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Model Overview
The John Deere 400G was produced approximately between 1988 and 1997 as a compact crawler bulldozer positioned between the 350G and 450G models. Although sharing the same 60 hp net engine rating as the 450, its relatively light operating weight—around 11,400 to 11,820 lb—placed it closer to the 350 class, leading to mixed reception and limited sales.
Technical Specifications
The John Deere 400G stands out as a compact yet capable crawler dozer from the late 1980s to mid-1990s. Its design filled a niche but suffered from limited popularity due to its light frame and modest advantages over the 350. Still, a well-maintained 400G offers a robust option for light-to-medium dozing tasks—especially where transportability and compact power meet. It remains a niche but interesting machine in Deere’s history.
The John Deere 400G was produced approximately between 1988 and 1997 as a compact crawler bulldozer positioned between the 350G and 450G models. Although sharing the same 60 hp net engine rating as the 450, its relatively light operating weight—around 11,400 to 11,820 lb—placed it closer to the 350 class, leading to mixed reception and limited sales.
Technical Specifications
- Engine: John Deere 4039D, 4-cylinder 3.9 L diesel
- Power: Gross 63 hp, net 60 hp; max torque 188 lb-ft at ~1300 rpm
- Transmission: Hi-Lo-Reverse mechanical, 4 forward & 4 reverse gears, top speed about 6 mph
- Hydraulics: Open-center system, gear pump delivering ~11 gpm with relief around 2,750 psi
- Weight and Dimensions: Operating weight ~11,400–11,820 lb; track width 14 in; ground pressure around 6 psi; ground clearance ~11.6 in (0.97 ft)
- Capacities:
- Fuel tank 31 gal
- Hydraulic fluid ~9 gal
- Final drive oil 14 gal
- Fuel tank 31 gal
- Released during John Deere’s Relife refurbishment period, the 400G attempted to fill a niche between the smaller 350 and larger 450 models
- The “G” suffix aligns with Deere’s series for bulldozers in that era
- Its low ground clearance and lighter frame made it prone to undercarriage wear under heavy use
- Hydro creep: unintended track movement caused by linkage misadjustment or bushing wear
- Right-side steering rod failures: frequent issue in tracked steering systems
- Deferred reverse or low (“L”) gear engagement: often after fluid and filter changes, typically due to internal wear or low hydraulic pressure
- Jerky steering levers or delayed engagement: usually traced to low or contaminated steering/transmission fluids
- Rebuilt and new parts available for engines, hydraulic pumps, final drives, and track components
- Service manuals and technical guides still accessible through dealers or third-party suppliers
- An owner running a 1991 400G in Minnesota’s logging industry described it as a tough and compact machine, powerful enough for woods work yet light enough for transport with a pickup. Maintenance costs were slightly higher than the 450 but still manageable
- Another user noted that the 400G’s awkward market positioning led to poor sales, with unsold units sitting on dealer lots into the early 1990s
- Engine: 4-cyl 3.9 L John Deere 4039D
- Power: 63 hp gross, 60 hp net, 188 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 8-speed (4F/4R) Hi-Lo-Reverse mechanical
- Hydraulics: 11 gpm gear pump, 2,750 psi relief
- Weight and Tracks: ~11,400–11,820 lb, 14 in track, ~6 psi pressure
- Fluid Capacities: Fuel 31 gal; Hydraulic ~9 gal; Final drive 14 gal
- Common Issues: Hydro creep, gear engagement issues, jerky steering
- Market Fit: Positioned between 350 and 450; limited popularity
- Parts Availability: Both aftermarket and OEM support remain available
The John Deere 400G stands out as a compact yet capable crawler dozer from the late 1980s to mid-1990s. Its design filled a niche but suffered from limited popularity due to its light frame and modest advantages over the 350. Still, a well-maintained 400G offers a robust option for light-to-medium dozing tasks—especially where transportability and compact power meet. It remains a niche but interesting machine in Deere’s history.
