4 hours ago
The John Deere 850C Series II is a powerful, versatile crawler dozer designed for a range of demanding construction and earthmoving applications. Introduced in the early 2000s, this model continues to be valued for its durability, performance, and ease of operation, especially in tough conditions. Over the years, it has become a staple in both large-scale construction projects and smaller, more specialized tasks. In this article, we will dive deep into the features, performance, history, and maintenance aspects of the JD 850C Series II to help operators and business owners make informed decisions.
History and Evolution of John Deere Crawler Dozers
John Deere, founded in 1837, has a long legacy of producing high-quality equipment for agriculture, forestry, and construction. Over the decades, the company has expanded its product line to include a wide range of machinery, including crawler dozers. These machines are renowned for their durability, reliability, and cutting-edge technology. The 850C Series II is part of John Deere’s second generation of crawler dozers, which built upon earlier models by integrating more advanced hydraulic systems, improved ergonomics, and increased power.
The 850C Series II was introduced as an evolution of the original 850C, designed to offer enhanced fuel efficiency, better operator comfort, and increased productivity. This model continues to be popular among contractors, particularly for its balance of power and size. It falls in the medium-sized dozer category, making it suitable for a wide range of construction projects, including roadbuilding, land clearing, and site preparation.
Key Specifications of the John Deere 850C Series II
The 850C Series II offers impressive specifications that make it a versatile machine for various tasks. Below are the key specifications of the machine:
Performance and Efficiency
One of the standout features of the 850C Series II is its performance. The 105 hp engine offers a great balance between power and fuel efficiency, making the dozer suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether it’s pushing material for construction or clearing land, the 850C Series II delivers reliable power without excessive fuel consumption.
The hydraulic system is another key factor in the machine's high performance. John Deere’s closed-center, load-sensing hydraulic system helps provide more precise control and reduces unnecessary hydraulic flow, ultimately leading to better fuel efficiency and increased overall productivity. The system is designed to maximize the machine’s power output while maintaining smooth, responsive movements.
The dozer blade is also noteworthy. With a blade capacity of up to 7.4 cubic yards, the 850C Series II can move substantial amounts of dirt, rocks, or other materials with each pass. The size and strength of the blade make the machine ideal for heavy earthmoving tasks.
Operator Comfort and Safety
The John Deere 850C Series II was designed with operator comfort and safety in mind. While older dozers were often known for their minimal comfort features, the Series II models come with several improvements that enhance the operator’s experience.
The 850C Series II is well-regarded for its durability, and John Deere’s commitment to using high-quality materials ensures that the machine can handle tough tasks and last for many years. Regular maintenance is essential, as it helps avoid costly repairs and ensures optimal machine performance.
Key maintenance tips for the 850C Series II include:
Like any piece of heavy equipment, the John Deere 850C Series II can experience issues over time. Some common problems reported by operators include:
The 850C Series II competes in the medium-sized dozer category with several other well-known brands, including:
The John Deere 850C Series II remains a highly reliable and efficient choice for construction, land clearing, and earthmoving projects. Its balance of power, operator comfort, and maintainability make it a top contender in its weight class. While regular maintenance is crucial to extend the life of the machine, its overall durability and performance in tough environments make it a great investment for any operation. Whether you're working on small-scale projects or large commercial undertakings, the 850C Series II provides the versatility and power needed to get the job done efficiently.
History and Evolution of John Deere Crawler Dozers
John Deere, founded in 1837, has a long legacy of producing high-quality equipment for agriculture, forestry, and construction. Over the decades, the company has expanded its product line to include a wide range of machinery, including crawler dozers. These machines are renowned for their durability, reliability, and cutting-edge technology. The 850C Series II is part of John Deere’s second generation of crawler dozers, which built upon earlier models by integrating more advanced hydraulic systems, improved ergonomics, and increased power.
The 850C Series II was introduced as an evolution of the original 850C, designed to offer enhanced fuel efficiency, better operator comfort, and increased productivity. This model continues to be popular among contractors, particularly for its balance of power and size. It falls in the medium-sized dozer category, making it suitable for a wide range of construction projects, including roadbuilding, land clearing, and site preparation.
Key Specifications of the John Deere 850C Series II
The 850C Series II offers impressive specifications that make it a versatile machine for various tasks. Below are the key specifications of the machine:
- Engine Power: 105 hp (78.3 kW)
- Operating Weight: Approximately 18,000 lbs (8,165 kg)
- Blade Capacity: 6.2 – 7.4 cubic yards, depending on the configuration
- Track Length on Ground: 6.4 feet (1.96 meters)
- Hydraulic System: Closed-center, load sensing hydraulic system for better control
- Travel Speed: 4.4 mph (7.1 km/h)
- Maximum Drawbar Pull: 17,200 lbs (7,800 kg)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 25.5 gallons (96.5 liters)
Performance and Efficiency
One of the standout features of the 850C Series II is its performance. The 105 hp engine offers a great balance between power and fuel efficiency, making the dozer suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether it’s pushing material for construction or clearing land, the 850C Series II delivers reliable power without excessive fuel consumption.
