Dimensions
John Deere 970 |
2WD |
MFWD |
Overall Length (w/ 3-Point Hitch) |
123 in (3128 mm) |
123 in (3128 mm) |
Overall Length (w/ Front Blade) |
141.3 in (3588 mm) |
141.3 in (3588 mm) |
Overall Width (w/ Turf Tires) |
88.8 in (2255 mm) |
88.8 in (2255 mm) |
Wheelbase |
68.9 in (1750 mm) |
68.9 in (1750 mm) |
Height (ROPS) |
84.8 in (2153 mm) |
83.7 in (2127 mm) |
Height (Hood) |
53.2 in (1351 mm) |
52.2 in (1325 mm) |
Ground Clearance (Front Axle) |
14.6 in (372 mm) |
13.7 in (348 mm) |
Front Wheel Tread |
47.7-63.6 in (1212-1616 mm) |
1238 mm (48.7 in.) |
Rear Wheel Tread |
45.3-59 in (1150-1500 mm) |
46.2-58 in (1172-1472 mm) |
Operating Weight |
2670 lb (1211 kg) |
3045 lb (1381 kg) |

Tires
John Deere 970 |
2WD |
MFWD |
Front Tire Size (Standard) |
5.50-16 |
7-16 |
Rear Tire Size (Standard) |
12.4-28 |
13.6-24 |
Engine Details
Number of Cylinders |
4 |
Engine Make |
Yanmar |
Engine Model |
Yanmar 4TN842-RJX |
Displacement |
110.8 cu in (1.82 L) |
Bore |
3.22 in (82 mm) |
Stroke |
3.39 in (86 mm) |
Horsepower |
33 hp (24.6 kw) |
PTO Power |
30 hp (22.4 kw) |
Power Measured @ |
2600 rpm |
Slow Idle Speed |
800 rpm |
Fast Idle Speed |
2775 rpm |
Fuel System |
Direct Injection |
Injection Pump Type |
In-Line w/ Electric Shutoff |
Fuel Consumption @ 75% Load |
1.47 gal/h (5.6 L/h) |
Cooling System |
Water Pump |
Lubrication |
Pressurized |
Oil Filter |
Single Element |
Air Cleaner |
Dry Type w/ Safety |
Compression Ratio |
18.1:1 |
Pre-heating |
Air intake heater |
Aspiration |
Naturally aspirated |

Operational Specs
Operating Weight (2WD) |
2670 lb (1211 kg) |
Operating Weight (MFWD) |
3045 lb (1381 kg) |
Operating Voltage |
12 V |
Alternator |
20 amps |
Battery |
12 V, CCA 550 |
Ground |
Negative |
Operator Station |
Open Operator Station |
Noise Level (High Idle, No Load) |
90 dB(A) |
ROPS Type |
Two-post ROPS |
Transmission
Type |
Sliding Collar |
Number of Gears |
9 Forward / 2 (3) Reverse |
Max Forward Speed |
11.3 mph (18.3 km/h) |
Max Reverse Speed |
7.4 mph (12.1 km/h) |
Final Drive Type |
Planetary |
Drive |
2WD or 4WD (MFWD) |
Service Brakes |
Wet disc brakes |
Clutch |
Dual Stage Dry |
Differential Lock |
Mechanical rear |
Steering |
Manual / Hydrostatic power (optional) |

PTO (Power Take-Off)
PTO Type |
Continuous Live |
Rear PTO Speed |
540 rpm |
Mid PTO Speed |
2100 rpm |
PTO Brake |
Wet Disk Brake (Mid PTO only) |
PTO Power |
30 hp (22.4 kw) |
Hydraulic System
Type |
Open Center |
Pump Type |
Dual Gear |
Max Operating Pressure |
2250 psi (15514 kPa) |
Implement Pump Flow |
8.7 gal/min (32.9 L/min) |
Steering Pump Flow |
4.3 gal/min (16.3 L/min) |
Total Pump Flow (Power Steering Models) |
13 gal/min (49.2 L/min) |
Number of Rear Valves |
2 |
Number of Mid Valves |
2 |
3-Point Hitch Lift
3-Point Hitch Category |
Category I |
3-Point Hitch Lift Capacity @ 24″ |
2020 lb (916 kg) |
Draft Control Sensing |
Position control |

