John Deere 350 Dozer – Crawler Tractor (Original Model)

Description:

The John Deere 350 Dozer (original model, no letter) was introduced in 1965 as a compact crawler tractor designed for light dozing, grading, and slope work. With a 3-cylinder diesel engine producing ~42 HP, it offered an ideal balance of maneuverability and pushing power for contractors, landowners, and municipal crews.

The 350 Dozer featured a gear-driven 8-speed transmission, an open-center hydraulic system, and a rugged undercarriage built for tough terrain. Weighing in around 10,000 lbs, it was the smallest in Deere’s 1960s crawler lineup but remains a popular workhorse today thanks to simple mechanics, strong parts support, and ease of operation.

Important: The 350 Dozer is distinct from the 350 Loader and later models like the 350B or 350C, which introduced significant upgrades. Be sure to verify serial number and model designation when ordering parts.

Key Specifications:

Serial Number Information:

Location: The serial number plate is mounted on the left side of the machine frame, near the operator’s platform or beneath the seat on early models. This number is crucial for verifying parts compatibility.

Key Features:

• Compact Power:
  42 HP 3-cylinder diesel engine delivers dependable performance for light grading and clearing.

• Simple Manual Transmission:
  An 8-speed gear drive system provides strong torque with minimal complexity.

• Reliable Open-Center Hydraulics:
  Smooth blade control via simple hydraulic valves and pump.

• Durable Undercarriage:
  Heavy-duty 5-roller frame resists wear in mud, brush, and loose material.

• Versatile Blade Configurations:
  Options include straight, angle, or 6-way PAT blade for multiple job types.

Common Replacement Parts

Keep your JD 350 in the field with dependable parts from Broken Tractor:

• Engine Components:
  Pistons, sleeves, head gaskets, injectors, water pumps

• Clutch & Transmission:
  Clutch discs and pressure plates, gear sets, shift forks

• Undercarriage:
  Track chains, rollers, sprockets, idlers, track adjusters

• Hydraulics:
  Lift cylinders, seal kits, hoses, control valves

• Blade Assembly:
  Cutting edges, tilt cylinders, blade arms, push beams

Maintenance Schedule:

Common Issues & Solutions:

• Difficulty Shifting or Slipping Clutch:
  Usually caused by worn pressure plates or discs — install a clutch rebuild kit.

• Hydraulic Drift or Weak Blade Control:
  May be due to internal seal failure in lift cylinders. Use a hydraulic seal kit.

• Track Looseness or Jumping:
  Check adjusters and wear on bushings. Replace worn track chains and sprockets.

• Overheating in Summer Use:
  Clogged radiator or weak water pump — flush the cooling system or replace with a new pump or core.