John Deere 650 Reviews
Can't Wait Until Mowing Season
Model Year: 1986
I recently purchased a 1986 John Deere 650 Tractor. I'm totally in love with this little guy. It came with a belly mower and it has mechanical front wheel drive, but the front drive shaft was missing. After an exhaustive search for the 15-spline yoke, I found a shaft for a John Deere 755. To my good fortune all I had to do was shorten it up quite a bit, and both ends fit perfectly. I found a John Deere 4-foot rotary cutter to use as well. I'm the 4th or 5th owner, but hopefully they last. I can't wait to put it to work!!
Pros: Beautiful tractor, runs well, great for my rough and uneven lawn
Cons: Parts are hard or impossible to find, take care of what you have!!
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Model Year: 1986
I recently purchased a 1986 John Deere 650 Tractor. I'm totally in love with this little guy. It came with a belly mower and it has mechanical front wheel drive, but the front drive shaft was missing. After an exhaustive search for the 15-spline yoke, I found a shaft for a John Deere 755. To my good fortune all I had to do was shorten it up quite a bit, and both ends fit perfectly. I found a John Deere 4-foot rotary cutter to use as well. I'm the 4th or 5th owner, but hopefully they last. I can't wait to put it to work!!
Pros: Beautiful tractor, runs well, great for my rough and uneven lawn
Cons: Parts are hard or impossible to find, take care of what you have!!
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More than I expected!
Model Year: 1986
I LOVE my 4wd JD650! I'm in the foothills of Southeast Ohio & this thing goes all over my wooods, working hard without ever getting stuck or making me feel like I'm gonna tip over. My wife and sons (16, 14 & 12 yrs old) all ride this tractor without me ever worrying about their safety. Love it! Also, a full tank of diesel seems to last me forever. This tractor is worth what you can buy one for. Don't underestimate the HP on this little guy. It packs a whole lot in it's small punch!
Pros: Safe, Never gets stuck, Much stronger than the low HP suggests, Built great
Cons: Haven't figured out any yet.
Model Year: 1986
I LOVE my 4wd JD650! I'm in the foothills of Southeast Ohio & this thing goes all over my wooods, working hard without ever getting stuck or making me feel like I'm gonna tip over. My wife and sons (16, 14 & 12 yrs old) all ride this tractor without me ever worrying about their safety. Love it! Also, a full tank of diesel seems to last me forever. This tractor is worth what you can buy one for. Don't underestimate the HP on this little guy. It packs a whole lot in it's small punch!
Pros: Safe, Never gets stuck, Much stronger than the low HP suggests, Built great
Cons: Haven't figured out any yet.
Ole Reliable
Model Year: 1982
I bought a JD 316 new in 1983 because I wanted a mower that would last - it has - still going strong after all these years. But it's just too small for our new 10 ac. home place. I ran across a JD650 for sale at a neighbors, while in excellent condition, the tow behind mower included was just too heavy for the tractor. While checking pricing on line, I found an identical machine with a 60" belly mower at a local dealer at a bargain price. The 32 year old appeared to be basically sound, so I brought the ole girl home. Typically, someone had screwed up the electricals, some plastics had been damaged or cracked due to age, and there was minor sheet metal damage on the front end. I've gone thru it top to bottom and fixed the critical items. JB Weld and Bondo cleared up the cosmetics. The only non serviceable hardware was the radiator screen (rusted out) but replacements are available. The two cylinder Yanmar runs strong but is easily overwhelmed by tall grass and heavy loads - I just drop her down a gear and keep going. I miss the hydrostatic drive, but with 8 gears I can usually find one that works. In my opinion the JD 650 compact tractor is good example of solid engineering and value - something long gone in today's "designed for early obsolescence" environment. With a little TLC and patience this ole girls can still do the job she was designed to do back in the 80's. Dirt and grass haven't changed!!
Pros: Great value, solid machine - good functionality for its size - easy to maintain.
