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G-MAN
06-20-2002 07:46:47
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Re: JD720/730 Followup questions in reply to Gary U. in NJ, 06-20-2002 07:20:08
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I am far from an expert on the late number tractors, but I'll take a stab at your question. First off, there is little difference between the 720 and 730 tractors - they're even shown together in JD's parts books. Engine wise, I believe they are identical and have the same hp, etc. The main differences are cosmetic - with the 30 series steering shaft being under the hood, the steering wheel is at more of an angle, etc. There are some mechanical differences, and a 20/30 series expert can fill you in on those. As far as starting systems, they are not interchangeable without a lot of parts swapping - an entire parts tractor would be the way to go, but a lot of them have already been used for that purpose - to convert to electric start. There are companies making the brackets to convert a pony tractor to electric start. When looking at a tractor with pony start, make sure the pony is in decent condition, as they an be very expensive to rebuild - pistons and rods are very high dollar. Make sure the pony runs well, doesn't smoke excessively, etc. The electrical systems on the electric-start tractors are fairly complicated, so if you're looking at one of those, try to make sure the system is in good shape. If I were buying one, I think I would go for one with pony start, but that's just me. If you want to use it in extremely cold temps, the pony was and still is the best system for starting a diesel, because it allows extended cranking and pre-warming of the main engine. On the rest of the tractor, look at the same things you would look at on any other. Make sure the main engine starts and runs well, doesn't smoke excessively, doesn't slobber oil/fuel out of the exhaust (a good indication that engine work is needed - rings, injectors, etc). Make sure the transmission shifts well, doesn't make excessive noise, etc. Check the operation of the 3 point and PTO. Just generally look to see that the tractor operates as you want it to. Obviously, the 730 diesel is the biggest, most powerful diesel row-crop two banger Deere built, so it's going to be king of the hill, compared to 630/70/60 - plus the 60/620/630 were never available as diesels. The cost of restoration is another matter entirely. You might find one that is in excellent condition for $4500, or one that needs some TLC. Your appraisal of the tractor is going to determine what is a good deal. If you find one that you think is going to need some work (rings, etc) for $4500, and one that seems good and tight for $5000, your best bet would be to drop the extra $500, because you'll put that in the other one easily. With old tractors, it's real hard to say "this is the absolute most I am willing to spend", because you can miss out on some good deals that would cost only a little more in the long run. Unless you really like to tear into something and get greasy (as I do), your best bet is to buy the best one you can find, because it will usually be the cheapest in the long run. I'm a down to the last nut and bolt guy, while some just want a tractor they can paint and put new tires on - to each their own. I don't know of any major problems with shopping for one, as they seem to be fairly plentiful. I've never seen anyone really steal one, because most guys know what they're worth and a big portion of them are still working tractors. Sorry about the long post, but I hope it was of some value.
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