John Deere 70 Tractor
The John Deere 70 is a powerful late two-cylinder row-crop tractor with roughly 45.6 tested drawbar hp in its highest-tested configuration. It suits vintage tillage, belt work, and collectors seeking a larger successor to the Model G.
John Deere 70 specifications
| Production years | 1953-1956 |
|---|---|
| Engine | John Deere 6.2 L liquid-cooled 2-cylinder petrol engine |
| Power | 50.35 hp claimed belt; 45.60 hp tested drawbar |
| Transmission | 6F/1R unsynchronized gear |
| Weight approx. | 2,965 kg petrol operating weight |
| Fuel type | Petrol, all-fuel, LP gas, or diesel |
| PTO | 540 rpm transmission PTO; independent PTO optional |
| Drive | Two-wheel drive |
What the 70 is used for
The row-crop 70 is suitable for vintage ploughing, pulling appropriate drawbar implements, belt work, and heavy chores for a classic tractor. Its size and output place it above the John Deere 50, while its six-speed gearbox gives useful range selection.
Different fuel versions have meaningful mechanical differences, especially the 70D diesel with its petrol starting engine. Use the tractor within vintage-equipment limits and plan for manual controls, an open operator station, and a non-live PTO unless the optional independent unit is installed.
Why the John Deere 70 stands out
John Deere offered the 70 as row-crop, high-crop, standard-tread, petrol, all-fuel, LP-gas, and diesel versions. It retained the characteristic two-cylinder layout while adding late-era features such as optional power steering and optional independent PTO.
Buying a used John Deere 70
Establish the exact variant first, particularly whether it is a petrol, all-fuel, LP-gas, or 70D diesel tractor. For a 70D, inspect the pony starting engine and its controls as closely as the diesel engine. On any 70, test the clutch, six-speed gearbox, steering, brakes, PTO configuration, and hydraulic operation before purchase.
John Deere 70 frequently asked questions
What engine choices were offered in the John Deere 70?
The row-crop 70 was offered with petrol, all-fuel, LP-gas, and diesel two-cylinder engines.
How much does a John Deere 70 weigh?
The petrol row-crop model has a listed operating weight of about 2,965 kg; the diesel is about 3,210 kg.
Was independent PTO standard on the John Deere 70?
No. The 540 rpm independent PTO was optional; transmission PTO was standard.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Used tractor values vary by condition and region. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.