1955 John Deere 70 Diesel

Chesterton angelo · Oct 5, 2017

Need a little advice. Wnat would be a fair price for a 1955 70 Diesel? I know of one for sale for 3900. I think that is a little steep? Any thoughts?

Dan in Ohio · Oct 5, 2017

That would be in my price range but consider these factors; good tires, PS that works, 3pt, paint condition , stored inside, flywheel type, cranking engine operation, live pto, fuel tank&sediment bowl clean, crankshaft end play, working lights, clutch operation, radiator leaks, barn find or collector owned, wheel weights, starts easily, wide or narrow front. Bottom line is you need to get some hands on time with this one, do not take someones word as you know from reading this forum nice sheet metal could mean it only rolled over twice when driven in the ditch. LOL

Blksmok · Oct 5, 2017

Hard to tell without seeing pics of the tractor and having detail info. Biggest factors,IMHO, are the style of front end, condition of the rear tires/rims, condition of the pony engine, has it has/had transmission issues (3rd gear) or crankshaft/flywheel issues, condition of sheet metal and what cosmetic items (steering wheel, seat cushions, grill screens,gauges,etc) are needed. You'll be surprised how fast you can spend money on a 70 diesels that "just needs TLC". Personally if it had/has transmission or crankshaft/ flywheel issues that's a deal breaker. There's plenty of them available that don't have those issues. If the main diesel engine has any signs of wet/oily residue in the exhaust system (diesel slobber) that's an indication the engine may need attention ($$$).

John Deere D · Oct 5, 2017

My neighbour has a JD 70 Diesel he ended up with on a trade....valued at $3500.00. No 3 point, starting motor not running,(neighbour installed a direct electric start from a spare parts JD 70) tires 50%, tin looks great. He placed the machine in the field, and at around 35 hrs. running time the head gasket started to leak compression into the cooling system. I was asked to investigate problem, dismantle and give an estimate of repair cost.

I discovered their was NO functioning coolant temperature gauge, as well, all valves in the head were so badly pounded into the head there was no margin left on the valves. Thermostat was found to be faulty, stuck open(pictures before machine shop work)

The head was reworked, assembled to tractor, final cost for parts and my labour was $3000.00.

A JD 70 Diesel can look GREAT or look like a piece of HORSE DUNG. Buyer, ask lots of question and run Tractor before purchasing.

Bob...

1955 John Deere 70 Diesel

Chesterton angelo

Member

Dan in Ohio

Well-known Member

Blksmok

Member

John Deere D

Well-known Member

Similar threads