I am goint to look at 2 used tractors the 955 and 970. The ads say they are both 33HP, excellent condition, etc. Iam looking for opinions on both models. A neighbor swears by his 955 but I notice that the 970 is about 3k cheaper. I have also been looking at Kubota. I am borrowing a Kubota L2650. I have small acreage which I will use the tractor for but my primary reason is I need the front loader to lift a 1k horse hooked up to a sling..crazy I know...but the Kubota I believe has 24HP and I think I need to get a tractor with more HP to assist the horse in getting up. Any thoughts on these models? Differences I should know about...maybe someone owns one of these or is familiar with both?
JD 955 vs 970
- Thread starter shawna
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RoyJackson
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- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
The 955 is a hydro and the 970 is a gear tractor. That may account for some of the price difference. Have you seen the machines yet? Might be more hours on the 970 to account for some of the price differrntial too.
I've seen 955's, but cannot recall if I've seen a 970, I'm pretty sure the 970 is physically bigger and heavier then the 955.
If that horse goes 1000 lbs., I believe you'll be beyond the capacity of the 955's loader (can't recall the loader number). Also, with that weight (of the horse), you definitely want rear ballast. It'd be a real shame if the animal was injured bacause the loader or tractor flipped forward.
Frankly, for the animal's safety, I'd use a hoist rigged to an "A" frame of some sort. Maybe a local fabrication shop can make something for you...put wheels on it, and you can tow it with the tractor.
But, as far as the tractor...if your acreage is small, I'd go for the smaller of the two machines.
I've seen 955's, but cannot recall if I've seen a 970, I'm pretty sure the 970 is physically bigger and heavier then the 955.
If that horse goes 1000 lbs., I believe you'll be beyond the capacity of the 955's loader (can't recall the loader number). Also, with that weight (of the horse), you definitely want rear ballast. It'd be a real shame if the animal was injured bacause the loader or tractor flipped forward.
Frankly, for the animal's safety, I'd use a hoist rigged to an "A" frame of some sort. Maybe a local fabrication shop can make something for you...put wheels on it, and you can tow it with the tractor.
But, as far as the tractor...if your acreage is small, I'd go for the smaller of the two machines.
The 970 has about 5400 hrs on it and comes with a front end loader,blade,box scraper and spring harrow. Asking 7800. Thanks for the idea for the "a" frame. We actually had a speciality sling made and have a welder friend who will adhere attachments to the FEL so as far as safety..I think we have that covered. This is not dead weight..its assistance..he has a problem with his back end so it is not even close to a full 1K lift. So, you have been obviously happy with your 970? I am not familiar woith a rear ballast though..I will have to check further on that.
rdln
Veteran Member
Neither tractor will have the weight or height capacity to lift a horse like that.
yellowsocks93
Veteran Member
We have a nice 1992 970. Great machine. My favorite JD ever. Yes it is larger than the 955. I work for a JD dealer and have seen both in person. Both are nice but I would take the 970 over the 955. A little more stable on hills and larger chassis. The 970 would be better for doing any kind of lifting because of it's wider stance.
Joe1
Platinum Member
The 955 has an 87 cu in 35.3 hp gross 3 cyl diesel engine and 27 PTO hp and weighs 1,990 lbs MFWD. It has a 1,175 lb 3 pt lift capacity and is 110 inches long on a 64 inch wheelbase and is 77 inches tall to the top of the ROPS and uses a 70A loader.
The 970 has a 110 cu in 35 hp gross 4 cyl diesel engine and 30 PTO engine. It weighs 3,045 MFWD. It has a 2,020 lb 3 pt lift capacity and is 123 inches long on a 68.9 inch wheelbase and is 84.8 inches tall to the top of the ROPS and uses a 440 loader.
I don't have the FEL lift capacity, but the 955 has 7.2 gph implement pump capacity, the 970 is 8.7 gpm. Also, the 955 lists no power steering pump capacity, the 970 does.
The 970 is a much larger tractor.
I would also rig an A frame of some sort to actually lift the horse and use the tractor as the motive power to provide the lift, rather than use the FEL bucket. If the horse panicks, he could injure himself and kick the stuffing out of the tractor.
Hope this helps.
Joe
The 970 has a 110 cu in 35 hp gross 4 cyl diesel engine and 30 PTO engine. It weighs 3,045 MFWD. It has a 2,020 lb 3 pt lift capacity and is 123 inches long on a 68.9 inch wheelbase and is 84.8 inches tall to the top of the ROPS and uses a 440 loader.
I don't have the FEL lift capacity, but the 955 has 7.2 gph implement pump capacity, the 970 is 8.7 gpm. Also, the 955 lists no power steering pump capacity, the 970 does.
The 970 is a much larger tractor.
I would also rig an A frame of some sort to actually lift the horse and use the tractor as the motive power to provide the lift, rather than use the FEL bucket. If the horse panicks, he could injure himself and kick the stuffing out of the tractor.
Hope this helps.
Joe