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John Deere 185

John Deere 185 tractor
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The John Deere 185 is a lawn tractor produced from 1986 to 1990 as part of the Late 100 Lawn Series. It features a 17 hp Kawasaki 534cc single-cylinder gasoline engine and a belt-driven hydrostatic transmission. The tractor was built in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA, and was available with either a 38 or 46-inch rear mower deck. Optional attachments include a rear bagger, snowblower, and blade. The 185 model has two-wheel drive, manual steering, and integral mechanical transmission disc brakes. It has a wheelbase of 44.7 inches and weighs between 625 and 645 pounds depending on the deck size. The tractor uses a 12-volt electrical system with a flywheel alternator charging system.
John Deere 185lawn tractorKawasaki FC540Vhydrostatic transmissionmower decktractor specifications
Power17 hp
Founded38/46" deck
Model185

Technical Specifications

Detailed specifications and technical data for John Deere 185

Engine

Type:gasoline
Model:Kawasaki FC540V
Cooling:air-cooled vertical-shaft
Cylinders:1-cylinder
Fuel tank:2.2 gal (8.3 L)
Rated RPM:3350
Air cleaner:dry with foam precleaner
Bore/Stroke:3.50x3.38 inches (89 x 86 mm)
Displacement:534 cc (32.64 ci)
Oil capacity:1.7 qts (1.6 L)
Power (gross):17 hp (12.7 kW)
Starter volts:12

Overview

Notes:Available with either 38 or 46-inch rear deck. A 6.5-bushel rear bagger (BM16790) was optional. Front wheel weights recommended when bagger used on hills. Dual 40-pound rear weight plates plus rear tire chains available for use with optional 38-inch single-stage snowblower.
Series:Late 100 Lawn Series
Built in:Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
Category:Lawn tractor
Original price:$3,900 (1990 38-inch), $4,100 (1990 42-inch)
Production years:1986 - 1990

Variants

180:gear drive
185:hydro drive

Electrical

Ground:negative
Battery CCA:255
Battery volts:12
Charging amps:15
Charging system:flywheel alternator

Mechanical

Drive:Two-wheel drive
Brakes:Integral mechanical transmission disc brakes
Steering:Manual steering
Operator station:Open operator station

References

Books:John Deere Lawn Tractors 100 Series (1989), John Deere Lawn Tractors and Riding Mowers (1986), Lawn Tractors (1987), Lawn & Garden Equipment (1990), Grounds Care & Recreation Products Sales Manual (1989)
Manuals:Operator's Manual 170, 175, 180 and 185 (OMM78999) (1988), Operator's Manual 130, 160, 165, 180, and 185 (OMM89684) (1985), Technical Manual 130, 160, 165, 175, 180, and 185 Lawn Tractors (TM1351) (1988)

Attachments

42" Blade:John Deere 2690M, 42 inches width (106 cm), 15 inches height (38 cm), 5 inches lift (12 cm), 62 lbs (28 kg)
38" Snow blower:John Deere 2460M, 38 inches width (96 cm), single-stage, clear height 12 inches (30 cm), front-mount, manual-lift
38" mid-mount mower deck:38 inches (96 cm), total width 49.7 inches (126 cm), 2-blade, manual lift, cut height 1 to 4 inch (2 to 10 cm)
46" mid-mount mower deck:46 inches (116 cm), total width 57 inches (144 cm), 3-blade, manual lift, cut height 1 to 4 inch (2 to 10 cm)

Transmission

Type:belt-driven hydrostatic
Gears:infinite forward and reverse
Notes:Eaton transmission with Peerless differential through 1987. Sundstrand transmission with Kanzaki differential beginning with the 1988 model year.
Controls:Forward/Reverse, Throttle, Brake, Parking brake
Oil capacity:0.75 qts (0.7 L)
Transmission:Sundstrand

Serial Numbers

1986:M00185A372001 (38-inch deck), M00185B378001 (46-inch deck)
1987:M00185A440001 (38-inch deck), M00185B450001 (46-inch deck)
1988:M00185A495001 (38-inch deck), M00185B505001 (46-inch deck)
1989:M00185A595001 (38-inch deck), M00185B605001 (46-inch deck)
1990:M00185A010001 (38-inch deck), M00185B020001 (46-inch deck)
Final:M00185A100000 (38-inch deck), M00185B100000 (46-inch deck)
1989-end:M00185A750000 (38-inch deck), M00185B750000 (46-inch deck)
Location:Serial number decal on the left side of the 185 tractor frame, above the front axle.

Dimensions & Tires

Height:39.8 inches (101 cm)
Length:66 inches (167 cm)
Weight:625 to 645 pounds
Rear tire:18x8.50-8 (38-inch deck), 20x10.00-8 (46-inch deck)
Wheelbase:44.7 inches (113 cm)
Front tire:15x6.00-6
Shipping weight:625 lbs (38-inch deck) (283 kg), 645 lbs (42-inch deck) (292 kg)

Power Take-off (PTO)

Clutch:electric
Mid PTO:independent