Reviving a John Deere 35D Mini Excavator for Farm and Field

[MikePhua]

The John Deere 35D and Its Compact Excavation Legacy
The John Deere 35D is a compact excavator designed for precision digging, trenching, and light demolition. Introduced in the late 2000s as part of Deere’s D-series lineup, the 35D was built to serve contractors, landscapers, and agricultural users who needed a nimble yet powerful machine. With an operating weight of approximately 3.5 metric tons and a digging depth of over 10 feet, the 35D balances maneuverability with hydraulic strength.
John Deere, founded in 1837, partnered with Hitachi for its compact excavator line, leveraging Japanese engineering for reliability and serviceability. The 35D features a Yanmar diesel engine, pilot-operated controls, and a zero-tail-swing design that allows operation in tight spaces without rear overhang.
Terminology Notes

• Zero-Tail-Swing: A design where the rear of the excavator stays within the track width during rotation
  
• Pilot Controls: Hydraulic joysticks that offer proportional control over boom, arm, and bucket
  
• Hydraulic Thumb: An attachment that allows the bucket to grasp objects, useful for debris handling and material placement
  
• Fuel Skipping: Irregular combustion caused by poor fuel delivery or injector malfunction
  
• Sheet Metal Panels: Protective bodywork that can be bent or damaged during operation or transport
  

Acquiring and Preparing a Used Unit
Purchasing a used 35D can be a cost-effective way to add excavation capability to a farm or small business. One example involved acquiring a 2013 model with only 440 hours, though the machine had visible damage to its sheet metal panels. The price, including delivery and installation of a hydraulic thumb, was $25,000—well below market average for similar units.
Upon arrival, the owner performed a full fluid and filter change, including:

• Engine oil and filter
  
• Hydraulic filter
  
• Fuel filter
  
• Coolant flush
  
• Final drive oil inspection
  

This baseline service is critical for any used machine, especially one that may have sat idle or been repossessed. Sampling hydraulic oil for contamination and checking for water in the fuel tank are also recommended.
Early Performance Issues and Field Diagnosis
After servicing, the machine exhibited engine skipping and white smoke at full throttle during the first 15 minutes of operation. At idle, the engine ran smoothly. This behavior suggests incomplete combustion, likely caused by:

• Gummed or partially clogged fuel injectors
  
• Air in the fuel system from poor sealing or recent tank draining
  
• Low cetane fuel or residual water in the lines
  
• Cold start enrichment not disengaging properly
  

Running a high-quality injector cleaner through the system and verifying fuel line integrity are first steps. If symptoms persist, removing and bench-testing the injectors may be necessary. A technician in Georgia once resolved similar issues by replacing the injector nozzles and installing a new fuel lift pump.
Attachment Selection and Compatibility
For post-hole drilling, the owner considered the McMillan X1475 hydraulic auger. This unit, part of the Paladin family of attachments (which includes Bradco and McMillan), is compatible with compact excavators and offers:

• Auger diameters from 6 to 24 inches
  
• Flow requirements of 10–20 GPM
  
• Mounting brackets for quick coupler systems
  
• Planetary drive for high torque and low RPM
  

When selecting an auger, ensure that the excavator’s auxiliary hydraulic circuit matches the flow and pressure requirements. The 35D typically delivers around 15 GPM at 2,500 PSI, which is suitable for fence post drilling in clay or loam soils.
Recommendations for Long-Term Operation
To keep the 35D running reliably:

• Change engine oil every 250 hours and hydraulic fluid every 1,000 hours
  
• Inspect track tension monthly and adjust as needed
  
• Grease all pivot points weekly, especially the thumb and bucket pins
  
• Monitor fuel consumption and exhaust color for early signs of injector wear
  
• Keep spare filters and seals on hand for field service
  

For machines used in agricultural settings, consider installing guards over hydraulic lines and electrical connectors to prevent damage from brush or livestock.
Stories from the Field
A farmer in South Carolina used his 35D to install over 300 fence posts across hilly terrain. By pairing the excavator with a hydraulic auger and thumb, he was able to drill, place, and tamp posts without additional labor. The machine’s compact footprint allowed access between trees and around existing structures.
Another operator in Oregon retrofitted his 35D with LED work lights and a backup alarm, making it safer for early morning and evening work. He reported that the machine paid for itself within 18 months through trenching, grading, and drainage projects.
Conclusion
The John Deere 35D remains a versatile and dependable compact excavator for farm, landscape, and light construction use. With proper maintenance, thoughtful attachment selection, and attention to fuel system health, even a used unit can deliver years of productive service. Whether digging fence posts or clearing brush, the 35D proves that small machines can make a big impact.