John Deere 116

The John Deere 116 and John Deere 116H models of lawnmower are both very similar. Unfortunately not a huge amount is known about them. The JD 116 was produced for a very short period from 1982 until 1983. After it was discontinued, the JD 116H took over from it. This John Deere mower had a longer production run of 2 years from 1983 until 1985. However, many people see them as both practically the same machine due to the fact that they are both powered by the same engine. This is a Briggs and Stratton 0.655 liter engine that has a power output of 16 hp. This is the model 402707, 2 cylinder gasoline engine that is air cooled and electric started.

While the John Deere 116 and John Deere 116H both have the same engine, their transmissions are anything but the same. The JD 116 has a transmission that gives it 5 speeds for traveling forwards and 1 for reversing. It’s top speed is 8.5 kph (5.3 mph). Meanwhile the JD 116H has a Eaton hydrostatic transmission. This transmission makes operating it much, much easier as it has no gears just a lever to either speed up (by pressing it further down) or slow down (by easing up on it). It has a top speed of 8 kph (5 mph).

Both the John Deere 116 and the John Deere 116H have similar weights, coming in at 236 kg (522 lbs). They also both use the same types of wheels. Each front wheel measures 15×6-6 (15 inch diameter, 6 inch width, 6 inch rim diameter) while each rear wheel measures a maximum of 20×10-8 (20 inch diameter, 10 inch width, 8 inch rim diameter). While both the JD 116 and the JD 116H have largely been forgotten about by most people, you will still occasionally find them still in use if they have been properly looked after. You will also find them in the ownership of collectors fairly often too.

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6 Reviews of the “John Deere 116”

  1. Anthony Titus says:

    I purchased two junk 116’s for a hundred dollars apiece, and used them to built one 116. I repainted and used all new hardware during restoration process. I love it. I have mowed with it this last summer, I have graded my gravel drive with the blade attachment, and now have the snow thrower mounted for this coming winter. I enjoy it so much that I am constantly finding odd jobs and chores to use it for. It looks better than new, and some day might be collectable. thank you for reading my review.

    Year of Manufacture: 1983
    Pros: attachments
    Cons: none
    Attachments: mower, blade, snow thrower
    Modifications: Did a complete professional restoration

  2. paul says:

    love wish they still made it

    Year of Manufacture: 1982
    Pros: runs like a deer easy to fix
    Cons: none
    Attachments: mower deck and snow blower
    Modifications: new led head lights home made cab and an engine upgrade now has a 20 h.p briggs opposed twin

    • Anthony says:

      I purchased two junk 116’s for a hundred dollars apiece, and used them to built one 116. I repainted and used all new hardware during restoration process. I love it. I have mowed with it this last summer, I have graded my gravel drive with the blade attachment, and now have the snow thrower mounted for this coming winter. I enjoy it so much that I am constantly finding odd jobs and chores to use it for. It looks better than new, and some day might be collectable. thank you for reading my review.

      Year of Manufacture: 1983
      Pros: attachments
      Cons: none
      Attachments: mower, blade, snow thrower
      Modifications: Did a complete professional restoration

  3. David Payne says:

    I am the third owner and this little Deere is a winner.

    Year of Manufacture: 1083
    Pros: Runs like a Deere, strong starts every time. Plenty of power it pulls a 4 x 10 wagon loaded with timber with no issues.
    Cons: The deck was hard to rebuild, due to all of the pins and weight of the solid steel deck. But it is now rebuilt and you cant hear it turn.
    Modifications: I am building a rock catcher for the back and thinking of welding together a small bucket skiff for the front but am not sure if the frame will hold up.

  4. Ken Crews says:

    I would purchase another one like it if they were available.

    Year of Manufacture: 1982
    Pros: My 116 has been the tuffest mower I’ve ever had. The engine never has been rebuilt. The carb has never been touched.The stering has not worn out. About the ownly thing that has been replaced is belts, blades, and pulleys.Even the paint is holding up.
    Cons: The part that the deck is supported by could have been designed a little better
    Attachments: mowing deck
    Modifications: Had to repair the part that holds the deck up at the desired cutting height.

  5. terry rhyne says:

    yard mowing about 2 acre’s

    Year of Manufacture: 1984
    Pros: It has been a very good mower we put a new motor on it 4 years ago and still is holding up good.
    Cons: No tail light’s no head light’s tration is good but not great
    Attachments: none
    Modifications: none

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