John Deere 870 4.70 star(s) (19)

thank you john deere
Model Year: 1997

The model 870 is one of the finest machines made. it does the work of one hundred men. if you need a compact tractor, buy an 870.

Pros: well made, starts easy, very dependable
Cons: none

Good little tractor
Model Year: 1996

Great for small acres and also as a utility tractor on a farm. I have a 440 loader which is a plus. Largest downside is the "two stage" clutch on that series of tractor. With time you can have clutch issues which also leads into PTO engagement issues. With my hours at 1600+ the clutch is fine. PTO, you grind into engagement and with a rotary mower or other heavy attachments, you are waiting for the PTO to need a shop repair. If you you need to work on the PTO, do a clutch pack at the same time. Either way.......$2,000. Would I own or continue to own.....yep. You can rake hay all day or hook on a sprayer. GREAT low use of fuel.

Pros: low fuel consumption good hydraulic good for small projects
Cons: clutch/pto system

The little Green Machine that could...
Model Year: 0

I bought this as a step up from a sub-compact. I love it. It's been like the green monster that runs around the yard and does everything and NEVER complains. It always fires right up (down to -10 without a hiccup) runs perfect, and does everything I ask it to. I've got ag tires which are too much for my yard when it's wet, so turf tires are next. I ripped up my dump of a back yard (after taking 14 trees out to grow grass), tilled with a 6' bush hog tiller, planted grass, and sprayed it with fertilizer all in one day...2 acres worth. The 870 didn't even burn a half a tank. They Yanmar diesel is second to none, doesn't burn a drop of oil, and uses hardly any fuel. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I've got a 440 loader on it and pull a 72" lawn genie PTO powered leaf collector weekly - never misses a beat. I've had nothing but bad luck with green equipment before (425 AWS, 14SB mower, F-935 mower, and a couple of snow blowers...scared me to buy another one, but now I wouldn't buy anything else. If you're on the fence, do it. It's the best piece of equipment I've ever owned.

Pros: Reliability, Strength, Yanmar Engine, Versatility
Cons: A little on the noisy side with the exhaust stack up the side.

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Haven't Had it Long, But Works Fine
Model Year: 2002

I have only had a week.

Pros: None.
Cons: None.

FWD
Model Year: 1998

I have worked this little tractor hard for years, but taken care of the engine etc. The biggest drawback and problem is I have torn up the front drive gears on both sides several times (4WD). This is very expensive anytime you break a gear in there. I will say that a couple of times was due to my error operating it too hard. This thing has cleaned up from hurricanes Rita and Ike and couple of logging operations on my 20 acres. Next time I buy will be a bigger tractor with hydrostatic drive as I have a bum leg and do a lot of loader work.

Pros: Tough, unbeatable engine.
Cons: FWD design.

870 With Cab
Model Year: 1990

This was bought to replace my AC 180 (63hp) for snow removal in northern MN. It has a surprising amount of power for only 28hp. It has no problem moving snow and with rear chains is unstoppable on ice/snow. The heated cab is great, just wish I could get a loader on it with the cab, but no luck there. This thing hardly uses any fuel and runs perfect.

Pros: Power to weight is as good as it gets.
Cons: No loader with cab option.

870 4WD
Model Year: 1998

Best working tractor I have been around.

Pros: Very strong.
Cons: Little too light, needs some weight.

JD 870 (Actually Built by Yanmar) is a Great Little Tractor
Model Year: 1998

My land consist of 24 acres of fields and about a 140 acre woodlot on somewhat steep terrain. This is my first tractor, and I am very happy with it. It's got MFWD and power steering. It's easy to work on and service myself, and, most importantly, I have a good local dealer for more serious service and advice. I use it for carrying around just about anything you can think of and for brush hogging, clearing trails, and procuring fire wood. That's the main job. I burn about 6 cords a year. I don't take care of my fields much, because a neighboring farmer keeps his heifers on them. I've got a front end loader, a brush hog, a Uniforest 35E logging winch, a set of forks, and a ballast box. I've also got a log splitter that I can tow behind the thing. Next thing I think I might buy is a York rake. All-in-all, this is a great set up. I can't believe how much work I can do with it. Right about now, though, as I get better at using it, I'm realizing it might be nice to have a slightly bigger tractor. Yesterday I got bogged down trying to skid 3 heavy oak logs up a steep old logging road (had to drop them, drive to the top of the hill, and winch them up), and the 870 can be a little light for snow plowing. That's when the ballast box comes in handy. But it's fantastic for what it is!

Pros: Very tough and reliable, just big enough, plenty of attachments, good service from local dealer.
Cons: JD kills you on spare parts. A little small.

J-D 870 Tractor with 440 Loader Bucket
Model Year: 1995

During the 18 years I have owned this tractor the only problem I have had was a malfunction in the level screw on the 3 point hitch. I replaced that part. It always starts on the first crank whether warm or cold. I do some side hill mowing and have the wheels set as wide as possible. It is very stable.

