My quixotic search for a tractor may be at an end. ;o) I came across a 1990 John Deere 1070 4 WD diesel with a Deere model 80 front end loader with what I'm guessing to be a five foot bucket. It has turf tires, power steering, live PTO, ROPS/seat belt and a category one three point hitch. It has 3570 hours *showing* on the meter and looks to be in very average condition from what I've seen in the rain today. The paint is fair with a few dings, there is a tear in the grille screen and the seat is tearing. Those things don't concern me so much as the uneven wear on the RF tire. It's the result of the wheel being canted in at the bottom so the outside of the tire sustains all the wear. One thing I'd like to know is if that's an adjustable item or, if not, what I'm looking at to fix it. The other big question I have is in regard to putting a snow plow blade on the front. I've seen snow plows on the front of JD tractors but didn't know if they attached to the loader arms or where? Can you operate the power angle on them, too? Does any power angle blade adapt or not?

As to pricing on the tractor, it's listed at $11,900 and I understand it can be had for $10,700 cash. Any thoughts as to the price of the tractor?

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), October 21, 2001

Answers

Ive seen snow blades attached to the front of the bucket,, or to the arms. Not sure about the canter adjustment,, didnt think there was one,, hopefully somthing isnt bent.

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), October 21, 2001.

If there isn't an adjustment, something is definitely bent. Even with the turf tires it's very obvious. I'd guess it's off 10-15 degrees. Sounds like I ought to call the local Deere dealer and run it by them for ideas. I did a search for snow plows online and found some that do attach to loader arms and also have power angle capabilities. Now the only question on the blade deal is if I can adapt/retrofit an older 7 1/2' Western power angle I have to this.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), October 21, 2001.

Gary Try loading the bucket with a heavy load of sand or rock and see if the tires become vertical then. If not there is a big problem. Jay in NC

-- jay vance (jay.l.vance@worldnet.att.net), October 22, 2001.

Isnt 3500hr a bit much on a 10 year old tractor? A quick look at the local shopper/trader rags show JD1070/loader between 12K and $18k depending on year. All had under 1500hrs. Also depending on what your going to do with it, but is turf tires what you need on a tractor?

You can get a snow blade for the 1070, but its a bit expensive. requires you to take the loader off. Better solution is to use a heavy blade handing off the 3pt to push show around.

-- Gary (gws@redbird.net), October 22, 2001.