JDn orchard 76F, 85F

[houstonscott]

I am very close to starting an olive orchard. I have been looking very hard at the JD 76f orchard tractor and may buy a used one. My one big question is can I put a FEL on? I know they are made in Italy and the Italian version shows FEL as an option. Does anyone have experience with the "f" models and how does the Detroit diesel engine rate in your opinion, are there any problems with that engine.

HS

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Do you need the F series? If your looking to start an orchard can you design it to use a standard tractor? From my limited experience those cabs are very cramped and hard to get in and out of.

The N series is also low to the ground and is narrow but the cab is so much nicer to use and get in and out of. John Deere does have a loader option for the N series. Around here the orchards use narrow tractors. The only F series I have ever seen was at a fruit growers meeting that was sponsored by the local JD dealer and they brought a F and N series to showcase to the growers.

 

[houstonscott]

Do you need the F series? If your looking to start an orchard can you design it to use a standard tractor? From my limited experience those cabs are very cramped and hard to get in and out of.

The N series is also low to the ground and is narrow but the cab is so much nicer to use and get in and out of. John Deere does have a loader option for the N series. Around here the orchards use narrow tractors. The only F series I have ever seen was at a fruit growers meeting that was sponsored by the local JD dealer and they brought a F and N series to showcase to the growers.

Not looking at the cab model, it's to weird for me. I like the low CG, and the forward/rear balance that helps from compacting soils, and adds to general sure footed machines. This model seems to loose value quickly and seems a good deal considering its power, and weight.

HS

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Well the wide footprint will definitely feel stable but the narrow tractors also have a low CG even being narrow their quite stable. It might help you if your looking at used as it may increase your options.

I would imagine the open station F series would be a lot better to operate then the cab version. Do you have to spray olives? I'm use to crops like grapes, apples, cherries, peaches..... crops where we have to spray often here in WNY to combat pests and disease from the moisture. Cab tractors are a must if you have any amount of acerage to spray here. Open station tractors are used mainly during harvest (I don't know why but a lot of guys park their cab tractors in favor of open stations for tending the harvester, I prefer the cab since its usually cold and rainy during harvest) or running rotary cutters in the rows.

If there is a loader available for the F series over seas I am sure you can get it here. New Holland didn't use to have a loader for the TN-F series but Alo/Quicke did make an aftermarket one for them so it was available. Then when NH switched suppliers for the loaders to Alo/Quicke they offered the exact same loader as a factory option. So if its made and you can find out who makes it then I would bet you can find a dealer locally to sell you one. You might not like the cost though. What are your uses for the loader?