Service Refill Capacities
Fuel Tank Capacity |
8.5 gal (32 L) |
Engine Oil Capacity (w/ filter) |
1.4 gal (5.3 L) |
Cooling System Capacity |
1.5 gal (5.8 L) |
Transmission / Hydraulic Oil Capacity |
5.5 gal (21 L) |
Front Axle Fluid Capacity (MFWD) |
2 gal (7.5 L) |

John Deere 970 Filters
Primary Air Filter Element |
M802606 |
Secondary Air Filter Element |
CH12881 |
Engine Oil Filter |
M806419 |
Hydraulic Oil Filter |
RE27284 |
Fuel Filter Element |
T111383 |
Fuel-Water Separator Screen |
T111005 |
Fuel Filter Sediment Bowl |
CH15552 |
Serial Numbers & PIN Location
On a John Deere 970 tractor, the serial number plate is located above the rear PTO shaft
Year |
Serial Number |
Year |
Serial Number |
1989 |
1001 |
1994 |
130001 |
1990 |
1338 |
1995 |
140001 |
1990 |
2242 |
1996 |
150001 |
1991 |
100001 |
1997 |
160001 |
1992 |
110001 |
1998 |
170001 |
1993 |
120001 |
|
|
John Deere 970 Attachments
The John Deere 970 compact utility tractor, part of the 70 Series lineup, was built to handle a wide range of jobs on farms, homesteads, and work sites. Thanks to its compatibility with multiple factory-approved attachments, the 970 transforms from a dependable field tractor into a versatile all-around workhorse.

Front-end work is supported by the John Deere 80 and 440 front loaders, offering reliable lifting, material handling, and grading capability.
Front Loaders for Deere 970

Model |
John Deere 80 |
John Deere 440 |
Lift Capacity at Full Height |
1195 lb (543 kg) |
1200 lb (544 kg) |
Breakout Force, Boom |
2340 lbf (10.42 kN) |
2340 lbf (10.4 kN) |
Breakout Force, Bucket |
2045 lbf (9.09 kN) |
2045 lbf (9.1 kN) |
A. Maximum Lift Height |
95.9 in (2435 mm) |
95.9 in (2435 mm) |
B. Clearance with Bucket Dumped |
78 in (1980 mm) |
78 in (1980 mm) |
C. Reach at Maximum Height |
22.8 in (580 mm) |
22.8 in (580 mm) |
D. Maximum Dump Angle |
37° |
37° |
E. Reach with Bucket on Ground |
51.4 in (1305 mm) |
51.4 in (1305 mm) |
F. Bucket Roll-Back Angle at Ground |
22° |
22° |
G. Digging Depth |
6.1 in (155 mm) |
6.1 in (155 mm) |
J. Maximum Lift Height (Bucket Flat) |
89.4 in (2270 mm) |
89.4 in (2270 mm) |
K. Overall Length |
144 in (3656 mm) |
144 in (3656 mm) |
L. Length of Bucket |
17.8 in (452 mm) |
17.8 in (452 mm) |
W. Lift Capacity to Full Height (Bucket bottom mid point) |
1195 lb (543 kg) |
1200 lb (544 kg) |
Loader Raising Time |
4.0 sec |
4.0 sec |
Loader Lowering Time |
3.1 sec |
3.1 sec |
Bucket Dumping (w/ Regen Valve) |
1.9 sec |
1.8 sec |
Bucket Dumping (w/o Regen Valve) |
3.2 sec |
3.1 sec |
Bucket Rollback Time |
2.2 sec |
2.2 sec |
Hydraulic Flow |
7.8 gal/min (29.4 L/min) |
7.8 gal/min (29.4 L/min) |
Bucket Width |
53 in (1350 mm) |
53 in (1350 mm) |
Based on Tractor Tires Size, Front |
7-16 |
7-16 |
Based on Tractor Tires Size, Rear |
13.6-24 |
13.6-24 |
For digging and trenching, the tractor pairs with the John Deere 8A and 8B backhoe attachments, which provide practical reach and breakout force for light excavation.
Backhoe Attachments for Deere 970

