Opinions on 79 JD 850 please

[mach158]

I'm looking at a 79 JD 850 with loader and 1,900 hours. Can be seen here. 1979 JOHN DEERE 850 Less than 40 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com

I need a tractor with loader. A tractor that can handle a 5-6ft brush hog (i forget which size mine is). And since it has a loader 4wd isnt that big of an issue since I can move snow with the loader instead of relying on the 3 pt blade.

I'm just looking for general opinions one this model. Pros and cons basically and if it can handle what I need it for. Other then mowing and blading drive. I would use the loader to clean barns and dig an occasional hole.

Also I already noticed the problem with what appears to be the steering rod. Does anyone know what that will cost to replace?

I plan to go check it out Thursday and give it a detailed inspection. Is their anything I should check for on this model that may be a problem? Also is their anyway to see what kind of life is left in the clutch?

Thanks in advance.

 

[AKfish]

I think you'll be in for a bit of sticker shock when you talk to the dealer about a new tie-rod. Wouldn't surprise me if it's over $200..!

Didn't like the looks of that rust around the valve stem on the rear tire. That's the first place CaCl eats the rims out. Ask if they're filled or ever been filled. You might be lookin' at a pretty spendy rim replacement, too.

Sheet metal looks to be pretty straight. Loader not bad (cylinder seals) and the bucket didn't look too abused, either. (But the pics weren't the most revealing of all angles, etc.)

Put the tractor in high range and 3-4 gear with the loader against a tree or immovable object (someplace where the tractor can jump a bit and not wreck somethin') and get the rpm's up to say 1,300-1,400 and let the clutch out. Tractor should buck and die. If the clutch is iffy; she'll run up a bit and then die.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[deereguy]

From the JD 850 series, I recall some of them didn't have power steering, it was an option. The loader and bucket doesn't appear to be a quick attach, unless I'm missing something. It looks like a decent tractor for the price from the pictures you provided.