JD 770

[tlbuser]

My neighbor inherited a late 90's 770 w/70A loader. How in the heck do you get the stupid hood to open. Found what we thought to be the hood latch (L shaped) on the front right side of engine bay, behind light shroud. Pull it out, but can't lift hood from front or rear No other latching devices to be seen under all the fiberglass and tin. Help!

 

[RobS]

You found the lever, might just need a firmer tug? It pulls straight out to the side of the tractor. The hood opens from the front (hinged at rear). The front grill will pull down and maybe you can have a look at the latch from there?

 

[tlbuser]

Thanks

There's the hitch, pulled the lever ~2 inches out, nothing will "pop open". Didn't want to pry on anything too much without knowing for sure.

Will the headlight assembly tilt forward without opening the hood?

 

[RobS]

The headlight assembly doesn't move, only the mesh grill below it. And yes, you can pull it out/down with the hood closed. The grill isn't really hinged, a couple of springs hold it in place.

It's all the same as my 790. If I can help by looking at my tractor when I get home, I'd be happy to. Does it help to push down on the hood while pulling the relase lever? I can't remember exactly but I think I've had similar problems though not as severe.

 

[tlbuser]

Does it help to push down on the hood while pulling the relase lever? I can't remember exactly but I think I've had similar problems though not as severe.

No, I tried that (don't all chevy owners know that trick?) I'm wondering if there is some foam weatherstripping that's maybe keeping it "glued" together?

It's one of those stupid little things that always happen at the worst time!! We went and picked up the tractor Saturday from his uncle's house. Started fine, loaded it up, got home (mine, not his) unloaded then played with for awhile. Nice power, everything ok, neat new toy (1100 hrs.) Sunday evening, he comes over to drive his tractor to his place and no start, weak battery Now, we can't get the stupid hood open to check the battery/wires and it's supposed to snow and ice 1-6" starting late tonight.

Care to guess who's upset ???

P.S. His uncle gave him the tractor because he didn't have too much use for it anymore. Was a gift on 2 conditions - keep the driveway up to snuff and plow his spring garden
Which looks like I'll end up doing until we get the hood open!

 

[RobS]

Hey, no problem! The battery is accessible from the mesh grill in front, not under the hood. You very well may find badly corroded terminals, a common problem on these models.

 

[tlbuser]

Pried the hood open last night (determination at this point ) There was some weatherstripping type stuff holding it down. Everything, nice and clean underneath though! Terminals and cables all in good shape. Load tested battery - no go. It is now sporting a Optima battery.

One of my buddies has a 60"MMM from his 790 series tractor that is available for a really good price. What are the odds it'll fit without having to get new linkages? Mid PTO already installed.

 

[RobS]

Excellent! The mower should go right on. I know nothing of the MMM but I'd look on the "donor" tractor for any brackets that may have to transfer over. What tires?

 

[em14]

Don't you need to have a middle PTO to use the MMM and does this tractor have that. I think you should vist the local John Deere Dealer and talk to them about your thoughts. And if if the tractor is 4 wheel drive I don't think it can use a MMM can it?
Leo

 

[tlbuser]

Excellent! The mower should go right on. I know nothing of the MMM but I'd look on the "donor" tractor for any brackets that may have to transfer over. What tires?

The 770 has turfs. The donor 790 had turfs and they had the dealer switch to an R1 when the loader got installed. With the R1's on, the MMM won't clear the tires, so he bought a 3 pt. mower. Currently, the old MMM is just sitting outside, unwanted.