what to do?

[Zeus1]

Hi guys. I have a few questions and dont know if it is worth my time or not. There is an old john deere tractor in a pasture near where i live and am trying to deside if it is worth trying to buy or just let it lay and rust. It has been sitting for quite a few years. I do not know anything anout the tractor or its size. Just looking it looks to be somewhere around a 70's model tractor, mabe a 30 hp. Any thoughts or concerns as to what to check and watch out for. Attached is a photo of the tractor in the pasture. Thanks for any help.

 

[beenthere]

Zeus1
Looks like a Herford calf to me. Don't see a tractor.

Might be able to identify it if.............

 

[murphy1244]

st try slowing down when taking pictures... Restoring is always fun..:licking:

 

[Henri88]

I would just eat the tractor.

Try to ride-it first. Now why does this sounds weird? :laughing:

 

[jenkinsph]

Zeus 1,
Try to get us another picture with a camera if you can and we will all try to help.

Might want to stop by and inquire about the tractor, never hurts to ask.

 

[Zeus1]

I am trying to find out any information i can on who owns the tractor. It mite turn into one of thoes come and haul it off for me deals. The land owner has one big mean bull that was in the pasture and I didnt feel like getting in a real bad spot trying to look so i drove on off, when I snaped the photo. Its just up the road from my house so I look at it almost everyday. Mabe next week I can catch the land owner again. From what I saw, it doesnt look any worse than the ford 1700 I got out of a pasture earlier this year. Anything to watch out for on thoes old 70's model tractors?

 

[beenthere]

How can you tell it is a 70's model? or even a '70's year?

Getting your questions, but nothing to go on to give you answers.

 

[Zeus1]

Well, the front grill, or lack there of is what I am going off of. I do believe its a jd 830, somewhere around a 73 year model or so. Thats about what it looks like. I will get some photos soon to post, hopefully after i get it home!

 

[greg_g]

Isn't that a ROPS on it? Or is that just one of those steel shelters? If it's a ROPS, factory installed didn't become common till about 1985 - did they? And if it's an after-market ROPS I don't think I'd gamble. Some of them weren't too safe.

The original JD830 by the way, was a 75 hp thumper (two cylinder) from about '58 to '61. The second generation 830 was a 35 hp three cylinder around '73-'75

//greg//

 

[jenkinsph]

If it is early 70's might be an 820, mine is the last year for these and is a 1973. I added the new style Deere canopy and rops, I restored this tractor in 1997 IIRC.

Does it look like this?

 

[Zeus1]

That looks very close to the tractor. It does have a canopy already, and from what I remember as a kid it always has. All the tires are flat and would have to be replaced. After sitting for so long, do I even dare to try ro crank? My old Ford had sat for a few years. After i got the red wasps out and a hot battery it fired right up and runs pretty good. Its just alittle lite for some of the tasks I need it for. Thanks for the photos. You have a nice lookin tractor!

 

[Zeus1]

Jenkinsph, is that an i.d. tag rite there on the rite side above the front axle in your picture? If it is then I will know where to go look for some information.

 

[jenkinsph]

Jenkinsph, is that an i.d. tag rite there on the rite side above the front axle in your picture? If it is then I will know where to go look for some information.

Yes, the id tag is what you are seeing above the axle.

 

[jenkinsph]

About the engine, if it has been setting for several years I don't think it would be wise to turn it over without pulling injectors and oiling the cylinders first. I would want to turn the engine by hand before using the starter. It would also be a good idea to verify that the clutch isn't stuck too, there is an inspection plate on the left side to see inside the clutch housing.

What happened to the tractor to allow it to sit without use? That would be my first question.

FWIW, I paid $3500 for mine back in '97 with a bad clutch, sunburned paint and cracked tires. Only 1200+ hours on the machine and very little detectable wear on hitch and drawbar. The prior owner was ill for some time and this tractor simply sat outside in the weather with only occasional use.

i split the tractor and installed a new clutch kit and waterpump kit, rode it to the tire shop and put new tires on it. A few months later I took it apart and reworked it with new battery, steering wheel, new lighting and wiring harness (home made) cleaned and painted everything after taking apart then reassembled. Looked brand new and I was very happy with it. With everything all totaled I have spent about $7000 on it and have used it for 14 years now, I am very satisfied with the cost/use ratio so far.

 

[Zeus1]

Thanks for the information. I plan to stop by there again if not today, one day next week. I will let yall know what comes of it. I guess I could show back up at his house with a trailer and a come-a-long and some cash, he probably wont refuse!