Go BottomVery happy with my JD770
 | Fitch
Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 23 Southern California High Desert 
|
2002-07-05 40069
Reading about the 4x00 series problems makes me want to say how pleased I am with my JD770. It has about 300 hours on it now - not a lot to be sure but enough to have seen most of the teething problems. It was a leased machine (had 143 hours on it - vinyard service - came with new warranty but very nice price reduction) that I bought from South Kern Machinery just off the 58 in Bakersfield. Tractor was like new except for paint wear where the operators feet were.
The only problems I've had were:
1) a wimpy rubber hose that was deteriorating and breaking on the differential housing vent behind the seat. I replaced it with a piece of fuel line from the local autoparts store held in place with a screw type clamp. Problem solved.
2) Two weeks ago, the OEM battery seemed to be getting weaker and weaker - if I used the glow plugs the tractor would hardly crank - it still always started, just cranking slower than usual. Battery water right where it is supposed to be, only distilled water used. I like to replace batteries before they die, then I can do it when it is convenient for me. The manual says it needs a 447 CCA battery. Charging current and voltage were normal - measured with a FLUKE 36. Tested the battery with my Midtronics 450 (nice battery tester by the way - bought it used on EBAY) - the CCA measured at 209 - looked like the problem to me. Took the battery to the local autoparts store - they tested it and also found it low on current capability even though it was fully charged and the voltage was just fine (except when cranking of course). I replaced it with an 800 CCA Interstate (same case size and only a few $ more than the right size). Problem solved. Bring on the winter, it will start better than new!
3) The seat seems to want to come apart - seat material comes out from under the seam holding tape (?) around the edge right at the top center of the back of the seat. That is probably due to me putting my hand there when I get on board. I used some fast drying epoxy to fix it a couple of years ago - but it started to come apart again in a couple of years. More epoxy called for I guess. Anyone have a good fix for this problem? I can live with it, but a good fix would sure be welcome.
These all seem pretty trivial compared to what I'm reading about - the 770 forum is quite short - not a lot of problems reported.
I really like the joy stick controls, excellent visibility, responsive hydraulics, convenience of small size in cramped quarters (like manuvering to scoop out pea holes and add dirt in a 12 x 24 horse stall) and the amazing pulling power for its size that the 4WD gives it. I think it will almost pull right with my 2600 Ford other than having less hp.
Based on my experiences with one, I'd have to say that anyone looking for a used compact tractor in the 20hp size range could do a lot worse than a reasonably cared for JD770.
Fitch
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoVery happy with my JD770
| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley 
|
2002-07-06 40084
447 CCA sounds small for a 20hp diesel. I think my Ford 1710 (24 PTO HP) manual calls for 775 CCA battery, and the replacement I put in is closer to 900. It gets cold here, and even with glow-plugs, diesel starters have to spin the engine fast before it'll start. Plenty of CCA's is good anyplace it gets cold. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add Photo
Go Top
Share This