Pros: Very reliable.
Cons: None.

A Fine Compact Tractor
Model Year: 0

I bought this tractor after moving from the suburbs of Boston to Vermont, and I didn't know anything about tractors when I bought it. My neighbor, a dairy farmer, told me I needed one, and it turned out he was right. It was just the right size for my needs, which are mainly dragging logs and brush around, moving dirt and rocks, snow plowing, and brush-hogging. Sometimes I wish it was bigger, but not enough to want to pay the extra money for that. I have the 440 loader with a bucket and some forks (which are incredibly useful), a ballast box, chains, a logging winch, and a brush hog. It has been more or less invaluable. I can't imagine working on this land without it. Highly recommended.

Pros: Reliability, value, features.
Cons: I'm sure newer models are a bit more convenient.

Very Good Diesel Tractor
Model Year: 1993

I bought this tractor new so I could have a backhoe. It has done everything I have asked of it since I bought it. I even cleared land for my daughter's house. Dragging trees and filling in holes. I am going to replace it with a 3320 this year since I found the need for more hydraulics. It has only had regular maintenance and a new battery since I bought it.

Pros: Small footprint in the woods.
Cons: Not enough hydraulics for a grapple.

Great Compact Tractor
Model Year: 1998

I have used my tractor hard, mostly in the woods cleaning up slash after a thinning operation, then to clear out ladder fuels. I have also used it extensively for road and trail construction and maintenance. I have had to add tire liners from Gempler's because the Manzanita would puncture the stock ag tires frequently. I bought this, my first tractor, from the dealer as a lease return with about 85 hours on the clock. The tractor has always started easily and run perfectly so the 3 cylinder Yanmar rates at the very top. The rest of the drive train is less than stellar; while it still functions there have been issues. The clutch, apparently, was not right from the beginning. The clutch has never disengaged the PTO and once you use the tractor for awhile it gets very difficult to shift gears. The dealer has no suggestions as to why this may be happening as the clutch is properly adjusted. Also the lock for the rear differential is not built very strong and it failed (sheared?) in the first couple of months of operation. The vertical manual adjuster for the three point hitch also failed. Parts are expensive. Overall, I'm pleased with the tractor and would buy another, although probably a slightly larger one. Unfortunately this unit came with a Bush Hog 2240QT loader and it is poorly designed and lightly made.

Pros: Great engine, the rest is dependable for the most part.
Cons: Weak differential lock out, funky clutch, no power beyond ports.

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JD 870
Model Year: 1995

Great little tractor.

Pros: Quick starting, short turn radius.
Cons: Limited equip. for haying.

John Deere 870 Review
Model Year: 1998

Great tractor for general light utility work around the farm or suburban acreage. Mine has FEL and that is by far the greatest attachment ever and would never be without one. I use this machine around my 8 acres for mowing and general utility work and it help me build my pole barn. Has enough power for what I lift and mow. Also 4 wheel drive is a great assist during snow plowing. Would highly recommend this machine, its been very dependable and is good on fuel use.

Pros: Very good John Deere quality build.
Cons: High price, but worth it!

Love My 870JD
Model Year: 1997

For a mid sized tractor it does all I ask of it and more. Plus it fits nicely in my standard sized garage. I Bush Hog,Plow snow,Move huge piles of dirt,Grade,and haul tree length trees from woods to field with no problem. I couldn't do without my Deere.

Pros: Perfect size for me, Does whatever I ask of it on our 120+ acre gentleman farm.
Cons: Can't think of any.

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John Deere 870
Model Year: 1997

-Front end loader, bush hog drill forklift. -Wonderful light duty tractor. No problems in 13 plus years. -Four wheel drive, power steering a must. -Easy to overload front end loader because of geometry. -Does 90% of jobs that I want. I cannot imagine living without a front end loader.

Pros: Absolutely dependable and well built.
Cons: Is a little light weight.

John Deere 870 w fel
Model Year: 0

No real problems. but have heard the clutch can be expensive to replace and replacement is likely if you have a habit of "riding" the clutch. Front end (2wd) seems "light", but haven't broke anything.

Pros: Small and manuverable
Cons: Depends on your needs, but seems a bit light for my needs

H. L.'s Tractor
Model Year: 1994

I bought this tractor used. It's a great for what I use it for. I use it mostly for cutting my place with a rotary cutter.

Pros: It runs and drives great.
Cons: Wish I would have got a frontend loader with 4x4.

JD 870- 1993
Model Year: 1993

I have owned this tractor for about 10 years. I purchased it from a "broker" who buy lightly used tractors from vineyards, know as "gondola tractors". Mine had 60 hrs on it. Never had any troubles with it and it now has 600hrs. 3 speed tranny w/ reverse. I do the oil change stuff. Calcium filled tires are a pain and have had to have those changed/repaired/filled three times. I have a brush hog, rollover box, back blade,and a PTO spray rig. All get plenty of use.

Pros: Dependable, good build quality
Cons: no hydro trans if you like that