Cons: Easily overloaded
Model Year: 1982
I bought a JD 316 new in 1983 because I wanted a mower that would last - it has - still going strong after all these years. But it's just too small for our new 10 ac. home place. I ran across a JD650 for sale at a neighbors, while in excellent condition, the tow behind mower included was just too heavy for the tractor. While checking pricing on line, I found an identical machine with a 60" belly mower at a local dealer at a bargain price. The 32 year old appeared to be basically sound, so I brought the ole girl home. Typically, someone had screwed up the electricals, some plastics had been damaged or cracked due to age, and there was minor sheet metal damage on the front end. I've gone thru it top to bottom and fixed the critical items. JB Weld and Bondo cleared up the cosmetics. The only non serviceable hardware was the radiator screen (rusted out) but replacements are available. The two cylinder Yanmar runs strong but is easily overwhelmed by tall grass and heavy loads - I just drop her down a gear and keep going. I miss the hydrostatic drive, but with 8 gears I can usually find one that works. In my opinion the JD 650 compact tractor is good example of solid engineering and value - something long gone in today's "designed for early obsolescence" environment. With a little TLC and patience this ole girls can still do the job she was designed to do back in the 80's. Dirt and grass haven't changed!!
Pros: Great value, solid machine - good functionality for its size - easy to maintain.
Cons: Easily overloaded
Utility Tractor
Model Year: 0
I was in need of a good utility tractor for mowing and small garden work. I bought this tractor used, obviously, and am pleased as punch so far. It handles the 6-ft. finish mower in style.
Pros: Powerful and utility.
Cons: Will need to purchase agri-rims and tires for garden work.
Model Year: 0
I was in need of a good utility tractor for mowing and small garden work. I bought this tractor used, obviously, and am pleased as punch so far. It handles the 6-ft. finish mower in style.
Pros: Powerful and utility.
Cons: Will need to purchase agri-rims and tires for garden work.
John Deere 650 Compact 4X4
Model Year: 0
Have had the tractor since '92. No major problems I use it for mowing and work around the hose grounds about 10 archers. All implements are 4 foot. They include shredder, finish mower, rake, tiller, two plows, box blade, scoop, fork and boom. I use them all and the tractor always performs as needed.
Pros: 4 wheel drive, compact size, strength for the size.
Cons: No hydraulics.
Model Year: 0
Have had the tractor since '92. No major problems I use it for mowing and work around the hose grounds about 10 archers. All implements are 4 foot. They include shredder, finish mower, rake, tiller, two plows, box blade, scoop, fork and boom. I use them all and the tractor always performs as needed.
Pros: 4 wheel drive, compact size, strength for the size.
Cons: No hydraulics.
Sandy Shores Trading Company, LLC DBA O' Henry Garden
Model Year: 1987
I purchased this JD 650 and finish mower from a small town and it has always been shredded! Not used for the last 2 years. Cold blooded, heavy enough to get the job done, fuel efficient, easy to maneuver, tight fit in operator seat, works well with John Deere 261 finish mower. Purchased a sub compact tiller, and back blade. This season will be the real trial for all equipment in my market garden! I will build my own tilling attachment from used potato equipment.
Pros: Fuel efficient, excellent gearing for my market garden.
Cons: Limited attachments to work with 14.5 HP.
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Model Year: 1987
I purchased this JD 650 and finish mower from a small town and it has always been shredded! Not used for the last 2 years. Cold blooded, heavy enough to get the job done, fuel efficient, easy to maneuver, tight fit in operator seat, works well with John Deere 261 finish mower. Purchased a sub compact tiller, and back blade. This season will be the real trial for all equipment in my market garden! I will build my own tilling attachment from used potato equipment.
Pros: Fuel efficient, excellent gearing for my market garden.
Cons: Limited attachments to work with 14.5 HP.
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650 John Deere 4x4 Compact
Model Year: 1984
I thought I wanted a BX series Kubota until I ran the 650 with a loader. I'm used to running much larger tractors at work and the BX is not very useful. The 650 will do twice the work of a BX.
