First Tractor purchase

WinRage · Apr 5, 2004

Hello all. I'm about to take the plunge with my first tractor purchase. A friend has a JD 850, 4wd, standard transmission, with 60" belly mower, turf tires, spreader, and box scraper. He bought it new and it has 5yrs. and 149 well maintained hours. Used it only for mowing his 6 acres, but left it outside the whole time. He said he'd take $9000.00 for all. I would like to add a front end loader as I have some dirt moving and overgrown areas I need to clear. Question: Good deal on tractor? Will it handle the loader and chores I intend for it?
Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Look forward becoming a member of the JD club.
Fred

fgross335_2210 · Apr 5, 2004

Suggestion...stop by your local JD dealer and ask them to give you an idea of what the tractor is worth, also check with them on their service hours, rates, etc. If they want your service business, they'll help you get a good idea of what the tractor is worth. You should also check with them on the availability of a front-end loader, and/or what used FEL models will fit. You will also need to add an SCV (selective control valve) unless the loader itself has hydraulic valves so you might as well ask about this too.
Good luck! 150 hrs is just the broken-in point for a tractor. Sounds like a coat of paint will get you back to like-new status.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 5, 2004

I would check on a new unit equipped as you need it. By the time you add a loader, and consider the low rate financing, you could come out pretty close with a new unit. It is always a good idea to know all angles. A lot of dealers offer package deals, but checking with several dealers may win you a great deal.

Not that that isn't a great tractor...

WinRage · Apr 5, 2004

Thanks for the sound advice. I took another look at the tractor this evening and it does not have the SCV so it looks like I'll be buying the whole setup. Also noticed I said it was an 850, it's actually an 870. Definitely a yes on the paint. The dealer was closing when I arrived so I didn't get to talk to him about loaders. I'm just assuming I'd be better off sticking with a JD loader as opposed to another brand? Sure would look better.

fgross335_2210 · Apr 5, 2004

I checked Deere's website and product configurator, and I could not find any attachments for the 870, so make sure you talk to the dealer about the FEL, they might have to search to find one but hopefully someone has one in inventory somewhere. And yes if you can get the Deere loader, it's worth the extra $$, better fit, designed for the tractor and higher resale, too.

WinRage · Apr 10, 2004

Wanted to thank you guys for the input. I bought the 870 with the attachments mentioned. For $100 more, the JD dealer got me a new 5' box scraper...turns out he was selling the stuff for my friend and had sold the scraper. We spoke about FEL and he said we could try to find a 440, originally used for that model, or a 420, current model would be a comparable match. We didn't discuss cost yet I picked up a few other little trinkets while I was there.....want to build a good relationship with this guy for the future. I really appreciate the advice received here, questions I wouldn't have known to ask. I had a great time tearing up dirt all afternoon.
Fred