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Nice buy Tony. I think the 790 and 870 are very similar in function and size. From my simple evaluation (based on general experience as opposed to tractor experience), with either of these models you are investing in steel and horsepower as opposed to lots of gimmicks found in the more feature laden models. The "gimmicks" are likely useful when tractors are used commercially but are not always a good return on investment for the occassional user on a tight budget. (Besides its fun to shift the gears etc.)

JD 870 - good first tractor
John Deere Tractors
Replies 12 Post by EdC

Thank You, I will place the order tomorrow. The shop that did the 500 hr service on this tractor (not a JD dealer) decided that the valve adjustment, changing hydraulic oil, FWD drive oil change, were not needed (based on his experience of doing many in the past). An interesting view, I am concerned about not following the Deere instructions to the letter?? Any comments from the forum?

JD Manuals
John Deere Tractors
Replies 8 Post by EdC

Thanks, I'll do that. I'm not sure if it is worth spending much money on as the total panel is likely the part that would be bad and that would be big $$$'s. The tach and hour meter work fine.

JD870 Temp and Fuel Gauges
John Deere Tractors
Replies 6 Post by EdC

We have spun into engine technology which may be irrelavent in the tractor purchase decision, but it is fun. The vibration characteristics should be the same for diesel or gas -- the important thing is 2 vs 4 cycle. In a 4 cycle 4 cylinder engine there is a power stroke every 180 degress of rotation. This divides evenly into the 360 degrees of rotation so the power stroke impulses continue to enhance the vibration and have to somehow be compensated for. In a 3 cylinder engine there is a power stroke every 240 degrees and being it does not divide evenly into the 360 degrees of rotation it happens at a different rotational point each time and does not reinforce the vibration impulses -- it smoothes them.
All aircraft radial engines were an odd number of cylinders for this reason as vibration caused metal fatigue. Some that seem to to have an even number (like 18) were actually two "odd number radials" attached together. However, most of these Kubota's are land locked.

4 cyl vs 3 cyl diesel
Kubota Tractors
Replies 22 Post by EdC