The 770 was built from 1989 - 1998. In 1999 it was replaced by the 790. It's 83 cu. in. direct injection engine is rated 24 HP with 20 HP at the PTO. With 4 wheel drive, it weighs 2,150 lbs. With a 70 loader, and 4' bush hog, weighted tires, a full tank (6.3 us gallons) of fuel and a 200 pound operator, it would weigh in the neighborhood of 3,500 - 3,750 lbs.
My 770 was built in 1998. It was originally leased to one of the California vineyards without a Front End Loader (FEL). It was used to haul "Gondolas" in the vineyards during harvest time and was returned off lease in a year or so with 53 hrs.
It is common for all big three dealers around here to each lease 50 or more new tractors to local growers, usually for a year or less. When they get them back off lease, they install a new FEL. This one has a JD series 70 loader with a 54" (7 cu ft) bucket. Lift capacity at full height (77") is 755 lbs, at 18" it is 1190 lbs. It is a quick release type. JD has subsequently replaced this loader.
The first purchaser had it for about 4 years, and sold it to me with 223 hrs. The purchase for this 4 wheel drive tractor included the loader, a 54" box blade, and a really old set of discs. The rear tires (R4) were loaded and the front tires were reversed to widen the track a few inches. He used it mostly to bush hog and ran a 5' cutter which he had previously sold separately. He claimed to have removed the FEL and said it was a 5 minute job, to remore and reinstall, it is but best done on a solid surface. With a loader, you will absolutely want loaded rear tires and either a substantial rear implement or a ballast box to keep the tractor on the ground.
I purchased this tractor in May 2003. I have subsequently added a 4' JD LX-4 rotary cutter and a 7' landscape rake.
This was my first tractor as I am a guy from the suburbs so I knew little about it. I had been looking for a clean tractor this size for over a year. He was aksing $11,500 and he settled for $11,250 including the implements. He receiver 23 calls on this tractor. It was exceptionally clean and had been garage kept since he bought it, and it was clearly the cleanest tractor I had seen and had the lowest hours on any tractor. I have no reason to believe the hours were not accurate.
I've used it for bush hogging, moving materials with the loader and spreading it with the bucket and the landscape rake. I've also used the box blade for grading. I now have 406 hours total on the tractor.
My opinion of this tractor from 32 months of use is that it is an excellent, reliable tractor. I have done all the service myself; oil and filter changes, lubrication, changed the hydraulic fluid and the air and fuel filter and adjusted the clutch. Service is straight forward and relatively simple, with no special tools rquired. Everything is easy to reach. The only "breakdown" I've experienced was a flat right front tire, twice, from running over nails. I replaced the tube on the second go around because it already had two patches.
Fuel consumption at rated rpm is a little over a half gallon per hour. Oil consumption is non-existent. It does not drop on the dipstick between changes. I live in a warm climate, so I can't speak to cold starts. It always fires on the first crank, and idles smoothly. The 4 wheel drive provides needed traction when slippery and when using the loader. The power steering is very nice to have. It goes 11 mph in top gear which is plenty for the short trips on the road around my 6acre corner lot. With a dual range 4 speed gearbox, I can always find one of the 8 gears to be right for my needs. Some swear by hydrostatic transmissions as the only way to go, but I have not found the manual gears a problem. I did not get the Mid-mount PTO option on this tractor and have not missed it. I use a 48" garden tractor to cut my 3/4 acres of lawn so I did not need a finish mower.
I would buy this tractor again in a heart beat, and it is probably worth close to what I paid for it right now.
A contractor friend of mine that built my current home also has a 770, around a 93 - 95 model. It has a loader and a back hoe. His has had a lot harder life than mine and has over 1,000 hrs and has been trouble free for him as well.
As far as the one you're considering, other than 4 wheel drive and mid mount PTO, I don't know of any other options. I'm not sure if power steering is standard or an option. It's darn nice to have. One of the reason these are reliable tractors is that they are basic, and don't have a lot to break. The 3 cylinder Yanmar engine is pretty much bullet proof and has been in use for many years.
Their hydraulic capability is probably average for this size tractor. I know there are other brands this size that lift a little more, but when I get that bucket full of sand or gravel and get it up high, I don't want anymore capacity. It is capable of loading a 2-3 yard dump truck on an F-450 chassis and not much higher without climbing a pile of dirt to get it up higher.
As to the cost of the loader, I would suspect a new JD loader would be in the range of $2,500 - $3,000. Call a JD dealer for a price on a new loader to be sure. Look around for a used loader. If you plan to do much with the loader, 4 wheel drive is pretty nice. It also helps keep the tractor from sliding on the side of hills when turning as it will just pull the tractor around and up the hill.
I don't know the condition of that particular tractor, but under 600 hrs on that engine, assuming it was maintained, is really nothing.
These are solid, reliable basic compact utility tractors that have been around for years in one form or another because of their reliability and capability.
I am sorry for this very long post, but I hope that it answered some of your questions.
