Buying Advice Looking at a JD 770

[lmike51b]

Going to look at a mid model year 770 this weekend. It is a 2wd, mid mount mower, and turf tires with about 2000 hours. I don't have any experience with these tractors, but is sized for what I think I need mostly mowing 2 - 3 acres. I'd probably add something like a loader or box blade to it later. By the pictures it looks to be in good shape, but is there anything I should look for when I'm there checking it out. It is from a used equipment dealer. Not sure of maintenance or prior use. They're asking about $5,800.

 

[RG1]

Going to look at a mid model year 770 this weekend. It is a 2wd, mid mount mower, and turf tires with about 2000 hours. I don't have any experience with these tractors, but is sized for what I think I need mostly mowing 2 - 3 acres. I'd probably add something like a loader or box blade to it later. By the pictures it looks to be in good shape, but is there anything I should look for when I'm there checking it out. It is from a used equipment dealer. Not sure of maintenance or prior use. They're asking about $5,800.

Welcome!

That seems a bit high for a 2wd version/model that is that old. They were good machines in their day, and still are if taken care of. Just check for the usual things like oil seepage on the trans and engine, oil smoking at start up (vs diesel smoke) or under load, tightness of steering, does the 3 pt function correctly, tire condition, etc. If you can't look at it in person before buying, I'd be very hesitant, especially at that price, and the fact that the 4wd versions (tractor alone, or with a rear finish mower) come up for sale fairly often for not a lot more money.

 

[jd870]

JD 770 two wheel drive would be good for finish mowing,lawn spraying and fertilizing,but for a loader or box blade I would recommend a tractor with four wheel drive.

 

[lmike51b]

I'm going to look at it Friday. The things you mentioned are some of the things I'll check out. It is a 20+ YO tractor, I'm just trying to do what I can so that I don't get something that needs repair, and will do what I need - mow a couple of acres, move trailers around, and move some dirt.

 

[nforktractor]

I had a 770 and now a 790, good heavy duty tractors, will last forever, not a bad price for 2wd, adding 4wd bumps it up by almost 2K, and maybe another 2K with a loader, I bought a 300 loader three years ago for my 790, JD doesn't offer that one anymore, might find one laying around in stock, but it was 3+K, when bought seperately, so if you really want a loader equipped tractor, even eventually, might be better to find one with the loader, there are aftermarket loaders from Woods or somebody else, I waited too long to buy the JD #7 Backhoe for my 790, not offered now, and recently ordered the Woods BH70-X, and it seems better (thumb) than the JD one and less expensive. And of course Tractorhouse and Machinefinder good places to look for tractor prices.

 

[dirt ditch]

Like RG1 said, used tractors are always coming up for sale. Here is a 1050 with a John Deere loader in your area. Their asking $9500. A 2wd 1050 with loader will be able do a lot more work than any 770.

http://houston.craigslist.org -1050 John Deere w/ Loader

 

[lmike51b]

There is a 790 he has for sale there also. Looked at it this past weekend and saw this 1050. The 1050 is a lot more tractor than I need.

Like RG1 said, used tractors are always coming up for sale. Here is a 1050 with a John Deere loader in your area. Their asking $9500. A 2wd 1050 with loader will be able do a lot more work than any 770.

http://houston.craigslist.org -1050 John Deere w/ Loader

 

[dirt ditch]

There is a 790 he has for sale there also. Looked at it this past weekend and saw this 1050. The 1050 is a lot more tractor than I need.

Good to know your looking around. If you do get the 770 you can always get a 3pt dirt scoop to move dirt. I used one behind my granddad's 8N ford several times. Good luck.

 

[lmike51b]

Never heard of a 3pt dirt scoop. A little on-line research reveals this may be the ticket. I'd be hauling mulch & dirt for the garden & yard. Not the same as a loader but I would not need a loader for the type of stuff I'm looking to do.

Good to know your looking around. If you do get the 770 you can always get a 3pt dirt scoop to move dirt. I used one behind my granddad's 8N ford several times. Good luck.

 

[RG1]

Never heard of a 3pt dirt scoop. A little on-line research reveals this may be the ticket. I'd be hauling mulch & dirt for the garden & yard. Not the same as a loader but I would not need a loader for the type of stuff I'm looking to do.

The dirt scoop is available at most TSC's in case you weren't aware, and they can be handy for a lot more than just moving dirt or mulch, especially when you really don't need the full functionality of a good FEL.

If you load your rear tires with Rim Guard, that 2wd 770 will be a lot more capable, especially when you step on the diff lock. Just don't use the diff lock constantly as they are designed for that.