970 or 1070

[elkcagg]

I don"t know much about these tractors. I was looking at something to be a good "fit" for round baling. What"s the better transmission, the PS or standard syncro? I"ve noticed a few for sale pretty cheap but PS issues. Something to stay clear of? Is the 970 easier on fuel or really no difference with the hp gain? Which one is better for finding parts for? 1000 rpm shaft also?
 

[Adirondack case guy]

The 9/1070 tractors are the same except the engines. 401cu.in. 970 and 451 in 1070. They both have 540/1000RPM PTOs the 8spd is not a syncro, and can be a bit mean to shift. The PS tranny is a 4spt with 3 on-the go shifts, plus a shuttle reverse. Offering 12 speeds forward, and 3 reverses (4th reverse locked out on newer tractors) The 970 was extreamly good on fuel, and has plenty of weight and power to handle a round baler even on hills. Power shift problems were minimal, if proper maintainance was done on the tranny. One thing that caused problems in the PS valve and thus clutch packs, was when an owner changed the PS filter he didn't realize there was a cold oil relief, (seperate part) that often ended up in the bottom of the drain bucket, and wasn't reinstalled in the new filter, thus the new filter did not filter the oil flowing to the control valve. Other than that they were more dependable than other brands of their size.
Loren
 

[mEl]

ACG has covered the RPS issue very well, I have seen the first series powershifts go in excess of 7000 hrs with NO problems and get weary of seeing an excellent transmission maligned as it is on here at times.

The relief valve issue he mentioned happened all to often and allowed unfiltered oil to flow unimpeded into the RPS valve and become imbedded in the pilot spool bores causing sticking which if not corrected led to burnt and warped plates in the clutches, but that is just plain servicing stupidity. Later RPS unit were redesigned for even more reliability.

Some C2-C3 bolt breakage was experienced but proper assembly on a rebuild all but assured no further problems in that area.

Much has been said about the jerkiness of the RPS but anyone who has run a JD powershift would not complain about the Case's smoothness, I ran a 3020 PS and certain range shifts would bring the front wheels up .

Just my two cents and I was there through all the years these were sold and admittedly have done dozens over in my lifetime. I have more than a theoretical book knowledge. I still love the RPS.

mEl
 

[2290]

I agree with mEl they are a good transmission. But I would try find a white 970 or 1070 they are easier to work on especially the RPS transmission.

Marlin1
 

[Adirondack case guy]

Marlin,
I don't see where you are coming from on easier to work on Still the same configuration (control valve on top of tranny, acess through floor board in cab or open station.) Tranny cover under PS valve needs to be removed like early 70series.) The side mounted PS control valve was only on 12-15070s and incorperated in the 90series. The 7&870s were the real bears to work on, because the platrorm mounts were shorter, (only 4 cylinders under the hood). No room to get to the bellhousing bolts and limited space to work the trans cover up and out with the shifting forks sticking down, and even harder to reinstall them. BTDT many times.
Loren
 

[mEl]

[Brokengun]

Both tractors would be more than enough to pull a big Round baler.

The only thing that I want to add to the comments of the others is this; if you do buy a 970 or 1070 for god sakes use only Case oil in the transmission.

Hytran Ultra maybe the best oil of its type on the market.

I bought a very cherry 1370 about 6 years ago and made the mistake of changing oil to a brand that i use in my 930 tractors.
(All I was wanting to do was have a local source for oil)

The oil was supposed to be a top grade oil.

In the end the oil eat the glue from every fiber disc in the tractor.

It was a night-mare.

A man on this board Agri-King helped me on another issue with that tractor while I was splitting it to repair the ALL of the fiber discs, so I know first hand the quality of advise that you can get from this site.

My suggestion is to go ahead and make the best deal on a Case that you can find and enjoy one of the best tractors ever made.