Question About This 750 Tractor

[Olympus]

First post here and wanted to get some assistance and advice. I'm looking at buying a little 750 with low hours, under 400. It has the MFWD that was optional. I am unsure if it has the optional power steering too. I feel like if they made it with MFWD, they would also put the power steering option too. I called the seller and of course he's selling for his dad and has no idea if it has power steering or not. Is there any way to look at the photos and tell if it does? Maybe someone who has a trained eye could tell me. The tractor is a good 4 hour drive away from me, so it's not possible to just go by and look for myself. Is it possible to add power steering if it doesn't already have it?

And also, does the price seem high to anyone else? My father in law recently bought a 850 with 450 hours in just as good or better condition and he paid $6700. Just seems like a lot of money for such a small, older tractor. Thanks in advance!

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/grd/3028094466.html

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: to the forum.

Right, that the power steering was an option. These are Yanmar tractors made for Deere.
The price reflects the low hours as well as the fact that Deere retains good value on used market.
Likelihood of adding the power steering option would be low, as hard to find. For the attachments shown, won't need power steering. If there was a FEL, then it would be more necessary.
Seems contact with the seller while he is looking at the tractor, you could decipher the power steering option. There would be a power steering cylinder between the two front wheels. Ask for a picture under the front end.

 

[Olympus]

I'm pretty familiar with these tractors. My FIL has a 850 and my grandpa had a 750 and 1050. I know the MFWD was also an option. I would have assumed that the factor would have paired the PS with the MFWD on tractors. My main concern for the PS is that I would be using the tractor as my primary mower for my new 3 acre yard. I figured it would be a lot easier and faster to mow my yard if the tractor had PS. Mowing is my top priority.

The seller is selling the tractor for his dad. He knew very little about the tractor and looked like he was trying to hide it. I asked him to start the tractor so I could hear it over the phone. Sounded like he didn't know to crack the throttle a little because it would only run for about 1 or 2 seconds then die.

 

[beenthere]

I'd be very careful with this.
Sometimes it is easy to act dumb, or play dumb, when trying to hide a problem. And the "selling for someone else" trick is as old as the hills.
However, it just may be true, but I'd be very suspicious.
If you are familiar with these tractors, then you can make the decision that is best for you.

 

[Olympus]

Reason I thought the guy didn't know much about the tractor was because he couldn't tell by looking if it has PS or not.

But I think I better pass since it apparently doesn't have PS. Is there any other models around the 20-25hp range that came with PS? I'd really like to find a small diesel tractor with preferably a belly mower that I could still use a rototiller and 42"/48" brush hog on as well. I've only been looking at the 750 because I'm more familiar with them. But at this point, I probably need to explore other options. Just don't know what those options are...

 

[TractrNoob]

I'm pretty familiar with these tractors. My FIL has a 850 and my grandpa had a 750 and 1050. I know the MFWD was also an option. I would have assumed that the factor would have paired the PS with the MFWD on tractors. My main concern for the PS is that I would be using the tractor as my primary mower for my new 3 acre yard. I figured it would be a lot easier and faster to mow my yard if the tractor had PS. Mowing is my top priority.

The seller is selling the tractor for his dad. He knew very little about the tractor and looked like he was trying to hide it. I asked him to start the tractor so I could hear it over the phone. Sounded like he didn't know to crack the throttle a little because it would only run for about 1 or 2 seconds then die.

If mowing is your top priority, have you considered one of the upper end JD garden tractors like something in the X7xx or the older equivalent X4x5 or X5x5 lines? it would likely come with a MMM that would do a better job of cutting and you could still get a rear PTO and 3PH if you need those. You can definitely find one in that price range.

 

[Olympus]

I've seen those, but they don't look big enough to handle a 48" brush hog or tiller. Maybe I will look more closely at them.

 

[TractrNoob]

I've seen those, but they don't look big enough to handle a 48" brush hog or tiller. Maybe I will look more closely at them.

I know they take tillers and at least a 48" 3 pt hitch mower. You might have to add the 3 pt. hitch an rear PTO. My 2WD X485SE (the older version of the current X720SE) has a 25HP Kawi liquid cooled fuel injected engine. You can get 4WD and diesel as you go up the line. Look for a used X595 or X748.... You might be surprised.

 

[scrappy isb67]

My JD790 is a somewhat different animal, but in section 260 of my tech manual, it shows the indicated drag link on the manual steering models. The power steering models have no mechanical connection and no drag link.

the 790 is not at all like the 750, the 790 is more like the 950/1050.
The power steering kits for the 650/750 still have a mechanical connection between the the steering gearbox and the axle. They use a linear valve and a hyd. cylinder between the gearbox and axle. The cylinder base end attaches to the axle arm and the rod end attaches to the frame near the bellhousing. the valve attaches to the cylinder body and the steering gearbox arm. When you turn the steering valve, you push/pull the valve out of neutral which in turn will port hyd fluid to the corresponding side of the cylinder. That pulls the valve back to neutral when it reaches the desired wheel position. this setup will still steer without hyd. power

 

[NHmitch]

I have driven a John Deer 950 for years that is MFWD, and has no power steering, using a 6 foot brush hog. This is actually the tractor I learned to drive on, and my grandfather bought it in the early 80's before the ROPS, so thats why I suspect this one is a bit older. It has tons of power, and is one of the best tractors I have ever driven. The one that you are looking at looks to be about a mid to late 80's model, and looks in great shape. I would seriously consider it, if it is the right price. Yanmar did a really good job with these models for Deere. I also have not had a problem without the power steering, Once you are rolling, you really do not notice a diference at all. I actually was looking at a 750 here in New England on CL, and if my tractor didn't work as well as it does, I would have bought it. And I would have had to sell my wife on a second tractor, and well, you know how that goes..