JD 1070

[martyb]

I've been looking at used tractors in the 40-55HP range and ran across a '96 JD 1070 4WD with FEL and 840 hrs. for $13,500. I know the reputation of JD and every one that I know who owns one swears by them. However, I don't know anyone with this model. I'd sure like some feed back as to the reliability of this tractor. I'll be shredding weeds and light second growth brush, discing my roping arena, moving a little dirt and sand around, and moving round bales. I know it's a little light for the round bales, but I won't be moving all that many and realize that I'll need some weight on the 3pt to load and unload them from a trailer. I guess my question is...is this a good price for this tractor and should it be adequate for the work I'll be doing? If not, how about some reccommendations. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[plowrup]

The 1070 was a great Tractor during the time for which it was designed-good Controls, reasonable Hydraulics, Factory installed Power Steering (new for that size Deere), nearly bulletproof-except that it has a dual stage Clutch, which, at some point, will have to be replaced depending on Operator/usage. What size Round Bales-4 or 5 foot? Don't think it will handle the 5' very well (not enough lift capacity), but a fine Tractor, nonetheless-

 

[martyb]

Thanks for your comments on the JD 1070. I haven't decided yet whether I'm going to make a run at it or not, but it does seem to be a pretty good buy from the comps that I've found. The clutch is brand new, so that's a plus! The round bales that I feed weigh 800-900 lbs. I have a friend who has a similiar size tractor and he either puts a round bale on the 3pt bale spear or has another implement on the 3pt for rear weight when loading or unloading bales from a trailer. Hopefully, this would work with the 1070, as well. Thanks again for your comments!

 

[klm]

I had a 970 and it was everything you could ask for in a small tractor, a fine machine.

 

[yellowsocks93]

Yep they are great, I have both a 990 and 970 currently but had a 1070 back in 1997. The 970 is a very nice machine with the syncro transmission which the 1070 comes standard with. Ours has 788 hours and runs like new yet with only normal maintainance. If it is in good shape then go for it. Very smooth, durable motors.

 

[martyb]

Thanks for the comments. I'm still looking but this may be the machine that I need to try to buy. All the feedback seems positive. Thanks again to all...

 

[Jeff_Indiana]

I have a 970 with 440 loader; nice machine. Only problem is that the syncho trans is not as user friendly as a hydro, but this shouldn't matter much for the stuff you listed.

One important point; you didn't say what model loader it has. Some early 1070's came with the 80 loader, which is not as nice as the later 440. I don't know the capacity difference between the two, but I seem to think the 440 is more powerful. (plus much easier to take off & on)

Jeff

 

[martyb]

I'm not positive but believe it has the 440 loader. I'm going to go back and give the tractor another close look and I'll take notice of which loader it has. You're not the only one who has mentioned the two types. Thanks..

 

[Oleozz]

I had an 870, a smaller brother, six years without a problem or visit to the shop. It had the 440 loader, very easy to install and remove and the Yanmar engine was a workhorse. I mowed a lot of CRP ground and it never missed a beat.

 

[beagleboy]

I've got a 970 last fall and the more I use it,the more I love it. The 1070 would probably be better yet