JD 1070

martyb · May 8, 2006

I've been looking at used tractors in the 40-55 HP range and ran across a '96 JD 1070 4WD with FEL and 840 hrs for $13,500. I know the reputation of JD and everyone that I know who owns one swears by them. However, I don't know anyone who owns this model. I'd sure like some feed back as to the reliability of this tractor. I'll be shredding weeds and light 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 3 pt. 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!

AKfish · May 9, 2006

Welcome to the forum! Great place to pick up on some ideas and "earned" experience.
First blush -- sounds like a good price on a solid tractor. The number of hours for that year of tractor is on the lower end.

What model of loader? That tractor typically has either the JD 440 or the JD 80. Both good loaders with similar capacity but the 440 has a quick-tach bucket. Look for stress cracks, welds and if the bucket and loader arms are square --- i.e. does the bucket sit level on the ground and do the arms lift at the same time or does one arm engage just before the other -- (possibly tweaked out of square).

How are the tires? OEM or have they been replaced? 800+ hours on OEM would likely mean the tires are down to 25% or so.

Any hydraulic line, transmission case or oil leaks? PTO engage smoothly? Clutch OK? (Put tractor in high range and 3rd gear at idle and see if the engine stalls or clutch slips when against a dirt bank, etc.)

That model will power a 6' brush hog just fine. It's just on the edge of capacity for moving round bales. The loaders are rated at just over 1,200 lbs. (including bucket wt.) so, you can likely expect to only handle 800-900 lb bales. You'll need plently of ballast on the 3pt. (buy a 6' rototiller...) and/or have the tires filled and axle wts.

However, if you get a 3pt. bale spear or carrier you won't have any problem at all! The 3pt will lift over a ton.

Real solid tractor, overall and a miser on fuel. I can run my JD 970 all week on a tank of fuel, and the 1070 won't burn much more.

Good luck with whatever decision you arrive at.

AKfish /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

martyb · May 9, 2006

AKfish,

Thanks for the reply. I'm pretty sure it has the JD 440 loader. Although I've operated them, I've never owned a tractor with a loader so I appreciate the comments on checking for stress cracks, squareness, etc. Tires are still pretty good. No visible leaks. Haven't checked the PTO but will do so before trying to make a deal. It has a brand new clutch. I have a friend with a similiar size tractor who keeps a round bale on the 3 pt while he loads and unloads the others from the trailer with the loader. I was wondering about the fuel and it's good to know that it should be effecient, with the price of fuel these days. Thanks for all of your comments. If you think of anything else, feel free to let me know. Good luck to you, as well!

marks · May 9, 2006

I've had an 870 for the past year or so, and am very pleased with its performance. I too posed the reliability question here on TBN, and received favorable response. It's a no frills question, however for my purpose it fits the bill. It had 700 hrs, a new BB and 420 loader, it set me back just over $13k. Hope this helps.

martyb · May 9, 2006

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm new here...as of last night as a matter of fact...and everyone seems to be very helpful. I'm sure I'll be asking for more opinions and/or advice before my mission is accomplished. Thanks again...

RedHawkRidge · May 25, 2006

I had a 1070 and loved it. Of course, before the 1070 I had a JD955 and loved that too.
Eventually I went with a JD4700 because the gear trans on the 1070 was not good for mowing, which I do lots of. The problem is that you have to run at the recommended rpm for mowing, which translates to a ground speed that was either too fast or too slow for my mowing needs.
Just about the time I was trading it, the 1070 started to develop rust on the fenders at a junction of the sheet metal.
It also has the old, cumbersome chain-type restraints on the lower 3-pt arms, instead of the handier rigid arms on 4xx0 series.
If you have other questions, let me know.
jim

RedHawkRidge · May 25, 2006

I had a 1070 and loved it. Of course, before the 1070 I had a JD955 and loved that too.
Eventually I went with a JD4700 because the gear trans on the 1070 was not good for mowing, which I do lots of. The problem is that you have to run at the recommended rpm for mowing, which translates to a ground speed that was either too fast or too slow for my mowing needs.
Just about the time I was trading it, the 1070 started to develop rust on the fenders at a junction of the sheet metal.
It also has the old, cumbersome chain-type restraints on the lower 3-pt arms, instead of the handier rigid arms on 4xx0 series.
If you have other questions, let me know.
jim

buckaroogeek · May 28, 2006

I have owned a 1070 for about 12 years. I am the second owner. It has been very reliable. I use it around our place for chores and haying. It has 1400 hours on the clock.

Brad

buckaroogeek · May 28, 2006

I have owned a 1070 for about 12 years. I am the second owner. It has been very reliable. I use it around our place for chores and haying. It has 1400 hours on the clock.

Brad