Which John Deere 850 do I have?

[ricatchnc]

I just bought a John Deere 850, my first tractor. When I went to order the Maintenance and Op Guides I found there are three based on serial number range: (-09000), (09001-16000) and (16001-). But, my John Deere has lost its number plate. I see the two rivets but no plate. So, does anybody know of a telltale difference in the three vintages that I could check to identify mine? I would really appreciate any advice.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm not sure this will help, but it might...

The 790 (now 3005) also had 3 manuals during it's manufacturing life. These changes were primarily due to using different engines.
So, if you can find the engine number (should be stamped or cast on the block, or an ID plate, that might help you.

Good luck!

 

[dfkrug]

I see the two rivets but no plate.

Somes JDs also have their serial #s stamped into the engine subframe
near where the VIN plate was riveted on. You may have to clean it up around
there first, and use a good light to see it.

 

[ricatchnc]

I'm not sure this will help, but it might...

Thanks, Roy. Since my original post, I talked to John Deere Customer Service and they said my local dealer should be able to cross-reference the Janmar engine serial with the unit serial (what they call the "produce ID number"). So it's similar to what you're suggestion. I started this with the dealer, but no results so far.

 

[ricatchnc]

Somes JDs also have their serial #s stamped into the engine subframe...

Well, I went out an looked. I know my tractor's been painted so, if it's there, it might be covered up. No sign of it though, and I don't want to scrape of paint except as a last resort. Thanks for the tip. I'll keep it in mind.

 

[dfkrug]

I know my tractor's been painted so, if it's there, it might be covered up.

On my 1st 4300, the aluminum VIN plate just fell off. Immediately under
where it was mounted was the serial # stamped into the subframe. I
can see it without scratching the paint. They may not do that with
the 850.

 

[Dutch445]

you can do a little recon thru the JDPARTS system,
(sign up, etc) and narrow down your model by looking
at some parts and seeing different listings for different
ser number breaks. the grill/hood are different above and below
007760 for starters...
other parts may lead to more clues... and eventually you
should be able to get a close approximation of what yours is

 

[CharlieS]

Another possibility is look for various tractor model applications, such as, row crop, orchard, or LCG (low center of gravity) models. While not true of all models of all tractors, in some cases specific applications like this will help with I.D.

 

[ctlguy]

If your machine has the proper decals the model id will close to the grill on the 1984 - 88 (later model). And the model id will be twoards the rear of the hood on earlier model 1978 - 83 models. Later model id stickers also had a series of vertical stripes in front of and behind the model id.

 

[ctlguy]

Just noticed the avatar pic you have and it appears the the decal you have has the Johnd Deere twoards the front and the ID twoards the rear. If it is the correct decals the serial range will be 1024 - 16005