Pros: Heavy built, don't let the horsepower rating fool you.
Cons: Needs power steering with the loader.
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Model Year: 1984
I thought I wanted a BX series Kubota until I ran the 650 with a loader. I'm used to running much larger tractors at work and the BX is not very useful. The 650 will do twice the work of a BX.
Pros: Heavy built, don't let the horsepower rating fool you.
Cons: Needs power steering with the loader.
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John Deere 650
Model Year: 0
Okay, the 650 is a bit dated, I got mine at an auction so it had already had its share of bumps and bruises, but a tractor that gets the job done is a tractor that is worth having. For a good thirteen years now, this little machine has been getting the job done for me. "The job", first and foremost, is snow removal. The 59 inch front-mount snowblower may be a bit too much for the twin-cylinder 19 HP diesel but it has moved a lot of Northern Michigan snow out of my way. I live in the woods so a plow is not all that useful but I can blow snow into the woods. Sometimes even first gear is too fast if the accumulation is heavy and deep. In that situation I have to inch forward, then hit the clutch and let the blower clear itself. It's slow going in those conditions. It will easily chew through a 18 inches of powder in second gear. I also have the belly mower and a third-party back blade, both of which have seen their share of use. All in all, this was one of the better purchases I have made.
Pros: Reliable diesel power, easy on fuel, tractor is big enough to be useful.
Cons: Sometimes I wish it had hydrostatic drive.
Model Year: 0
Okay, the 650 is a bit dated, I got mine at an auction so it had already had its share of bumps and bruises, but a tractor that gets the job done is a tractor that is worth having. For a good thirteen years now, this little machine has been getting the job done for me. "The job", first and foremost, is snow removal. The 59 inch front-mount snowblower may be a bit too much for the twin-cylinder 19 HP diesel but it has moved a lot of Northern Michigan snow out of my way. I live in the woods so a plow is not all that useful but I can blow snow into the woods. Sometimes even first gear is too fast if the accumulation is heavy and deep. In that situation I have to inch forward, then hit the clutch and let the blower clear itself. It's slow going in those conditions. It will easily chew through a 18 inches of powder in second gear. I also have the belly mower and a third-party back blade, both of which have seen their share of use. All in all, this was one of the better purchases I have made.
Pros: Reliable diesel power, easy on fuel, tractor is big enough to be useful.
Cons: Sometimes I wish it had hydrostatic drive.
John Deere 650
Model Year: 1984
The 650 Deere is a great little tractor. I borrowed a Kubota BX2350 on several occasions and there is no comparison. The older Deere is a heavier and capable of more work. I use a 54" Woods rotary cutter and a Woods loader.
Pros: Sodil construction.
Cons: Difficult to mount and dismount.
Model Year: 1984
The 650 Deere is a great little tractor. I borrowed a Kubota BX2350 on several occasions and there is no comparison. The older Deere is a heavier and capable of more work. I use a 54" Woods rotary cutter and a Woods loader.
Pros: Sodil construction.
Cons: Difficult to mount and dismount.
650 Compact 4x4 Tractor w/ 67 Loader and Balance Box
Model Year: 1981
Bought Tractor from a person who needed the money when he and his wife were having there first child to help care of my land ie: Plant trees, brush hog fields, move top soil move logs that have fell in woods, mow lawn, lifting my kids/grand-kids up in the bucket to pick apples/pears from our trees through the years, plow snow. Also have several elders living close by and plow there snow/driveways as well. Since buying tractor I (my wife and I did all the lifting / mounting) have added an all metal heated Curtis Cab off a John Deere 4200 about 5 years ago with a very few SMALL modifications. Manufactured and built an ALL angle snow plow for the tractor that you just pull the pins on the bucket from the 67 loader and use the same pins to install the plow even using the same hydraulic connections. Also add Am/Fm radio as I plow for up to 4 - hours at a times during bad storms. Built 6' steel lawn roller that can be filled with water. have 5' rear finishing mower, as well as a post hole digger for it. GREAT tractor! Only 2 things I would change if I could: Would to have power steering as well as shuttle/hydro shift! But they say you can't have everything! For the money I have invested it is a great, handy tractor I would not be with out it. My grandson (5) claims it, and already says it will be his someday!
