Updated FEL pic for the JD 870

[DennisH]

Here is the update on my FEL install for the 1996 JD 870 I purchased a couple months ago. I came upon this tractor and it had the hyd package installed but no FEL. Several JD dealers told me I could not buy a new JD FEL for this older model and my only option was to seek out a aftermarket FEL.

Well I kept asking and one dealer said let me get back with you, well he called me back and said yep we can do it. That was 5 weeks ago.

2 weeks to order the parts, 1 week to install only to find out they didn't have all the parts, another week chasing tractor Hyd leaks and parts, the final week chasing more parts and finaly a functional FEL.

I'm one happy JD owner, the owner of the dealer took this on as a personnel project because knew it could be done. He will be providing me a list of part numbers of everything he had to order because most if not all of the 870 parts are not in any dealer parts manuals. He told me that when it comes to JD tractors if its hard they can do it and if its impossible it takes a little longer.

 

[rbcsaver]

DennisH,
Congrats to you and that dealer for the "Can Do" American entrepreneur spirit.
Anything and everything can be "done." It's always a matter of "will," and "cost."
Keep that dealer and recommend him to your friends and eventually post his name
as an advertisement for the rest of us.

Now all you need to round out that package is a Chris Perry FEL Forklift frame.
regards,
Steve

 

[Redgoatea]

Hey congrats on getting a FEL. I know I love mine on my 870. It's an awesome tractor. 7

 

[kennyd]

Nice:thumbsup:

 

[JDGreenGrass]

That looks beautiful. Really nice.

Do you get adequate lift height.?? I ask because it looks just a hair "short."

Personally, I like that. My aftermarket SMC loader is the same way. Bucket rests close to the grill, or, tractor front. It has adequate lift height though I don't think a farmer would be happy with it.??

Some of the loaders and buckets these days rest way out in front of the tractor.?? Adds a lot of overall length to the rig. Yours doesn't nor does mine and I like that.

Congrats and I hope it serves you well.:thumbsup:

l

 

[Johndeere3720]

I didnt know that you could fit a 300x FEL to an 870. Glad you got it all together, congrats. :thumbsup:

 

[RoyJackson]

Nice looking loader on a fine 870!!
Your dealer deserves a real "attaboy" for his work and extra effort.

I'll wager there's some 790/3005 parts in there to make it fit (although the 790/3005 takes the 300 loader, doesn't it?).
I do see what JDGreenGrass means by "a hair short", but I think it's just the curved arms making it look that way (to me, the newer type "curved arm" loaders look a bit odd on older design tractors (790 and 3005, for example)...just an opinion and there'd be no effect on functionality).

Dennis, enjoy your new addition...just do it safely!

 

[Thomas]

Way to keep after your want Dennis..tip of the hat to your dealer.

Your bones and muscles going to thank you in years to come.

Pics. of new loader working...soon???

 

[jcalla]

Glad to here that John Deere went the extra mile. When was the logo changed from straight front legs to bent at the knees front legs? My neighbor told me that anything with a broken legs on it was trash. Only the straight front legs were good. He also told me I wasted my money on my new 4720 with cab, that he was going to get a Kubota which he could buy for a lot less. It must have hurt him real bad to see me working this past hot summer in my air conditioned cab. Dear God, please rest his soul and calm his jealousy. I am truly one super satisfied John Deere customer!


JPC
JPC

 

[JD755]

Glad to here that John Deere went the extra mile. When was the logo changed from straight front legs to bent at the knees front legs? My neighbor told me that anything with a broken legs on it was trash. Only the straight front legs were good. He also told me I wasted my money on my new 4720 with cab, that he was going to get a Kubota which he could buy for a lot less. It must have hurt him real bad to see me working this past hot summer in my air conditioned cab. Dear God, please rest his soul and calm his jealousy. I am truly one super satisfied John Deere customer!


JPC
JPC

Deere changed that logo in 2000. Something about leaping into the future. They have changed their logo a few times over the years.

"The style and shape of this updated logo is reflective of today’s technology world: bolder, stronger, high technology oriented. In the symbol itself, the deer’s feet are rooted firmly into the ground for a strong leap into the new millennium. The body, head and antlers have a purposeful attitude, a sense of direction and a clear commitment to taking charge by running smart."

John Deere: A history of the John Deere logo and its changes