JD 870

[mwaine]

I'm looking at a 1985 870 w/ front-end loader and 6' belly mower (finishing). 872 hrs 4WD diesel. Seller was asking $9900 but we negotiated down to $8750. I'm a first time user/buyer and it seems like a good price. Any thoughts?
Thanks,

Waine

 

[Oleozz]

They are good tractors, I had one for six years. I sold mine for $10 grand with about 670 hrs and no belly mower so your price does not sound to bad. I believe mine was a 1994 but not sure of that.

 

[AKfish]

Welcome to TBN - Waine.

I had a JD970 for just over 4 years. Great tractor. Very reliable and they hold their value. Sold it for nearly what I paid for it.

That's a low hour tractor at 872 hrs. About the only thing that wears out early on the 50 and 70 series tractor's is the clutch. If the tractor hasn't been abused - the clutch should be Ok for ~3,000hrs. Quick test of the clutch is to drop the bucket on the ground in front of a tree - idle up to the tree and with the tractor in B range and 3rd gear (or C range and 1st gear) and set the throttle to ~1,300-1,400rpm. With the bucket edge against the tree - ease the clutch out. The rear tires should dig and the engine should stall -quit; promptly. If the engines runs up 50-100rpm before dying and the tires don't firmly dig in - the clutch could be tired. Take note of how much free play in the clutch pedal before it engages. Better to have ~3/4 inch of travel before the clutch takes hold than say; less than 3/8".

Check the battery out. They can have some corrosion in the front pan - under the battery if the previous owner wasn't paying attention.

Sounds like a very good price to me... with loader and belly mower.

Good luck.

AKfish

 

[wcpeabody]

Last fall I bought a 1997 (630 hours) 4wd 770, 70 FEL, JD brush hog & back blade for 7500.

I think you are at a fair price for the tractor if it has been treated well .

One suggestion, if you have not all ready check all the fluid levels, color and smell them. The current owner might have changed them all but if they have not they could give you some clues on to how it has been treated.

In one of the other forums there is a buyers checklist, have you seen it?

BP

 

[wcpeabody]

Here is the one I was thinking about:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/127598-checklist-diesels.html

 

[wcpeabody]

One last thing, I just went to close the browser window I opened TractorData.com John Deere 870 tractor information to take a peek at the specs on the 870 and I noticed that it says that the 870 was made from 1989 - 1998.

Something is wrong, it can not be a 1985 870???

 

[indytim]

About the only thing that wears out early on the 50 and 70 series tractor's is the clutch.

AKfish

Akfish -- I'm also looking at tractors in this size/price range.. What is the cost approximately to replace the clutch on these?

 

[Johndeere3720]

That is a good deal but what kind of tires does it have?

 

[AKfish]

Akfish -- I'm also looking at tractors in this size/price range.. What is the cost approximately to replace the clutch on these?

That's a very good question... Just over 5yrs ago, I priced a clutch kit (pressure plate, throwout bearing) at just over $1,200 for my 970.

There's a recent post here on JD Owning/Operating from jsler - here - http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/141155-jd-1050-2-stage-power.html.

The clutch kit for his 1050 is just over $2,500!! But, if you'll read the threads; there's some info regarding less expensive options on eBay.

AKfish

 

[irwin]

One last thing, I just went to close the browser window I opened TractorData.com John Deere 870 tractor information to take a peek at the specs on the 870 and I noticed that it says that the 870 was made from 1989 - 1998.

Something is wrong, it can not be a 1985 870???

Yes' I doubt it's a 1985. Check the serial number and call your local Deere dealership..