"Old School" JD's... (eg, JD750, etc)

[wmgeorge]

You are correct that the 50 series are old school as far as CUT's are concerned. The 850 and 950 were the first compact models JD introduced. 1978 I believe. The 650 and 750 followed shortly afterward and the 1050 was last. (1250 and 1450 were about the same time, but they are a little large to be considered CUT's) And yes, the 50 series were all built by yanmar for John Deere. All great tractors. Have seen a few with over 10,000 hours and still going strong.

I have a JD650 with 1275 HRs on it. It is 4 speed gear box and two speed Hi - Lo selection. It came used with a #67 loader and I built a small 3pt. backhoe attachment. Built very heavy duty. The only thing I'd wish for was a little more HP and hydrostatic, other than that I love its simplicity and it looks like a "real" tractor.

 

[JD950]

I have a 86' JD950, purchased used, with original FEL and BH. At 970hrs it is going strong. I went used over new for the usual reason of price. I have not been disappointed with that decision having had great service out of this machine with very few maintenance expenses. Having run much larger farm tractors for years I was apprehensive about the capabilities of a CUT. The 950 has set my mind at ease in that regard at every opportunity. The only complaint I do have is the stabilizer arms on the BH are not built rugged enough. From the looks of the newer models this has been corrected. Good luck with your search.