John Deere 450H Dozer – Mid-Size Hydrostatic Crawler Tractor

The John Deere 450H Dozer, introduced in the late 1990s, brought modern performance and comfort upgrades to the long-running 450 series. With its turbocharged diesel engine, fully hydrostatic drive, and modular construction, the 450H is a compact powerhouse built for grading, clearing, and finish work.

It features two-pedal steering, load-sensing hydraulics, and an advanced monitoring system, giving operators smooth, intuitive control. The optional 6-way PAT blade adds versatility on sloped terrain and tight job sites.

The 450H is especially popular for its fuel efficiency, low-effort controls, and easy serviceability — making it a favorite for contractors and municipalities looking for a productive, low-maintenance machine.

Key Specifications:

• Engine:
  John Deere 4045T turbocharged, 4-cylinder, 4.5L diesel

• Horsepower:
  ~80 HP (net)

• Transmission:
  Hydrostatic (HST), dual-path, infinite speed control

• Hydraulics:
  Load-sensing, open-center system, approx. 15 GPM

• Operating Weight:
  ~16,000 – 17,000 lbs (depends on configuration)

• Blade Options:
  6-Way PAT blade standard on most models

• Blade Capacity:
  Up to 1.5 cubic yards

• Undercarriage:
  Sealed and lubricated track (SALT), 5 bottom rollers, 12" or LGP shoes

Serial Number Info:

• Production Start: ~1996

• Starting Serial Number: ~100000 (varies slightly by factory)

• Location:
  Serial number plate is mounted on the left side of the machine frame, near the front track or below the operator station. Always confirm serial when ordering parts.

Key Features:

• ✅ Turbocharged Power:
  The 4045T engine delivers strong torque and performance with excellent fuel economy.

• ✅ Hydrostatic Drive:
  Smooth, responsive twin-path HST system with two-pedal control.

• ✅ Comfort-Focused Cab:
  Low-effort joystick/blade controls, full ROPS cab or canopy options, ergonomic layout.

• ✅ 6-Way PAT Blade:
  Allows precise control for grading, sloping, or ditch work.

• ✅ Simple Service Points:
  Swing-out panels and grouped access ports reduce maintenance time.

Common Replacement Parts:

Available from Broken Tractor

• Engine Parts: Turbochargers, injectors, pistons, rebuild kits

• HST Components: Hydrostatic pumps, drive motors, control valves

• Hydraulics: Blade cylinders, hoses, seal kits, joystick controls

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

• Blade Assembly: Pins, bushings, cutting edges, tilt cylinders

• Monitoring System: Sensors, wiring harnesses, display units

Maintenance Schedule:

• Engine Oil & Filter: Every 250 hours

• Fuel Filter: Every 250 hours

• HST & Hydraulic Fluid: Every 500 hours

• Cooling System Flush: Every 1,000 hours

• Track & Blade Grease Points: Weekly or after heavy use

• JDLink Monitoring Alerts: Check daily (if equipped)

Common Issues & Fixes:

• Blade Lag or Droop:
  Caused by worn lift cylinder seals — fix with hydraulic seal kits.

• HST Slipping or Jerky Movement:
  Check hydrostatic pump or drive motor — rebuild kits available.

• Engine Power Loss or Black Smoke:
  Often due to a faulty turbocharger or injector — replace with OE engine components.

• Track Vibration or Noise:
  May require new sprockets or track tensioners.