John Deere 285
The John Deere 285 is a tractor produced by John Deere Lawn Tractors. It is equipped with a 585 cc 35.7 ci engine. The listed engine power is Gasoline (gross): 18 hp / 13.4 kW. Transmission: Sundstrand BDU-21. Operating weight: 625 lbs 283 kg.
Engine Power
Gasoline (gross): 18 hp / 13.4 kW
Fuel & Capacities
3 gal
11.4 L
Transmission
Sundstrand BDU-21
Operating Weight
625 lbs
283 kg
Overview
 | 1987 - 1992
Late 200 SeriesGarden tractor
Late 200 Series
Garden tractor |
|---|
Production | |
|---|---|
Manufacturer | John Deere |
Garden tractor | |
Built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA | |
The 285 was John Deere's first lawn and garden tractor with an electronic fuel injected (EFI) engine. The 285 EFI was manufactured for the 1989 model year. | |
John Deere 285 Engine | |
|---|---|
18HP Kawasaki 585cc 2-cyl gasoline | |
Fuel tank | 3 gal
11.4 L |
Engine details ...  | |
John Deere 285 Transmission | |
|---|---|
hydrostatic | |
Transmission details ...  |
Mechanical | |
|---|---|
Two-wheel drive | |
Steering | manual enclosed recirculating ball |
Expanding mechanical shoe brakes | |
Open operator station. Vinyl weather enclosure optional. | |
Tractor hitch | |
|---|---|
Type | sleeve hitch OptOptional |
Power Take-off (PTO) | |
|---|---|
Mid PTO | independent |
Clutch | electric |
Dimensions & Tires | |
|---|---|
Wheelbase | 47.9 inches
121 cm |
Weight | 625 lbs
283 kg |
Front tire | 16x6.50-8 |
Rear tire | 23x10.50-12 |
Full dimensions and tires ...  | |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
Ground | negative |
Charging system | alternator |
Charging amps | 17 |
Battery CCA | 341 |
Battery volts | 12 |
Battery Group | 22F |
References | |
|---|---|
 | |
200 Series published in 1989, by John Deere | |
200 Series published in 1990, by John Deere | |
Riding Mowers Product Information Handbook published in 1991, by John Deere | |
Lawn & Garden Tractors published in 1988, by John Deere | |
Lawn & Garden Equipment published in 1990, by John Deere | |
Grounds Care & Recreation Products Sales Manual published in 1989, by John Deere | |
New Implements for the 240, 260, 265, and 285 Lawn & Garden Tractors published in 1988, by John Deere | |
 | |
Operator's Manual 240, 260, 265, 285 Lawn and Garden Tractors (OMM79648) published in 1989 | |
Operator's Manual 240, 260, 265, 285 Lawn and Garden Tractors (OMM95270) published in 1989 | |
Operator's Manual 240, 260, 265, 285 Lawn and Garden Tractors (OMM96102) published in 1990 |
Engine
Engine Detail — 585 cc / 35.7 ci Gasoline
Manufacturer | Kawasaki FD590V |
Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Configuration | 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled vertical-shaft |
The engine was available in a fuel-injected version for the 1989 model year. | |
Displacement | 585 cc
35.7 ci |
Bore/Stroke | 2.91x2.68 inches
74 x 68 mm |
Power (gross) | 18 hp
13.4 kW |
Fuel system | carburetor |
electronic-fuel injected OptOptional | |
Air cleaner | foam precleaner with paper filter |
Compression | 8.7:1 |
Rated RPM | 3400 |
Idle RPM | 1400-3350 |
Starter volts | 12 |
Coolant capacity | 3.3 qts
3.1 L |
Oil capacity | 2.6 qts
2.5 L |
Oil change | 50 h |
John Deere 285 Engine | |
|---|---|
 |
Transmission
Transmission — Sundstrand BDU-21
Transmission | Sundstrand BDU-21 |
Type | belt-driven hydrostatic |
Gears | infinite forward and reverse |
Oil capacity | 2.6 qts
2.5 L |
Oil type | Low-Viscosity Hy-Gard |
Oil change | 250 h |
 | |
Low-Viscosity Hy-Gard |
|---|
Dimensions
John Deere 285 Tires | |
|---|---|
Ag rear | 23x10.50-12 |
Lawn/turf front | 16x6.50-8 |
Lawn/turf rear | 23x10.50-12 |
Dimensions | |
|---|---|
Wheelbase | 47.9 inches
121 cm |
Length | 71.5 inches
181 cm |
Width | 41.5 inches
105 cm |
Height | 43.6 inches
110 cm |
Shipping weight | 625 lbs
283 kg |
Attachments
Attachment overview | |
|---|---|
46" mid-mount mower deck | |
50" mid-mount mower deck | |
Snowblower | |
Blade | |
A 30-inch mechanical drive tiller (M03260X/MO3261X) was compatible with the John Deere 285. |
Photos
John Deere 285 with mower deck and rear bagger.
John Deere 285 EFI.
Recommended Implements & Sizing Guide
Engineering recommendations for John Deere Lawn Tractors John Deere 285 based on its 18 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 285.
Estimated Continuous Field Runtime: 3.2 hrs
Approximately 3.2 hours of continuous field operation at ~75% rated power on a full tank (3 gal / 11.4 L).
Estimated 75% Load Fuel Burn~0.9 gal/hr (3.5 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 285 Specification Unit Converter
Convert power, fluid capacities, and operating weights between metric and imperial standards for John Deere Lawn Tractors John Deere 285.
Converted Equivalents:
Horsepower (HP)18 hp
Kilowatts (kW)13.4 kW
Metric Horsepower (PS / CV)18.2 PS
Direct Competitor Comparison
Compare John Deere 285 against same-era industry alternatives in the same horsepower class.
Current Model
John Deere Lawn Tractors
John Deere 285
Engine Power:Gasoline (gross): 18 hp / 13.4 kW
★ Baseline Reference
International HarvesterMarket Competitor
International Harvester Type A 15HP
Engine Power:16.7
Production Years:1908 - 1911
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