Deere 720 - 730 Diesels

Bill VA · Nov 23, 2014

I've always known, seen and heard 2 cylinder John Deere tractors. Never really knew they made a diesel in the 2 cylinder configuration.

One of these days, I'd like to make a refurb project of a 2 cylinder JD. I'd like live PTO, 3 point hitch and power steering as the tractor would also be a worker too.

So what's the skinny on the 2 cylinder diesels used in the 720 - 730 tractors? Easy to work-on, service or rebuild? What's the good, bad and ugly with regard to these engines?

Or should I stick with a gas 2 cylinder tractor?

Thanks,
Bill

Carlyle hoffman · Nov 23, 2014

If you are a MILLION AIR they are a good way to LAUNDER money.

coonie minnie · Nov 23, 2014

They are really nice tractors; however, if they need rebuilding, they get expensive in a big hurry.

In their day, they were king. It was during the period of the 730 (about 1959) that Deere surpassed IH in tractor sales- that should say something. They were fuel mizers, with economy that wasn't bested until the late 80's. And they'd work hard all day long.

And that was their downfall. Most have been worked for a long time, and need a total rebuild. There have been several posts here in the past few weeks in regards to this.

If you want one, buy the best you can afford. Odds are it will be the cheapest in the long run.

David G · Nov 23, 2014

Great tractor, but EXPENSIVE to work on. A new generation JD Diesel will be cheaper to own, have more features and be easier to use.

Get a 4020 Diesel, most useful tractor ever built in my opinion.

730 virgil · Nov 23, 2014

i had a 730 diesel i loved the tractor worked great UNTIL the governor flew apart.
over revved fly wheel broke.
i got a different flywheel a friend put it on tractor which didn't solve my problems.
mechanic told me well you have either a scored piston or cylinder or a bent rod either way is going to be costly fix. 3500 to 4000 grand if you're lucky.
i sold the 730 and bought an oliver 88 for few dollars more that i got for 730

Bill VA · Nov 27, 2014

Thanks everyone for your comments!

Sounds like a 720-730 can be a very expensive tractor to own - yikes!!!!!

Bill

buickanddeere · Nov 28, 2014

It's not that it's a 70/720/730. It's that it was worked hard it's entire life and had patch repairs to keep it going after it was completely worn out.

Deere 720 - 730 Diesels

Bill VA

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Carlyle hoffman

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coonie minnie

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David G

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730 virgil

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Bill VA

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buickanddeere

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