John Deere 185 lawn tractor specs and service data

The John Deere 185 is a lawn tractor model from the Late 100 Lawn series, manufactured from 1986 to 1990 by John Deere in Horicon, Wisconsin, USA. It was available in two-wheel drive (2WD) version.

The John Deere 185 is equipped with a 534 cc (32.6 cu·in) single-cylinder gasoline engine with 89.0 mm (3.5 in) of the cylinder bore and 86.0 mm (3.39 in) of the piston stroke, and a belt-driven hydrostatic transmission with infinite forward and reverse gears.

The JD 185 lawn tractor features:

The Kawasaki FC540V gasoline engine which produces 17.3 PS (12.7 kW; 17.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm of horsepower
Manual, sector and pinion steering
Integral mechanical transmission disc brakes
Open operator station

General specifications

General Specifications
Model	John Deere 185
Tractor type	Lawn tractor
Production years	1986-1990
Factory	Horicon, Wisconsin, USA
Dimensions and weight
Length	1,670 mm (65.7 in)
Width	–
Height	1,010 mm (39.8 in)
Wheel base	1,130 mm (44.5 in)
Weight	38-inch deck: 283 kg (624 lbs) 42-inch deck: 292 kg (644 lbs)
Fuel capacity
Fuel tank capacity	8.3 liters (2.2 US gal.; 1.8 Imp. gal)

Engine

Engine
Engine model	Kawasaki FC540V
Engine type	Four-stroke, air-cooled, OHV
Cylinders	1
Fuel type	Gasoline
Displacement	0.5 L, 534 cm³, (32.6 cu·in)
Bore and stroke	89.0 mm X 86.0 mm (3.5 in X 3.39 in)
Compression ratio	8.3:1
Fuel system	Float type carburetor with fixed main jet
Horsepower	17.3 PS (12.7 kW; 17.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm
Starter	Electric
Oil system
Lubrication system:	Full pressurized
Oil type:	4-stroke or an equivalent (SF, SE, SD)
Recommended oil:	SAE 10W-30
Oil capacity:	1.6 L (1.69 US. qt, 1.41 Imp. qt.)
Ignition system
Spark plug:	NGK BPR5ES or Champion RN11YC
Spark plug gap:	0.7-0.8 mm (0.0276-0.0315 in)
Valve clearance
Intake valve clearance:	0.15 mm (0.006 in)
Exhaust valve clearance:	0.15 mm (0.006 in)

Transmission and chassis

Chassis, steering and brakes
Chassis	4×2 2WD
Steering type	Manual sector-and-pinion
Brakes	Integral transmission disc
Transmission
Transmission manufacturer/model	Sundstrand
Transmission type	Belt-driven hydrostatic
Gears	Infinite forward and reverse
Speed	Forward: 8.0 kmh (5.0 mph) Reverse: 4.0 kmh (2.5 mph)
Transmission oil capacity	0.7 L (0.2 US. gal, 0.2 Imp. gal.)

Tires

Tires
Front tires	Lawn/turf: 15×6.00-6
Rear tires	Lawn/turf: 18×8.50-8 (38-inch deck), 20×10.00-8 (46-inch deck)

Electrical system

Electrical system
Ground	Negative
Charging system	Flywheel alternator
Charging amps	15A
Battery	12V, CCA: 255A

Serial numbers

38-inch deck
1986	M00185A372001
1987	M00185A440001
1988	M00185A495001
1989	M00185A595001
1989-end	M00185A750000
1990	M00185A010001
Final	M00185A100000
46-inch deck
1986	M00185B378001
1987	M00185B450001
1988	M00185B505001
1989	M00185B605001
1989-end	M00185B750000
1990	M00185B020001
Final	M00185B100000

Attachments

John Deere 38″ mid-mount mower deck with 2-blade and manual lift
Cutting width	960 mm (38 in)
Overall width	1,260 mm (49.7 in)
Cut height	20-100 mm (1-4 in)
John Deere 46″ mid-mount mower deck with 3-blade and manual lift
Cutting width	1,160 mm (46 in)
Overall width	1,440 mm (57 in)
Cut height	20-100 mm (1-4 in)
John Deere 2690M: 42″ front-mount blade with manual-lift and manual-angle
Width	1,060 mm (42 in)
Height	380 mm (15 in)
Lift	120 mm (5 in)
Weight	28 kg (62 lbs)
John Deere 2460M: 38″ front-mount, single-stage snowblower with manual-lift
Width	960 mm (38 in)

Author: Sergei Wers
About: Co-founder and CEO of a multi-brand auto repair shop (engine repair, chassis repair, body repair and painting) for over 15 years. I have been developing internet sites with technical specifications for more than seven years.

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We try to use official documentation and verify the published data, but errors may occur. In addition, specifications of machinery and equipment may vary depending on markets and modifications. We do not recommend the use of this data for spare parts or repairs. Use official service manuals or parts catalogs for your product.

John Deere 185