John Deere lawn tractors
John Deere 185
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.
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 |