Model Spotlight

John Deere 310K Backhoe Loader: Tier 4 Interim with Electrohydraulic Controls

Manufactured from 2012 to 2017, the 310K delivers modern efficiency with Tier 4 Interim emissions compliance, improved hydraulic precision, and electrohydraulic joystick controls in select configurations. Built on the proven 310 chassis platform with the operator-experience refinements that defined JD construction equipment of the mid-2010s.

Broken Tractor Editorial Team• Updated May 2026• 8 min read

Where the 310K fits in the JD backhoe line

The 310K succeeded the 310J as the mid-class industrial backhoe loader in JD’s lineup. Production ran from 2012 through 2017. The K refresh brought EPA Tier 4 Interim emissions compliance - the first 310 with aftertreatment - and introduced electrohydraulic joystick controls as an option for the loader and backhoe circuits.

Tier 4 Interim is a transitional emissions tier between Tier 3 (cooled EGR only) and Tier 4 Final (DPF + SCR + DEF). The 310K runs cooled EGR and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) but does not require selective catalytic reduction (SCR) or DEF dosing. Service requirements include DPF cleaning intervals but skip the DEF complexity of the Final-tier 310L.

JD 310K Backhoe Loader - Quick Specs

Production: 2012 - 2017
Class: Mid-Class Industrial Backhoe Loader
Engine: JD PowerTech (EPA Tier 4 Interim)
Aftertreatment: DPF (no SCR/DEF)
Controls: Electrohydraulic Joystick (Select Configs)
Drivetrain: Refined Power Shuttle
Predecessor: JD 310J
Successor: JD 310L (Tier 4 Final)
Heavier Sibling: JD 310SK (Super K)

What changed from the 310J to the 310K

Engine. EPA Tier 4 Interim JD PowerTech diesel. Refined fuel system with electronic engine control, cooled EGR, and DPF aftertreatment.
Electrohydraulic controls. Joystick controls available on select configurations - replaces traditional mechanical-linkage backhoe controls with electronic pilot-operated joysticks. Smoother modulation, lower operator effort, programmable response.
Hydraulic precision. Improved valve modulation and flow distribution for finer control during precision work.
Cab refinements. Continued operator-station refinement - updated displays, refined climate control, improved sightlines.
Service access. Refined daily-service points, updated fluid sampling locations.

Tier 4 Interim - DPF only, no DEF The 310K’s Tier 4 Interim engine uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) but does NOT require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) or an SCR catalyst. Service includes periodic DPF cleaning or regeneration but skips the DEF tank refills and SCR catalyst replacement that the Tier 4 Final 310L requires. Often a sweet-spot used pick for fleet managers who want post-2012 capability without the full Tier 4 Final aftertreatment service.

Engine, hydraulics, and drivetrain

The 310K’s PowerTech Tier 4 Interim diesel drives a refined power shuttle transmission into planetary final drives. The engine runs cooled EGR for in-cylinder NOx control and a DPF for particulate management. Electrohydraulic controls (where equipped) connect the operator joysticks to electronic pilot-operated control valves at the loader and backhoe - no mechanical linkage to wear, no cable adjustments, just electronic signals.

The hydraulic circuit feeds the loader, backhoe boom/stick/bucket, swing tower, and stabilizers. Cylinder bore and stroke vary with reach configuration. Standard 2WD and 4WD/MFWD drivetrain variants were offered, with planetary final drives at both axles on 4WD machines.

Common service items on the 310K

Aftertreatment: DPF cleaning service, DPF differential pressure sensor, exhaust temperature sensors.
Engine internals: JD PowerTech Tier 4 Interim rebuild kits - pistons, rings, sleeves, bearings, gaskets.
Fuel system: Common-rail injectors, high-pressure fuel pump, lift pump, fuel filters, water separator.
Engine electronics: ECU, sensors, harnesses, monitor display.
Electrohydraulic controls: Joystick assemblies, pilot control valves, control modules (on equipped machines).
Power shuttle: Shuttle clutch packs, control valves, hydraulic actuation components.
Cooling system: Radiator, water pump, EGR cooler, thermostat, hoses.
Hydraulics: Pump rebuilds, loader cylinder seal kits, backhoe boom/stick/bucket cylinder seal kits, control valves, hoses.
Loader/backhoe components: Bucket teeth, cutting edges, side cutters, pins, bushings, swing tower pin kits, stabilizer leg cylinders.
Drivetrain: Transmission components, axle seals, final drive gears.
Electrical: Starter, alternator, harnesses, switches, sensors.
Cab: Cab glass, weather seals, door parts, seat, A/C compressor and components.

Parts we carry for the John Deere 310K

Category	Common Parts	Browse
Aftertreatment	DPF, sensors, exhaust components	Browse Aftertreatment
Engine	PowerTech pistons, rings, sleeves, gaskets	Browse Engine Parts
Fuel System	Common-rail injectors, HP pumps, filters	Browse Fuel System
Engine Electronics	ECUs, sensors, harnesses, monitors	Browse Engine Electronics
Electrohydraulic Controls	Joysticks, pilot valves, control modules	Browse Joystick Controls
Power Shuttle	Clutch packs, control valves, actuators	Browse Power Shuttle
Cooling	Radiators, EGR coolers, water pumps, hoses	Browse Cooling Parts
Hydraulics	Cylinders, seal kits, pumps, valves, hoses	Browse Hydraulics
Loader/Backhoe	Teeth, edges, swing tower, stabilizers	Browse Loader & Backhoe
Drivetrain	Transmission, axles, final drives	Browse Drivetrain
Cab	Glass, weather seals, doors, A/C, seat	Browse Cab Components

Need a part for your John Deere 310K Backhoe Loader?

DPF components, electrohydraulic joystick assemblies, and PowerTech Tier 4 Interim engine parts are the high-value items on a 310K. Call our parts team with your serial number.

Request a Part

What to verify before ordering

Serial number. Match parts to the machine serial.
Engine serial. PowerTech Tier 4 Interim internal parts must match the engine serial.
Aftertreatment configuration. DPF part numbers can vary across the production run.
Joystick equipment. Mechanical-linkage and electrohydraulic-joystick configurations have entirely different control components.
Loader configuration. Standard, quick-attach, and specialty bucket configurations had different cylinder and mounting specs.
Backhoe configuration. Standard reach vs. extendable boom configurations differ in cylinder bore and stroke.
Drivetrain configuration. 2WD and 4WD/MFWD configurations have different front axle and transfer case parts.
Cab vs. ROPS canopy. Glass, weather seals, A/C parts, and door parts differ.

Why the 310K is a sweet-spot Tier 4 pick

The 310K is the modern 310 at a sweet spot for fleet managers: Tier 4 Interim compliance with DPF service requirements but no DEF complexity, electrohydraulic joystick controls available for operators who prefer them, refined cab and hydraulics, and broad parts availability across the PowerTech engine platform.

Maintenance priorities on a 310K: clean fuel (Tier 4 Interim common-rail doesn’t tolerate contamination), DPF service intervals, power shuttle fluid changes on schedule, hydraulic seal replacement as cylinders age, and engine rebuilds when wear demands. Broken Tractor maintains parts coverage across the full 310 family.

Broken Tractor Editorial Team

This spotlight was compiled from factory John Deere service literature for the 310K Backhoe Loader, JD operator’s manuals, CNH/Deere parts catalogs, and the verified BigCommerce catalog at brokentractor.com.