JD 970
Member
Hi Gang,
This past week I finished outfitting my 1994 John Deere 970 with my first attachments: An MX5 cutter and an H165 front end loader. While I was at my local John Deere dealership, I realized that for the money I invested in a 1994 970 with 165 hours on it ($12,900), a new FEL ($5,000) and a new cutter ($2700), I could have had a brand new 3xxx series tractor. A used implement reseller here in NC told me I sunk WAY too much money into this tractor, and I suppose he could be right... but I am extremely happy with my decision. I like the MFWD 970 as much or more as I like any new 3xxx or 4xxx tractor and while there is risk involved in purchasing any used tractor over a new one (if for no other reason than the warranty), ultimately I saved a little money over purchasing an equivalent tractor new. I had the added benefit of doing all the maintenance on the used tractor and in the process, learned quite a bit about how they work. I still have lots to learn (especially on the hydraulics), but I love to learn. I still need to digitize the 970 service manual I purchased so I can actually read the thing on my iPad.
Anyway... I thought I would show all of you the finished product. You'll find the pictures of my 970 (without attachments) and my purchase story in another thread in this section. I really appreciate all the help everyone has been here.
Joe
This past week I finished outfitting my 1994 John Deere 970 with my first attachments: An MX5 cutter and an H165 front end loader. While I was at my local John Deere dealership, I realized that for the money I invested in a 1994 970 with 165 hours on it ($12,900), a new FEL ($5,000) and a new cutter ($2700), I could have had a brand new 3xxx series tractor. A used implement reseller here in NC told me I sunk WAY too much money into this tractor, and I suppose he could be right... but I am extremely happy with my decision. I like the MFWD 970 as much or more as I like any new 3xxx or 4xxx tractor and while there is risk involved in purchasing any used tractor over a new one (if for no other reason than the warranty), ultimately I saved a little money over purchasing an equivalent tractor new. I had the added benefit of doing all the maintenance on the used tractor and in the process, learned quite a bit about how they work. I still have lots to learn (especially on the hydraulics), but I love to learn. I still need to digitize the 970 service manual I purchased so I can actually read the thing on my iPad.
Anyway... I thought I would show all of you the finished product. You'll find the pictures of my 970 (without attachments) and my purchase story in another thread in this section. I really appreciate all the help everyone has been here.
Joe
