward/Reverse |
2 | Throttle |
3 | Brake |
4 | Parking brake |
Dimensions
John Deere 185 Tires | |
|---|---|
Lawn/turf front | 15x6.00-6 |
Lawn/turf rear | 18x8.50-8 (38-inch deck) |
20x10.00-8 (46-inch deck) | |
Dimensions | |
|---|---|
Wheelbase | 44.7 inches
113 cm |
Length | 66 inches
167 cm |
Height | 39.8 inches
101 cm |
Shipping weight | 625 lbs (38-inch deck)
283 kg |
645 lbs (42-inch deck)
292 kg | |
Attachments
Attachment overview | |
|---|---|
38" mid-mount mower deck | |
46" mid-mount mower deck | |
Snowblower | |
Blade |
Photos
John Deere 185 with mower deck, left side.
John Deere 185 with front blade, right side.
Recommended Implements & Sizing Guide
Engineering recommendations for John Deere Lawn Tractors John Deere 185 based on its 17 HP power envelope and ASAE agricultural standards.
| Implement & Operation | Recommended Size | Workload Rating | Engineering Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Moldboard PlowPrimary Tillage | 1 to 2 Bottom (12")1 - 2 铧 (30 cm) | Light Duty | Ideal for garden plots and light sandy soil. |
Rotary Cutter / MowerMowing & Clearing | 4 ft (48 in)1.2 m | Light Duty | Pasture clipping and light brush under 1" diameter. |
Rotary TillerSeedbed Prep | 42 to 48 in105 - 120 cm | Light Duty | Covers compact tractor tire width. |
Sizing & Soil Condition NoteActual implement sizing varies depending on local soil conditions (heavy clay vs sandy loam), field slope, and operating speed. Heavy tillage implements may require front ballast weights and wheel weights.
Fluids, Capacities & Working Autonomy
Standard fluid requirements, service intervals, and continuous runtime estimates for John Deere Lawn Tractors John Deere 185.
Estimated Continuous Field Runtime: 2.5 hrs
Approximately 2.5 hours of continuous field operation at ~75% rated power on a full tank (2.2 gal / 8.3 L).
Estimated 75% Load Fuel Burn~0.9 gal/hr (3.3 L/hr)
Engine Crankcase Oil
SAE 15W-40 (Heavy Duty Diesel)
Standard Spec: API CK-4 / CJ-4 Heavy Duty
Service Interval: 150 – 250 Hours
Transmission & Hydraulic System
UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil)
Standard Spec: ISO VG 46 / 68 (Wet Brake & Trans Compatible)
Service Interval: 600 – 1000 Hours
Engine Cooling System
50/50 Ethylene Glycol Pre-mix
Standard Spec: ASTM D6210 / Heavy-Duty OAT Antifreeze
Service Interval: 2 Years / 1500 Hours
John Deere Lawn Tractors John Deere 185 Specification Unit Converter
Convert power, fluid capacities, and operating weights between metric and imperial standards for John Deere Lawn Tractors John Deere 185.
Converted Equivalents:
Horsepower (HP)17 hp
Kilowatts (kW)12.7 kW
Metric Horsepower (PS / CV)17.2 PS
Direct Competitor Comparison
Compare John Deere 185 against same-era industry alternatives in the same horsepower class.
Current Model
John Deere Lawn Tractors
John Deere 185
Engine Power:Gasoline (gross): 17 hp / 12.7 kW
★ Baseline Reference
International HarvesterMarket Competitor
International Harvester 154 Lo-Boy
Engine Power:15.6
Production Years:1968 - 1974
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