Buying Advice 86 John Deere 850

[kptractor6]

Hello, I am looking for some advice. There's a JD850, which is 4wd but it doesn't have a drive axle on the front so it is currently 2wd. What is the ballpark to put a drive axle on the front and would parts be an issue? The tires are in need of replacing, it has a 20" rear wheel rim, the only ag tire I can find priced close to $600. Are there any alternatives? Will a military tire fit? The guy is asking 5000 for the tractor, he said he'd take 4500 but it really needs tires and a rear box scraper which will add another 1200 for me to put on, unless I can find a good deal on tires. I think if I can get it for 4000 it would be a good deal. Thanks for your help on this.

 

[Rock knocker]

I know from talking to Washington Tractor in Snohomish Wa that parts are lacking for the front final drives, so I would guess that the entire assembly is even more rare. That is probably why it's now a 2WD. I think you're going to be really hard pressed to turn it back to 4WD.

 

[RoyJackson]

Personally, I'd pass on this one. As Rock knocker wrote, finding the components might be a challenge. I doubt you'd get any help from any Deere dealer. Parts from a salvage yard might be something to consider.
But, considering it needs new tires as well...I just don't see this being a good deal.

 

[Wolfy]

If missing front drive parts, Id price it as a 2WD. You also did not note the hours. 20" tires sounds odd to me. I thought 16" and 24" were the standard back then. The other thing Id add, although the JD 50 series were reliable tractors, they only had 2 reverse gears, slow and 'waiting for payment' slow. That would drive me nuts.

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

Shipping may be an issue but there is a guy on CL in NH that has two 4x4 Deere 850's he's parting out. IIRC, these were practice tractors at a tech school and they were 'Fixed" to death. I don't know if posting CL links is a no-no here but if you want to PM me I'll get it to you.

Tom

 

[kptractor6]

Thank you for all of the responses. I think that it confirms to me that this isn't the right deal. I am very appreciative of the time you guys took to respond.

 

[kptractor6]

I have also seen a JD 950, 85, 1200 hours, 2wd. It has a box scraper with rippers, fel, no ROP, and the tires look to be in good shape. As far as parts go, am I in the same situation as the 850?

 

[Wolfy]

The parts for the 50 series can be found if you look enough. It is the 4WD parts that are a bear to find. The 950 is also an excellent tractor. Just be aware of a 2WD loader's limits.