Model Spotlight

John Deere 310SK Backhoe Loader: Heavy-Duty Tier 4 Interim Super K

Produced from 2012 to 2019, the 310SK is the Super-K variant of John Deere's 310 backhoe loader - a heavy-duty machine built for production digging, loading, and material handling. Tier 4 Interim PowerTech E 4045HT073 diesel, electrohydraulic joystick options, and the structural reinforcement that defines the Super-series.

BT

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

Where the 310SK fits in the JD backhoe line

The 310SK is the Super-K variant of John Deere's 310 backhoe loader, running alongside the standard 310K through the 2012-2019 production window. Same EPA Tier 4 Interim PowerTech E 4045HT073 engine, same DPF aftertreatment configuration, same chassis platform - but with heavier-duty structural components, more aggressive hydraulic settings, and the Super-series equipment packaging built for production contractor work.

What the SK configuration adds vs. the standard 310K

• 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 cycle times.
• Higher operating weight. Roughly 14,708 lb (6,671 kg) vs. the standard 310K - additional ballast and structural mass for stability under load.
• Heavier-duty stabilizers. Larger stabilizer leg cylinders and reinforced footpads.
• Shared with 310K: PowerTech E 4045HT073 engine, DPF aftertreatment, cab platform, electrohydraulic joystick option, AutoShift transmission option.

Engine, hydraulics, and drivetrain

The 310SK's PowerTech E 4045HT073 Tier 4 Interim diesel drives either a refined power shuttle or AutoShift transmission into planetary final drives. The 4045HT073 designation is JD's specific Tier 4 Interim variant of the 4045 platform - the 4.5L 4-cylinder used across the mid-class JD construction equipment lineup. Broad parts support, well-documented service procedures.

On the SK the hydraulic system runs higher operating pressure and flow than the standard 310K, with heavier-duty stabilizer cylinders, reinforced swing tower, and beefier loader and backhoe cylinder mounting. Electrohydraulic joystick controls were optional - on equipped machines the joysticks, pilot valves, and control modules differ entirely from mechanical-linkage configurations.

Common service items on the 310SK

• Heavy-duty backhoe components: Swing tower pin kits (SK-specific sizing), stabilizer leg cylinders, boom/stick/bucket pin kits.
• Aftertreatment: DPF cleaning service, DPF differential pressure sensor, exhaust temperature sensors.
• 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.
• Engine internals: PowerTech E 4045HT073 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.
• Cooling system: Radiator, water pump, EGR cooler, thermostat, hoses.
• Power shuttle (non-AutoShift): 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 310SK

What to verify before ordering

• Serial number. Match parts to the machine serial.
• SK vs. standard 310K. Backhoe structural and hydraulic parts differ between Super K and the standard 310K.
• Power shuttle vs. AutoShift. Verify transmission configuration before ordering - internals do not interchange.
• Joystick equipment. Mechanical-linkage and electrohydraulic-joystick configurations have entirely different control components.
• Engine serial. PowerTech E 4045HT073 internal parts must match the engine serial.
• Aftertreatment configuration. DPF part numbers can vary across the production run.
• 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.

Why the 310SK remains a productive contractor pick

The 310SK is the heavy-duty 310 of the Tier 4 Interim era - DPF service requirements without DEF complexity, electrohydraulic joystick option, AutoShift transmission option, and SK-specific structural reinforcement built for production work. For contractors who want post-2012 productivity without full Tier 4 Final aftertreatment service costs, the 310SK is the sweet-spot used pick in the Super-series.

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