John Deere 510 Backhoe Loader – Parts, Specs & Serial Numbers

Description:

The John Deere 510 Backhoe Loader, produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was one of Deere’s earliest full-size industrial models. Known for its mechanical simplicity and raw digging power, the 510 was built for durability in demanding applications like road construction, drainage installation, and heavy farm work. With a naturally aspirated diesel engine, manual transmission, and open-center hydraulics, the 510 is a favorite among those seeking a low-maintenance workhorse that can still tackle big jobs decades after its release.

Specifications:

Engine

• Model: John Deere 4219D

• Type: 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated diesel

• Displacement: 219 cu in (3.6 L)

• Net Power: 70 hp (52.2 kW) @ 2,500 rpm

• Cooling System: Liquid-cooled

• Fuel Capacity: 26 gal (98.4 L)

Transmission

• Type: Collar shift manual

• Gears: 8 forward / 4 reverse

• Clutch: Dry-disc, foot-operated

• Top Speed: ~22 mph (35 km/h)

Hydraulic System

• System Type: Open center

• Pump Flow: 27 GPM (102 L/min)

• System Pressure: 2,250 psi (155 bar)

Backhoe Specs

• Max Digging Depth: 15 ft 4 in (4.67 m)

• Bucket Digging Force: 11,000 lbf (48.9 kN)

• Swing Arc: 180°

Loader Specs

• Lift Capacity to Full Height: ~5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)

• Breakout Force: ~8,500 lbf (37.8 kN)

• Bucket Width: 72–84 in (1.83–2.13 m)

Dimensions & Weight

• Operating Weight: ~14,000 lbs (6,350 kg)

• Wheelbase: 82 in (2.08 m)

• Overall Length: 23 ft (7.01 m)

• Height to Top of ROPS: 8 ft 10 in (2.7 m)

Maintenance Essentials:

Service Intervals:

• Engine Oil/Filter: Every 100–150 hours

• Hydraulic Filter/Fluid: Every 500 hours

• Coolant Flush: Every 2 years

• Grease Points: Every 8–10 hours at loader and backhoe pivots

Commonly Replaced Parts:

• Hydraulic cylinder seal kits

• Clutch discs and release bearings

• Loader pins and bushings

• Brake bands and pedal linkage parts

• Cooling system components – water pumps, belts

Common Issues & Quick Fixes:

• Hydraulic Leaks or Drift: Often due to worn piston seals — solve with rebuild kits

• Hard Shifting or Clutch Slipping: Rebuild or replace with clutch components

• Weak Braking: Worn bands or linkage misalignment — fix using brake parts kits

Pro Tips:

• Avoid overloading the loader — cracked loader towers were common in neglected machines.

• Grease swing frames and tower pivots regularly to reduce pin wear.

• Keep the radiator clean — older 510s can overheat under extended high-RPM loads.

Serial Number Info:

• Location: Left frame rail below operator platform or near loader tower

• Serial Number Format: Starts with T0510D_ _ _ _ _

• Use the full serial number to ensure compatibility when ordering seal kits, brake parts, or transmission components.