Compare/John Deere 303 vs John Deere 5042C

John Deere 303 vs John Deere 5042C

Verdict: John Deere 303 vs John Deere 5042C

The John Deere 303 and the John Deere 5042C are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 36 hp. John Deere 5042C is the lighter machine (1,730 kg vs 1,740 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. John Deere 5042C is the newer design (2015 vs 1963). Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.

Tune the fit score

Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

John Deere

Fit score

Best match

Clear

John Deere

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

36 hp

Confidence

98%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

John DeereReference

With 10-28 rear tires.Reference

With 13.6x28 rear tires.Reference

Steering

—

powerReference

Engine

27.1 kWReference

31.3 kWReference

Displacement

2.3 LReference

2.9 LReference

Bore/Stroke

84 x 102 mmReference

106 x 110 mmReference

Power

27.1 kWReference

31.3 kWReference

Compression

21.5:1Reference

17.8:1Reference

Rated RPM

2000Reference

2100Reference

Starter volts

12Reference

Oil capacity

31.0 LReference

—

Coolant capacity

10.0 LReference

—

Fuel tank

—

45.0 LReference

Firing order

—

1-2-3Reference

Starter power

—

2.5 kWReference

Transmission

Gears

10 forward and 3 reverseReference

8 forward and 2 reverseReference

Clutch

dry discReference

—

Capacities

Fuel

62.1 LReference

—

PTO & Hydraulics

Hydraulic system

9.8 LReference

—

Type

open centerReference

collar shift gearReference

Capacity

9.8 LReference

—

Rear Type

IIReference

Rear PTO Type

540/1000 (1.375)Reference

540 (1.375)Reference

Engine RPM

540@1850Reference

540@1575Reference

PTO (claimed)

—

26.8 kWReference

Pump flow

—

20.1 lpmReference

Steering flow

—

17.8 lpmReference

Rear lift (at ends)

—

1000 kgReference

Rear PTO

—

independentReference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

188 cmReference

186 cmReference

Weight

1740 kgReference

1730 kgReference

Front tire

5.50-16Reference

6.0x16Reference

Rear tire

10-28Reference

12.4x28Reference

Ag front

10-36Reference

6.0x16Reference

Ag rear

10-28Reference

13.6x28Reference

Length

337 cmReference

292 cmReference

Width

152 cmReference

173 cmReference

Height (steering wheel)

156 cmReference

—

Ground clearance

36 cmReference

37 cmReference

Front tread

127 to 177 cmReference

—

Rear tread

123 to 195 cmReference

—

Electrical

Ground

positiveReference

negativeReference

Battery volts

12Reference

Battery AH

95Reference

88Reference

Charging system

—

alternatorReference

Charging amps

—

40Reference

Speeds

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.