The John Deere 35D mini excavator has a Yanmar 3TNV88 naturally aspirated, three-cylinder, diesel engine producing 29.9 horsepower (HP). It has an operating weight of 7,672 pounds (3,480 kg). It comes standard with zero tail swing, independent-swing boom with 360-degree rotation, rubber crawler tracks, drawbar pull, low-effort pilot controls, an open-center variable displacement hydraulic system, and a standard quick coupler and boom mounted hydraulics. It is also available with an optional air-conditioned cab.

The 35D has a maximum digging depth of 10 feet (3 m) and a breakout force of 6,182 lbs (2,804 kg).