Gratuitous JD 850 Tractor Pictures

[Craig B]

Nothing special here I just thought I would throw up some pictures of my 850. I am planning on replacing it in the spring. I think the new one will be a 3320 or 3520. I have not decided if I will sell this or not. I am thinking no at this point. My father bought it new and I am kind of sentimental about it. He died in 1998.

I dont think I need much if any more power. I have rarely had the 850 in a situation where it bogs down. Just a few times mowing. I have a 6ft. mmm that when the grass is high and damp will make it struggle.

A couple of days ago I skidded a 22in. or so log up a hill through the woods (sorry no pics taken). I put the tractor in low range and first gear. The throttle was barely above idle. The dead fall was heavy enough that I broke a small chain in the process. My 850 effortlessly pulled the tree out into the field. The ground was soft so the ag tires had plent of bite.

 

[Leejohn]

Keep it if you can. They well not give you enough on trade in. The tractor looks to be in real good shape.

 

[kuboman]

Is that the original paint? Beautiful shape. I would keep it but if you want to ship it up here they bring big $$:laughing:

 

[Bird]

Yep, that little tractor is too nice to get rid of it.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

That's a cream puff.:thumbsup:

Hope you never have to sell.

 

[Craig B]

The paint is mostly factory applied. I touched up a few small spots here and there such as the weights on the front and the clutch pedal. The sheet metal, wheels, front axle, and engine are all original from 1981. Oh and the rear tires are original. The front were replaced soon after purchase. My father discovered that the ag tires on the front were making ruts in the yard. The turf tires cured that. This tractor was exclusively used for mowing. Surprisingly the ags on the back dont harm the yard at all.

 

[kuboman]

Where do you live??? I could take it off your hands if you like.:laughing::laughing:

 

[o2batsea]

So many fond memories. Back in the 80's that was our tractor. Our next door neighbor still has it. It's only got about 800 hours on it. Has loader and backhoe. We used to skid trees with it and often wound up the wheels so that the front was a couple feet in the air. Not as user friendly as modern tractors but still gets the job done.

 

[Craig B]

kuboman, I live in Kentucky. Last year I could not get it started. It turned out to be water and dirt in the fuel. Simple fix. A "nice" friend offered to buy it not running for $3000.

I wish I had a front end loader and backhoe.

My needs have changed some as described here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...926-purchase-advice-opinions-3x20-series.html
otherwise I probably would not be in the market for another tractor. I could get an aftermarket loader and start working it hard. But, if it breaks then I would be out of luck finding parts.

 

[Zebrafive]

I disagree about being out of luck finding parts. I'll bet if you go to JDparts.com you will find any part you could ever want.

 

[Craig B]

I recently looked up a part for my 430. It was listed on the website but when I called the dealer he said "no longer available". Can I expect to be able to order most parts shown on the jdparts site?

 

[RollingsFarms]

nice looking 850! brings back memories of my '79 950.

 

[kuboman]

I disagree about being out of luck finding parts. I'll bet if you go to JDparts.com you will find any part you could ever want.

I wish that were true. Deere is better than most but for the L&G equipment they are getting like the rest. I have found multiple times with my F935 that parts were not available, especially with the Yanmar engine. Deere had them made to there specs so deere is the only parts supplier and now they are discontinuing many parts.

 

[jenkinsph]

That 850 looks great, I would keep it as is without a fel. Buy a new larger tractor with ehydro for fel work. I find it is very handy to have separate tractors and mowers without being encumbered with fels and backhoes in the way. That is why I have a separate 110tlb, the 4520 and 820 don't have fels on them and these tractors can get in much tighter places as a result.

 

[bennatti]

That is one nice 850...sold my 1985 850 about 2 years ago for a 3320 with FEL and cab...my knees were getting too old for the clutch...and when snowblowing it always seemed that the wind was in my face

 

[Craig B]

That 850 looks great, I would keep it as is without a fel. Buy a new larger tractor with ehydro for fel work. I find it is very handy to have separate tractors and mowers without being encumbered with fels and backhoes in the way. That is why I have a separate 110tlb, the 4520 and 820 don't have fels on them and these tractors can get in much tighter places as a result.

Good points. I was already pretty sure it will stay.

That is one nice 850...sold my 1985 850 about 2 years ago for a 3320 with FEL and cab...my knees were getting too old for the clutch...and when snowblowing it always seemed that the wind was in my face

4wd and FEL. Looks good. If I had that....hmmm.

How does the 3320's power compare to the 850. I know the ratings. The question is directed at the real world use. Do you find yourself able to do thing with the new one that the 850 could not accomplish?
I have recently began thinking a 3320 would be all I need.

 

[DK35vince]

Nice looking 850 with low hours.
I still have a 1978 model 850

 

[Craig B]

Looks very nice DK35vince. How many hours?

 

[two_bit_score]

Looks like a great older tractor. I'd hang on to it, if it was mine.

 

[JD755]

It's great to see pictures of these really clean older JD tractors!