Pros: Everything!
Cons: Power steering shuttle/hydro shift (but NOT a show stopper!)
Model Year: 1981
Bought Tractor from a person who needed the money when he and his wife were having there first child to help care of my land ie: Plant trees, brush hog fields, move top soil move logs that have fell in woods, mow lawn, lifting my kids/grand-kids up in the bucket to pick apples/pears from our trees through the years, plow snow. Also have several elders living close by and plow there snow/driveways as well. Since buying tractor I (my wife and I did all the lifting / mounting) have added an all metal heated Curtis Cab off a John Deere 4200 about 5 years ago with a very few SMALL modifications. Manufactured and built an ALL angle snow plow for the tractor that you just pull the pins on the bucket from the 67 loader and use the same pins to install the plow even using the same hydraulic connections. Also add Am/Fm radio as I plow for up to 4 - hours at a times during bad storms. Built 6' steel lawn roller that can be filled with water. have 5' rear finishing mower, as well as a post hole digger for it. GREAT tractor! Only 2 things I would change if I could: Would to have power steering as well as shuttle/hydro shift! But they say you can't have everything! For the money I have invested it is a great, handy tractor I would not be with out it. My grandson (5) claims it, and already says it will be his someday!
Pros: Everything!
Cons: Power steering shuttle/hydro shift (but NOT a show stopper!)
Used John Deere 650
Model Year: 1983
Found a used John Deere 650 Compact with FEL for sale at the side of the road. Weathered, bit of rust, electrical (lights and such) in bad shape but low hours and that Yanmar 2cyl deisel just wants to keep chugging. 4 wheel drive was handy when I had to haul my jeep out of the woods.
Pros: Cheap, reliable, fun, small, and maneuverable.
Cons: Wish there was a reverse gear on the post hole digger.
Model Year: 1983
Found a used John Deere 650 Compact with FEL for sale at the side of the road. Weathered, bit of rust, electrical (lights and such) in bad shape but low hours and that Yanmar 2cyl deisel just wants to keep chugging. 4 wheel drive was handy when I had to haul my jeep out of the woods.
Pros: Cheap, reliable, fun, small, and maneuverable.
Cons: Wish there was a reverse gear on the post hole digger.
650 Utility Tractor
Model Year: 1987
Bought this used (900 hrs) in 1991. Served me well and other than replacing the voltage regulator and a few bad electrical connectors in the wiring harness it's been dependable year in year out. It hates cold weather but a block heater solves that problem. 95% of the time on it is used for mowing a 6 acre yard around the house and averages about 1/2 gallon of fuel per hour.
Pros: Well built dependable little tractor.
Cons: I suppose if there is a "con" it would have to be another cylinder but Im a couple cylinders short of a full block myself.
Model Year: 1987
Bought this used (900 hrs) in 1991. Served me well and other than replacing the voltage regulator and a few bad electrical connectors in the wiring harness it's been dependable year in year out. It hates cold weather but a block heater solves that problem. 95% of the time on it is used for mowing a 6 acre yard around the house and averages about 1/2 gallon of fuel per hour.
Pros: Well built dependable little tractor.
Cons: I suppose if there is a "con" it would have to be another cylinder but Im a couple cylinders short of a full block myself.
650J Dozer
Model Year: 2008
We use our 650J in the wildland fire industry. We have had excellent experiences from purchasing, servicing, to performance. Would highly recommend this machine.
Pros: Enlosed cab with a/c, heat and radio
Cons: Didn't get the winch option
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Model Year: 2008
We use our 650J in the wildland fire industry. We have had excellent experiences from purchasing, servicing, to performance. Would highly recommend this machine.
Pros: Enlosed cab with a/c, heat and radio
Cons: Didn't get the winch option
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