Production years
1992-1997; some European references catalog the final version as 1996-1997
John Deere forage harvester ยท 1992-1997
John Deere 6810 Forage Harvester
The John Deere 6810 is a 1990s 6000 Series self-propelled forage harvester, not to be confused with the later 6810 tractor. It is a Cummins-powered, roughly 360 to 400 hp chopper remembered as one of the larger and more popular machines in the series.
Machine type
Self-propelled forage harvester
Engine
Cummins turbo-diesel, commonly cited around 360 hp; ratings and later configurations vary, with some sources listing about 400 hp
Cutterhead/drum width
Universal DuraDrum cutterhead, commonly equipped with 48 knives; confirm drum dimensions and knife configuration by serial number
John Deere 6810 specifications
| Production years | 1992-1997; some European references catalog the final version as 1996-1997 |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Self-propelled forage harvester |
| Engine | Cummins turbo-diesel, commonly cited around 360 hp; ratings and later configurations vary, with some sources listing about 400 hp |
| Cutterhead/drum width | Universal DuraDrum cutterhead, commonly equipped with 48 knives; confirm drum dimensions and knife configuration by serial number |
| Typical headers | Grass pickup and 6-row rotary corn head were common; larger or local-market headers may be fitted |
| Crops | Grass silage, corn silage, and whole-crop forage |
| Feed/processor | Multi-roll feed system; quick-change, electrically adjusted kernel processor available |
| Weight | Approximately 25,000-28,000 lb depending on drive, tires, processor, and header equipment |
What the 6810 is used for
The 6810 was built for contractors and larger livestock farms needing a serious grass and corn chopper before today's ultra-high-horsepower machines. It was commonly paired with a pickup for grass and a rotary corn head for maize silage.
Today it appeals to owners who need a straightforward older high-output machine and have competent local support. Its value depends heavily on cutterhead hours, processor condition, and whether parts support is practical in the buyer's area.
Why the John Deere 6810 stands out
The 6810 earned a reputation as a strong-selling 6000 Series model because it combined substantial Cummins power with a relatively straightforward mechanical layout and practical service access. A good machine can still provide useful capacity, but condition matters far more than the engine-hour display alone.
Buying a used John Deere 6810
Check cutterhead and engine hours independently, inspect all knives, the shearbar and sharpening system, feed-roll bearings and drive, processor rolls, blower wear plates, and the hydrostatic and driveline systems. Test the metal detector, hydraulic functions, spout, and header drives under load if possible, and obtain the serial-number-specific operator manual because power rating, cutterhead, and equipment changed across the run.
John Deere 6810 frequently asked questions
Was the John Deere 6810 a forage harvester?
Yes. John Deere used the 6810 designation for a 6000 Series self-propelled forage harvester and, separately, for a later tractor. This guide covers the forage harvester.
How much horsepower does the 6810 forage harvester have?
The commonly cited early rating is about 360 hp, while some later or market-specific references list roughly 400 hp. Confirm the individual machine's engine and rating by serial number.
Can a 6810 harvest corn silage?
Yes. Many were equipped with a rotary corn head and optional kernel processor, alongside grass pickup capability.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used forage harvesters vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.