Evaluating a John Deere 750B Dozer Restoration and Purchase

[MikePhua]

The 750B’s Place in John Deere’s Dozer Legacy
The John Deere 750B was introduced in the late 1980s as part of Deere’s second-generation crawler dozer lineup. Built to bridge the gap between mid-sized and heavy-duty machines, the 750B featured a six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing around 155 horsepower, hydrostatic drive, and a robust undercarriage designed for forestry, grading, and site prep. Deere’s dozer series, including the 650, 750, and 850 models, gained traction in North America for their reliability and parts support.
Though production of the 750B ended in the mid-1990s, thousands of units were sold, and many remain in service today. However, purchasing one that’s been idle for nearly two decades requires a careful blend of mechanical insight, financial realism, and a clear-eyed view of restoration scope.
Hydraulic System Vulnerabilities and Field Repairs
One of the first issues encountered in long-dormant machines like the 750B is hydraulic system degradation. In this case, corrosion had eaten through a half-inch steel hydraulic line located at the bottom of the system between the dual drive pumps. When fluid was added, it immediately began leaking—revealing pinhole damage likely caused by moisture and time.
Replacing the steel line with a hydraulic hose is a practical workaround, especially for testing purposes. However, long-term reliability depends on:

• Using high-pressure-rated hose with crimped ends
  
• Ensuring proper routing to avoid abrasion or kinking
  
• Flushing the system to remove air and contaminants
  
• Monitoring fluid levels and pressure after startup
  

Before running the machine under load, it’s wise to let the system sit pressurized for several hours to allow trapped air to escape and fluid to settle into the pumps and motors.
Scrap Value vs. Market Reality
The seller claimed a local scrapper offered $6,500 for the machine, implying a premium over typical scrap rates. However, this figure raised eyebrows. Scrap steel typically trades around $0.07–$0.15 per pound, and a 750B weighs approximately 35,000 lbs. At best, that equates to $2,450–$5,250, and that’s before factoring in transport, disassembly, and fluid disposal.
Scrap buyers rarely pay full weight value for intact machines due to:

• Labor required to break down components
  
• Environmental regulations around oil and coolant
  
• Transportation costs for oversized loads
  

In reality, most scrappers would offer closer to $2,000–$3,000 for a non-running dozer. Salvage yards that specialize in parting out machines might pay more, but only if the unit has rare or in-demand components.
Assessing the Purchase Price and Restoration Scope
The asking price of $6,000 for a non-running 750B is high unless the buyer has access to parts, labor, and diagnostic tools. Restoration costs can quickly exceed the purchase price, especially if major systems are compromised.
Key areas to inspect before committing:

• Engine compression and oil condition
  
• Transmission response and hydrostatic drive integrity
  
• Undercarriage wear (track chains, rollers, sprockets)
  
• Electrical system and starter functionality
  
• Blade hydraulics and cylinder seals
  

If the machine starts and moves under its own power, the risk drops significantly. But if it remains dormant, the buyer must budget for:

• New batteries and starter motor
  
• Hydraulic pump rebuild or replacement
  
• Track tensioning and bushing replacement
  
• Cooling system flush and radiator inspection
  

A conservative restoration estimate for a dormant 750B ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on labor and parts sourcing.
Historical Value and Collector Appeal
While the 750B isn’t considered a collector’s item, it holds value for operators who appreciate mechanical simplicity and rugged construction. Unlike newer machines with complex electronics, the 750B can be serviced with basic tools and mechanical knowledge.
In rural areas, these machines are often used for clearing land, building trails, or maintaining farm roads. For a buyer with welding skills and a parts network, the 750B can be a rewarding project—especially if purchased below scrap value.
Negotiation Strategy and Purchase Advice
If considering a purchase, use the following approach:

• Reference actual scrap rates and weight-based calculations
  
• Offer below scrap value unless the machine runs
  
• Request a compression test or cold crank demo
  
• Factor in transport costs and storage logistics
  
• Document all known issues and estimate repair costs
  

A fair offer for a non-running 750B with visible hydraulic damage and unknown engine condition would be $2,500–$3,500. If the seller insists on $6,000, they should demonstrate that the machine starts, moves, and has functional hydraulics.
Conclusion
The John Deere 750B is a capable and respected dozer, but purchasing one that’s been idle for nearly 20 years is a gamble. Between hydraulic leaks, uncertain engine health, and inflated scrap claims, the buyer must tread carefully. With the right skills and realistic expectations, it can be a worthwhile project—but only if the price reflects the risk.
In the world of yellow iron, sentiment and steel often collide. The key is knowing when you’re buying a machine—and when you’re buying a story.