Model |
John Deere 8A |
John Deere 8B |
Lift Capacity (at 36″ From Ground To Bucket Pivot Pin) |
600 lb (272 kg) |
689 lb (313 kg) |
Bucket Breakout Force (SAE) |
2992 lbf (13.31 kN) |
3389 lbf (15.07 kN) |
Bucket Pry-Out Force (SAE) |
6000 lbf (26.69 kN) |
– |
Dipperstick Digging Force (SAE) |
1955 lbf (8.70 kN) |
2213 lbf (9.84 kN) |
Backhoe Attachment Weight |
981 lb (445 kg) |
998 lb (453 kg) |
A. Digging Depth (2 ft flat bottom) |
102 in (2591 mm) |
102 in (2591 mm) |
B. Swing Arc |
180° |
180° |
C. Loading Height (Bucket at 60°) |
82 in (2083 mm) |
82 in (2083 mm) |
D. Reach for Center Line of Swing Pivot |
133 in (3378 mm) |
133 in (3378 mm) |
E. Transport Height (maximum) |
81 in (2057 mm) |
81 in (2057 mm) |
F. Bucket Rotation |
180° |
180° |
G. Loading Reach (Bucket at 60°) |
43 in (1092 mm) |
43 in (1092 mm) |
H. Transport Overhang |
48 in (1219 mm) |
48 in (1219 mm) |
I. Ground Clearance |
9.5 in (241 mm) |
9.5 in (241 mm) |
J. Undercut |
34 in (864 mm) |
34 in (864 mm) |
K. Hydraulic Stabilizer Spread, Down |
99 in (2515 mm) |
99 in (2515 mm) |
L. Hydraulic Stabilizer Spread, Up |
59 in (1499 mm) |
59 in (1499 mm) |
Backhoe Control Valve Main Relief Setting |
1900 psi (13100 kPa) |
2200 psi (15169 kPa) |
Bucket 12 in (305 mm) Struck Capacity (SAE) |
1.14 cu ft (0.031 m3) |
1.14 cu ft (0.031 m3) |
Bucket 18 in (457 mm) Struck Capacity (SAE) |
1.75 cu ft (0.049 m3) |
1.75 cu ft (0.049 m3) |
Bucket 24 in (610 mm) Struck Capacity (SAE) |
2.42 cu ft (0.067 m3) |
2.42 cu ft (0.067 m3) |
Bucket 36 in (914 mm) Struck Capacity (SAE) |
3.77 cu ft (0.105 m3) |
3.77 cu ft (0.105 m3) |
Mowing needs are met with the 72-inch Mid-Mount Rotary Mower designed specifically for 70 Series tractors, delivering wide, clean cutting for turf and pasture management.
Mid-Mount Mower for Deere 970
Model |
72″ Mid-Mount Mower Deck for Deere 70 Series |
Type |
Mid-mount rotary mower with hydraulic lift |
Number of Blades |
3 |
Cutting Width |
72.8 in (1849 mm) |
Overall Width |
85.0 in (2159 mm) |
Cut Height |
1.5 to 8.6 in (38 to 218 mm) |
Weight |
448 lb (203 kg) |
In addition, the rugged John Deere 390 front blade offers powerful snow removal and grading performance.
Deere 390 Front Blade

Model |
John Deere 390 |
Blade Type |
Front-mount, hydraulic lift, hydraulic angle |
A. Overall Length (tractor and blade) |
141.3 in (3588 mm) |
B. Front Hub Centerline to Front of Blade |
47.9 in (1216 mm) |
C. Cutting Depth |
6 in (152 mm) |
D. Blade Lift Height |
11.5 in (292 mm) |
E. Overall Blade Height |
25.5 in (648 mm) |
F. Moldboard Height |
19.8 in (502 mm) |
G. Overall Width |
84 in (2134 mm) |
H. Overall Cutting Width (30° angle) |
72.8 in (1848 mm) |
I. Cutting Edge Height |
6 in (152 mm) |
Relief Valve Setting |
3500 psi (24133 kPa) |
Angling |
30° |
Blade Skid Shoes |
Adjustable |
Blade Trip |
Spring Trip with Lock Bolts |
Blade Float |
Built into Tractor Lift System |
Blade Kit Weight |
725 lb (329 kg) |
Together, these tractor attachments showcase the 970’s adaptability, allowing operators to switch between agricultural, landscaping, and utility tasks with ease. Whether moving earth, mowing fields, or clearing driveways, the John Deere 970 with its range of attachments stands as a capable and efficient compact tractor solution.