John Deere 80

Again, I realize that this is a tricky subject and most people don't like to comment. An opinion must be taken for what it is, and I appreciate any thoughts.

If you had the chance to run it on a dyno it would be well worth the trouble. Ours was running only about 45-50 horse when I first brought it home. Keep in mind that this was a tractor that started very well when we test drove it evan though it was sitting in a snowbank in Wisconsin on a cold February night and had not been plugged in. While dynoing it a temp gun was able to tell us alot, also, because one side of the head and exhaust manifold was 150 degree's cooler than the other. We were guessing fuel problems, disconeccted one high pressure line which made almost no differance in power. Disconnected the other, the tractor could barely idle any more. invested $600 in new pumps and tips and now have 80 horse at the PTO.

I've spent a lot more on the tractor since then but that is because I would like to restore it some day. Brandon's estimate of $4-6000 sounds very fair to me for the tractor you describe, but a dyno run can always tell you more.

Hope I was a help, Alan

How'd it sound after you got it running good on two cylinders? My 80 sure sounded funny once after changing the fuel filters...had to pull start and it was running on 1 1/2 for a few seconds!

Brandon

Alan:)

The major points to look at:
--Does the pony run good, and crank the diesel on full compression
--Good Tires
--If it has powersteering does it act OK
--Does the PTO turn under a load (my PTO turns without a load, but stops when you try to do something with it, needs clutches, and will probably be a $200+ project
--Any tranny noises

In my opinion (of course) the tractor you describe could be worth $4000 and up probably around $6000?

So far I've "invested" nearly $7400 (including purchase) in the tractor. I still need to open up the pony. The tractor transmission makes lots of noise (but I don't want to go there). I have a diary of the stuff I've done to the tractor, including a List of the various costs HERE There is more basic model 80 information there as well.

Good luck! 80s are great tractors!
Brandon
My Industrial John Deere website
John Deere Diesels
The LaGrange Engine Club

Getting it locally is probably best. They always do seem cheaper out of state, but if you figure cost of shipping that heavy beast to you, it isn't cheaper anymore! Besides, locally you can study it as much as you want before buying. After driving 1000 miles to take a look, you probably won't want to look then "Think about it"!

I managed to find my 80 about 5 miles away! I haven't seen many 80s locally. Only about 3 including mine. At one of the bigger JD shows in Ohio, there may have been five.

How is the tractor for lights and gauges? Those little things can add up as well.

Good luck!
Brandon