Reviving the John Deere 700 Dozer: A Legacy Machine in the Modern Age

[MikePhua]

Introduction to the John Deere 700
The John Deere 700 series crawler dozers have long stood as a symbol of reliability, particularly in mid-sized earthmoving operations. Designed for both grading and pushing applications, the JD 700 was a notable development in John Deere's construction lineup. Originally introduced in the late 1960s and evolving through several generations, this machine bridges the gap between compact dozers and larger, more aggressive earthmovers. While not as massive as a D8 or Komatsu 85EX, the JD 700 offered a practical balance of power, maneuverability, and serviceability.
Mechanical Characteristics of the JD 700
Early models of the John Deere 700 were powered by naturally aspirated John Deere diesel engines, typically the 6-cylinder 6404 series. These engines were widely praised for their simplicity and long-term durability. Key features included:

• Displacement: Around 6.6 liters
  
• Horsepower: Approximately 95 to 105 HP, depending on year and configuration
  
• Transmission: Powershift or manual with torque converter, depending on options
  
• Undercarriage: Standard six-roller track frame
  
• Weight: Roughly 17,000–19,000 lbs, dry
  

Though rudimentary by modern standards, these machines were built to take a beating. They were designed before the era of electronics and sensors—everything was mechanical, rebuildable, and field-serviceable.
Challenges of Owning an Older Machine
Owning a vintage dozer like the JD 700 comes with both pride and challenges. Many are drawn to these machines for their affordability and mechanical simplicity. However, parts availability can be limited, and some components—especially proprietary John Deere transmission internals—can be difficult to source.
A common issue that arises with these older units is transmission responsiveness. Operators often report delayed shifting or loss of movement in one direction. These symptoms can stem from:

• Low hydraulic pressure in the torque converter
  
• Worn clutch packs
  
• Damaged control valve spool
  
• Incorrect fluid specification or contamination
  

Some field fixes include adjusting linkage or replacing tired or cracked hoses. But when a powershift transmission fails entirely, options are limited: rebuild the unit (expensive and labor-intensive), find a donor machine (rare), or part the machine out.
Hydraulic and Steering Considerations
The JD 700 used an early hydraulic system for both blade lift and tilt. Steering was handled via mechanical clutches and brakes—a system that, when maintained, offered excellent tactile feedback. However, years of use and improper adjustments could lead to:

• Slipping steering clutches
  
• Unresponsive left or right control lever
  
• Brake drag or lock-up
  

In one case, a dozer was experiencing full loss of right-side movement. After investigation, the issue was traced not to the clutch itself, but to a seized throwout bearing and a misadjusted linkage. It’s a reminder that simple systems still require precise calibration.
Blade and Application Versatility
The John Deere 700 was commonly fitted with:

• Straight blades (S-blades) for fine grading
  
• Angle blades (A-blades) for side casting and slope work
  
• Six-way PAT blades (Power-Angle-Tilt) on later versions or modified units
  

While it wasn’t built to rip deep rock like a CAT D8, the JD 700 was highly effective on:

• Roadbuilding and forestry trails
  
• Farm pond excavation
  
• Utility right-of-way clearing
  
• Pushing fill for land development
  

Its size made it trailer-friendly and usable on tighter jobsites. One forestry contractor recounted how his JD 700 was his go-to machine for cutting access roads through Appalachian hardwood forests. Its light footprint reduced soil disturbance, and the manual controls never froze up in winter.
Parts Hunting and Repair Strategies
As with many vintage machines, sourcing parts becomes a critical aspect of ownership. Strategies include:

• Salvage yards: Regional yards often carry JD 700 parts from retired units
  
• Online vintage tractor forums: Many community members share leads on surplus
  
• Fabrication: Some owners opt to rebuild or machine bushings, bearings, or linkage parts
  
• Aftermarket suppliers: Limited but available, particularly for undercarriage parts
  

Owners often become part-mechanic, part-detective. In one documented case, an owner fabricated his own hydraulic cylinder seals using material kits when replacements were unavailable. Another successfully converted his steering clutch linkage to use sealed rod ends after OEM ones failed repeatedly.
Operator Experience and Cab Environment
The JD 700 featured an open ROPS (Roll Over Protection Structure) design, though some later models came with enclosed cabs or aftermarket enclosures. The operator station was intentionally minimal:

• Manual lever controls
  
• Analog temperature and oil pressure gauges
  
• Steel seat with basic padding
  

While modern operators might scoff at the lack of ergonomics or climate control, many veterans appreciate the tactile connection. One user put it this way: “You feel every move the machine makes, and that’s how you know it’s working right.”
Legacy and Lessons
The John Deere 700 may no longer be a production model, but its legacy lives on through restorations, small fleet operations, and die-hard fans. These machines were built in an era when durability outweighed software updates, and their continued operation is a testament to practical design.
From forestry operations in Vermont to drainage jobs in Mississippi, the JD 700 has carved its place in the dirt of America’s backroads and jobsites. Owning one today is not just about cost-effective grading—it’s about preserving a mechanical tradition.
For those considering operating or restoring a John Deere 700, the key takeaways are:

• Learn the systems—there’s no computer to diagnose problems
  
• Source parts creatively and be ready to fabricate
  
• Adjust regularly—linkage, brakes, and clutches all require attention
  
• Respect the machine—it may be old, but it was built to work, not to fail
  

Conclusion
The John Deere 700 dozer represents a durable and honest era in heavy equipment. Though modern machinery has surpassed it in comfort and tech, the JD 700 remains a beloved tool for those who value simplicity, toughness, and mechanical integrity. Whether clearing timber roads or reshaping farmland, this machine continues to prove that even decades-old iron can still move the earth.