John Deere 450E Dozer – Crawler Tractor (Fourth-Gen 450 Series)

Description:

The John Deere 450E Dozer, built from 1983 to 1988, is the fourth generation in the iconic 450 series and one of the most refined mechanical dozers Deere ever produced. Known for its smooth power delivery, wet steering clutches, and sealed final drives, the 450E offered increased reliability and operator comfort over previous models.

With a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder John Deere diesel engine and a hydrostatic transmission introduced on some models, the 450E was ideal for finish grading, clearing, and slope work. Its compact frame, efficient design, and ease of maintenance made it a top choice for contractors, landowners, and municipalities alike.

The 450E marked the end of the fully mechanical 450 series before moving into electronically controlled F-series machines.

Key Specifications:

• Engine:
  John Deere 4219D, 4-cylinder, 219 cu in diesel

• Horsepower:
  Approx. 65 HP

• Transmission:
  Standard: 8-speed gear drive (some models had hydrostatic options)

• Hydraulics:
  Open-center, 13 GPM (approximate)

• Blade Options:
  Straight, Angle, or 6-Way PAT

• Blade Capacity:
  Up to 1.3 cubic yards

• Operating Weight:
  Around 14,000 lbs

• Undercarriage:
  Sealed & lubricated, 5 bottom rollers, 12" shoes standard

Serial Number Info:

• Production Years: 1983–1988

• Starting Serial Number: ~180000

• Serial Number Location:
  Left side of the main frame, behind the track or near the clutch housing.

Always verify your serial number before ordering to ensure correct part fitment.

Key Features:

• ✅ Proven 4219D Diesel Engine
  Easy to service, fuel-efficient, and known for long life.

• ✅ Optional Hydrostatic Transmission
  Some models featured smooth HST with infinite speed control.

• ✅ Wet Steering Clutches & Final Drives
  Less maintenance, longer lifespan, and smoother operation.

• ✅ Compact but Powerful
  Great for slope work, clearing, grading, and light construction.

• ✅ Straightforward Maintenance
  Wide-opening engine panels and modular components reduce service time.

Common Parts & Repairs:

All available from Broken Tractor

• Engine: Pistons, water pumps, head gaskets, injectors, rebuild kits

• Transmission: Clutch kits, gear sets, hydrostatic pumps (where equipped)

• Final Drive & Steering: Wet clutch kits, brake bands, final drive seals

• Hydraulics: Cylinders, hoses, control valves, cylinder seal kits

• Undercarriage: Track chains, idlers, rollers, sprockets, recoil springs

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

Maintenance Schedule:

• Engine Oil & Filter: Every 100 hours

• Fuel Filter: Every 200 hours

• Transmission & Final Drive Fluid: Every 250 hours

• Hydraulic System Inspection: Every 250 hours

• Cooling System Service: Every 1,000 hours

• Track Tension & Grease Points: Weekly or as needed

Common Issues & Solutions:

• Stiff Turning or No Response:
  Likely wet clutch wear — fix with a steering clutch kit.

• Hydraulic Drift or Weak Lift:
  Caused by worn seals or a tired pump — use hydraulic cylinder seal kits.

• Track Looseness or Rattle:
  Indicates stretched chains or worn adjusters — track rebuild kits are available.

• Overheating in Heavy Load:
  Commonly caused by clogged radiators or water pump failure — replace with a new pump or flush kit.