The hydraulic system is another key factor in the machine's high performance. John Deere’s closed-center, load-sensing hydraulic system helps provide more precise control and reduces unnecessary hydraulic flow, ultimately leading to better fuel efficiency and increased overall productivity. The system is designed to maximize the machine’s power output while maintaining smooth, responsive movements.
The dozer blade is also noteworthy. With a blade capacity of up to 7.4 cubic yards, the 850C Series II can move substantial amounts of dirt, rocks, or other materials with each pass. The size and strength of the blade make the machine ideal for heavy earthmoving tasks.
Operator Comfort and Safety
The John Deere 850C Series II was designed with operator comfort and safety in mind. While older dozers were often known for their minimal comfort features, the Series II models come with several improvements that enhance the operator’s experience.
- Cab Design: The cab is more spacious and equipped with ergonomic seating, allowing operators to work for long hours without discomfort. The layout of the controls is intuitive, providing easy access to all key functions.
- Visibility: Enhanced visibility from the operator’s seat allows for better awareness of the surroundings, which is critical in construction environments where maneuvering and precision are required.
- Noise and Vibration Control: With improved sound insulation, the 850C Series II offers a quieter working environment, reducing operator fatigue and improving concentration during tasks.
- Safety Features: The machine is equipped with standard safety features such as ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure), ensuring operator protection in hazardous environments. Additionally, the dozer has a sturdy undercarriage that improves stability, even on uneven ground.
The 850C Series II is well-regarded for its durability, and John Deere’s commitment to using high-quality materials ensures that the machine can handle tough tasks and last for many years. Regular maintenance is essential, as it helps avoid costly repairs and ensures optimal machine performance.
Key maintenance tips for the 850C Series II include:
- Routine Oil Changes: Keep the engine and hydraulic oil at the proper levels and change the oil at regular intervals to prevent wear and tear.
- Track Inspection: Regularly inspect the tracks for signs of wear and ensure they are properly tensioned. The tracks on the 850C Series II are designed to provide excellent traction in various soil conditions, but they must be maintained for maximum efficiency.
- Hydraulic System Maintenance: The hydraulic system should be checked for leaks or damage, and filters should be replaced as needed. The closed-center hydraulic system is efficient, but proper care is necessary to avoid malfunctions.
- Cooling System: Keep the cooling system clean and free from debris to prevent overheating, especially during high-performance tasks in hot environments.
Like any piece of heavy equipment, the John Deere 850C Series II can experience issues over time. Some common problems reported by operators include:
- Hydraulic System Leaks: If the hydraulic system is leaking, it can affect performance. This can typically be resolved by replacing damaged seals or hoses.
- Engine Power Loss: If the engine is underperforming, it could be due to a clogged air filter, low fuel quality, or a malfunctioning fuel injector. Regular maintenance and filter replacements help prevent this.
- Undercarriage Wear: The undercarriage, including the tracks, rollers, and sprockets, is subject to wear due to continuous operation. Replacing worn-out parts as part of regular maintenance can prevent further damage and keep the machine running smoothly.
- Overheating: Overheating can occur due to a blocked radiator or a malfunctioning fan. Ensuring the cooling system is clean and functioning properly is essential for preventing overheating.
The 850C Series II competes in the medium-sized dozer category with several other well-known brands, including:
- Caterpillar D5: Known for its strong performance, the Cat D5 is a direct competitor to the John Deere 850C Series II. It features a similar engine power range and is also known for its efficiency and durability.
- Komatsu D65: Another competitor in this category, the Komatsu D65 offers a solid performance in similar applications but is typically seen as slightly more expensive in terms of purchase and maintenance costs.
- Case 1650M: The Case 1650M is another option in the 16-18 ton class, offering a reliable and efficient dozer with a slightly different design and operational features.
The John Deere 850C Series II remains a highly reliable and efficient choice for construction, land clearing, and earthmoving projects. Its balance of power, operator comfort, and maintainability make it a top contender in its weight class. While regular maintenance is crucial to extend the life of the machine, its overall durability and performance in tough environments make it a great investment for any operation. Whether you're working on small-scale projects or large commercial undertakings, the 850C Series II provides the versatility and power needed to get the job done efficiently.
