Re: First tractor, a John Deere 970, purchased 4 days ago. New owner intro & questio
Joe,
Welcome to the forum...I'm pretty new myself. I enjoyed your story since it is so close to my own. I'm in VA but followed much the same path you did...Mech Engineering, Ph.D., etc. Did a lot of design work on engine and propulsion systems; some for NASA. Now I have a small farm in Orange County, VA. I grew up in a rural environment and have some knowledge of tractors and implements, but nothing close to some of the folks here. I do know mechanical systems.
Your tractor looks like new and for all practical purposes it is. In fact, the engine is still in the wear in period. But as you know, oils and lubricant degrade with time, not just heat and contamination. I would change every fluid and filter you have. I'm not convinced that JD fluids are the best, but your capacities are relatively small so the extra cost won't be excessive. As for a loader, you may want to check with All State Ag Parts. You can find them on the web. They have excellent service and have yards full of used and junked equipment. So if you need mounting hardware, they can probably find it. You might also set up a search bot on tractorhouse.com. I'd leave the rear wheels wide for the time being until you get a feel for the tractor. It isn't always the hills that get you. Put on a cutter and have a wheel go into a ditch or into the edge of your pond and you could have a problem. You might consider changing the spacing after you have time on it. Your tractor is rated at 30HP PTO and will handle a 5' cutter for most situations. A couple of consideration are the weight of the cutter off the back end if you plan on a 3-point lift type. You may need some weight on your front end. Also, cutting old bambo that is 3" cane be difficult. Most farmers in my area recommend 7HP PTO per foot of cutter so that leaves you in the 4' to 5' range. It is a good idea to have a cutter that is at least as wide as your rear tires so you know where you are cutting and can get closer to objects. As for other items...when you change your filters, I'd change fuel filters and air filters as well.
Best to you and enjoy that tractor!
Chuck