Model Spotlight

John Deere 310SJ Backhoe Loader: Heavy-Duty Tier 3 Super J

Built from 2007 to 2011, the 310SJ is a Tier 3-compliant heavy-duty machine from John Deere's Super J Series. Electrohydraulic controls, an AutoShift transmission option, and a turbocharged PowerTech diesel make the 310SJ the contractor-grade choice for production excavation and loader work.

BT

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

Where the 310SJ fits in the JD backhoe line

The 310SJ is the Super-J variant of John Deere's 310 backhoe loader, running alongside the standard 310J through the 2007 to 2011 production window. The Super J brings heavier-duty structural components, more aggressive hydraulic settings, and two notable new features for the Super-series: electrohydraulic controls (joystick option) and AutoShift transmission as a factory option.

The engine is JD's EPA Tier 3 PowerTech turbocharged diesel. The Tier 3 architecture, cooled EGR, electronic engine control, and common-rail injection without DPF or DEF aftertreatment make the 310SJ a sweet-spot used pick for contractors who want modern productivity without Tier 4 aftertreatment service requirements.

What the SJ adds vs. the standard 310J

• Upgraded structural components. Heavier-duty loader arms, reinforced backhoe boom and stick, beefier swing tower components.
• More aggressive hydraulics. Higher operating pressure and flow settings for production-pace cycle times.
• AutoShift transmission option. Electronically controlled multi-speed transmission with automatic shifting under load, improving productivity in transit between sites and during loader work cycles.
• Electrohydraulic joystick controls (optional). Replaces mechanical-linkage backhoe controls with electronic pilot-operated joysticks on equipped configurations.
• Heavier-duty stabilizers. Larger stabilizer leg cylinders and reinforced footpads.
• Shared with the 310J: Engine, drivetrain (when not AutoShift), cab platform, and engine-related service items.

Engine, transmission, and hydraulics

The 310SJ's Tier 3 PowerTech turbocharged diesel drives either a refined power shuttle or AutoShift transmission into planetary final drives. The engine and fuel system match the standard 310J, so cross-fitment of engine internals between SJ and standard J is broad. Hydraulic settings and structural components are SJ-specific.

On equipped configurations, the electrohydraulic joystick package replaces mechanical-linkage backhoe controls with pilot-operated joysticks and electronic control modules. Mechanical and electrohydraulic configurations have entirely different control components, so confirm the configuration on the machine before ordering joystick or pilot valve parts.

Common service items on the 310SJ

• Heavy-duty backhoe components: Swing tower pin kits (SJ-specific sizing), stabilizer leg cylinders, boom, stick, and bucket pin kits.
• Hydraulics: Pump rebuilds, loader cylinder seal kits, backhoe cylinder seal kits, control valves, hoses.
• Electrohydraulic controls (equipped configs): Joystick assemblies, pilot control valves, control modules.
• AutoShift transmission (equipped configs): Transmission internals, electronic controls, shift solenoids, transmission fluid filter.
• Engine internals: JD PowerTech Tier 3 rebuild kits - pistons (turbo-specific), rings, sleeves, bearings, gaskets.
• Turbocharger: Turbo rebuilds, oil supply and drain lines, charge-air piping.
• Fuel system: Common-rail injectors, high-pressure fuel pump, lift pump, fuel filters, water separator.
• Engine electronics: ECU, sensors, harnesses, monitor display.
• Cooling system: Radiator, water pump, EGR cooler, thermostat, hoses.
• Power shuttle (non-AutoShift configs): Shuttle clutch packs, control valves, hydraulic actuation components.
• Drivetrain: Axle seals, final drive gears.
• Cab: Cab glass, weather seals, door parts, seat, A/C parts.

Parts we carry for the John Deere 310SJ

What to verify before ordering

• Serial number. Match parts to the machine serial.
• SJ vs. standard 310J. Backhoe structural and hydraulic parts differ between Super J and standard 310J.
• Power shuttle vs. AutoShift. Critical to confirm before ordering transmission components. Internals do not interchange.
• Joystick equipment. Mechanical-linkage and electrohydraulic-joystick configurations have entirely different control components.
• Engine serial. PowerTech Tier 3 internal parts must match the engine serial number.
• Loader configuration. Standard, quick-attach, and specialty bucket configurations have 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 310SJ remains a contractor pick

The 310SJ is the most capable 310 of the pre-Tier-4 era: Tier 3 emissions without DPF/DEF, the electrohydraulic joystick option, the AutoShift transmission option, and SJ-specific structural reinforcement built for production work. For contractors who want a modern operator experience without Tier 4 aftertreatment service requirements, the 310SJ is often the preferred used pick.

Maintenance priorities on a 310SJ: clean fuel (Tier 3 common-rail doesn't tolerate contamination), AutoShift fluid changes on schedule (where equipped), hydraulic seal replacement as cylinders age, heavy-duty swing tower pin service, and engine rebuilds when wear demands. Broken Tractor maintains parts coverage across the full 310 Super-series family.