JD 970
Member
Hi Gang,
Over the past two days, I changed all the fluids and filters in my new (to me) John Deere 970 and in addition, I installed a NOS mid-PTO kit. After crawling in, around, and on this tractor, I must admit:
I am impressed.
This is my first tractor so I cannot compare the quality and design of this tractor with any other, but I have extensive experience working on vehicles, and I have never seen such a well designed piece of equipment. The mechanical design is like a work of art and functionality. I spent some quality time on my back staring up at the undercarriage as I installed the mid-PTO and I was thoroughly impressed. Nothing mechanical felt "cheap" or as if corners were cut when it was designed and built. From reinforcing ribs on structural components, safety wire in critical locations to the beauty of the fit and finish of the engine compartment... it reminds me of the quality I experienced on a few of the Lexus automobiles I owned, and far surpasses the quality of the Porsche 911 Turbo that I owned. I must admit; I can see why people like John Deere. Although my 970 was built in 1994, I suspect that the modern John Deere tractors are just as nice as the one I own.
Speaking of quality... let's talk about the mid-PTO kit.
I opened the kit (see the attached pictures), set out the parts, and read through the instructions step by step. I took my time taking everything apart and adding the kit, and I finished in about 7 hours. Every part fit perfectly and the instructions were very good. When I finished, I tested the PTO and it worked perfectly. I could not be happier.
Interestingly, I find myself looking forward to jobs I once dreaded because of the manual labor. Like putting up a pasture fence. Hmmmm... I think I need to find an auger now
Joe
Over the past two days, I changed all the fluids and filters in my new (to me) John Deere 970 and in addition, I installed a NOS mid-PTO kit. After crawling in, around, and on this tractor, I must admit:
I am impressed.
This is my first tractor so I cannot compare the quality and design of this tractor with any other, but I have extensive experience working on vehicles, and I have never seen such a well designed piece of equipment. The mechanical design is like a work of art and functionality. I spent some quality time on my back staring up at the undercarriage as I installed the mid-PTO and I was thoroughly impressed. Nothing mechanical felt "cheap" or as if corners were cut when it was designed and built. From reinforcing ribs on structural components, safety wire in critical locations to the beauty of the fit and finish of the engine compartment... it reminds me of the quality I experienced on a few of the Lexus automobiles I owned, and far surpasses the quality of the Porsche 911 Turbo that I owned. I must admit; I can see why people like John Deere. Although my 970 was built in 1994, I suspect that the modern John Deere tractors are just as nice as the one I own.
Speaking of quality... let's talk about the mid-PTO kit.
I opened the kit (see the attached pictures), set out the parts, and read through the instructions step by step. I took my time taking everything apart and adding the kit, and I finished in about 7 hours. Every part fit perfectly and the instructions were very good. When I finished, I tested the PTO and it worked perfectly. I could not be happier.
Interestingly, I find myself looking forward to jobs I once dreaded because of the manual labor. Like putting up a pasture fence. Hmmmm... I think I need to find an auger now
Joe
