John Deere makes loaders for machines ranging from garden tractors to full-size agricultural and construction equipment. Older crawlers offer durability but may lack modern horsepower and hydraulics. Vintage garden tractors like the 110 accept bolt-on loaders and are popular with collectors. Parts are widely available through dealers, online marketplaces, and salvage, making restoration feasible. Inspect hydraulics and linkages, verify serial numbers, and budget for shipping and repairs when buying a project machine.
John Deere has produced tractors and heavy equipment for more than a century. Its lineup ranges from small garden tractors to full-size agricultural and construction machines. Loaders - front-mounted buckets or arms - are available as factory equipment or as aftermarket attachments for many John Deere models.
Loaders across the range
Modern John Deere loaders appear on compact utility tractors, utility tractors, and full-size agricultural and construction machines. Small garden tractors often accept simplified, bolt-on loader kits; larger tractors use purpose-built loader assemblies engineered for rated lift capacity and hydraulic flow.
Tracked crawlers and lifting power
John Deere has built tracked (crawler) tractors and track loaders. Older crawler models are known for durability and strong lift capacity relative to their era, but can have less horsepower and fewer hydraulic features than contemporary machines. If you're evaluating a used crawler, inspect the undercarriage, hydraulic cylinders, and linkage for wear.
The "110" and older garden tractors
Vintage models such as the John Deere 110 garden tractor are popular among hobbyists. Many vintage garden tractors took bolt-on loaders, backhoes, and other attachments, often installed without specialized tools. Specific claims about which company divisions developed particular models or how attachments were fitted on original production units may vary by model and year.
Parts, service, and sourcing
One major advantage of John Deere equipment is parts availability. OEM parts come from Deere dealers, and many aftermarket and used parts are available through online marketplaces, salvage yards, and tractor-collector networks. For rare items or discontinued attachments, auctions and specialist forums are often the best sources.
Collecting and restoration
Older John Deere tractors and loaders are collectible. Rarity, condition, and historical significance drive value, and prices vary widely. Some well-preserved or rare machines command high prices among collectors, while common models and parts remain affordable. If you're starting a restoration, buying a project machine and sourcing parts incrementally can be a cost-effective approach.
Practical buying tips
- Inspect hydraulics, linkage, and structural welds for cracks and leaks.
- Check serial numbers and model years to confirm compatibility with attachments.
- Factor in shipping, refurbishment, and any missing parts when calculating total cost.
- Use dealer service manuals and owner forums for maintenance guidance.
- Verify historical details about which Deere divisions worked on the John Deere 110 and any unique production notes for that model.
- Confirm whether the original John Deere 110 offered a factory-installed backhoe or if backhoes were solely aftermarket/third-party attachments.
- Check authoritative John Deere histories for the exact decade John Deere began producing larger engines and tractors to replace the generalized phrase used.