which JD?

[bear]

I have to admit most of my research has been on NH and Kubota. Now I'm informing myself about JD. Here's my need:
I need to finish mow 3-6 acres of flat pasture around fencing and a large barn. I also need to do lots of loader type work in about 8 acres of woods. I'd like to see what tractor you guys recommend. I know what HP I would like, I'm just curious what you have to say. Please be model specific. Include prices if you can.
Thanks

 

[megotatractor]

read my post "2210 review" I got a lot of machine for the dollar. the 2210 should mow my 3.5 acres in no time. the loader is sturdy and powerful. however I would not recommend the mid mower for pasture work though it does reach under fence pretty well. I suspect you might like something a bit larger.

 

[JayC]

What size machine are you thinking about? I'm no expert by any means, but maybe a mid- to large-chassis JD CUT may work? Here are the prices from the JD dealer here. All models listed are 4x4 and hydro (with exception of 4510; not available in hydro)

2210: 23 hp, 210 FEL, 62" mmm; $12,990

4110: 20 hp, 410 FEL, add 60" mmm for $2190; $13,890

4210: 28 hp, 420 FEL, add 60" mmm for $2190; $17,990

4310: 32 hp, 420 FEL, add 72" mmm for $2490; $18,190

4410: 35 hp, 430 FEL, add 72" mmm for $2490; $20,290

4510: 39 hp, 460 FEL, PowerReverser; $21090

4610: 44 hp, 460 FEL; $22,690

4710: 48 hp, 460 FEL; $24,090

The prices in your area will vary. Btw, to others that may see this post, how are the prices? Are they good, bad, room for improvement?

 

[bear]

I have been leaning toward a 30HP. Many people feel a sub 30HP (21-24) tractor will be overworked if doing a lot of mowing with a 60" finish mower. Money is a huge factor because I am starting a horse farm from the ground up. I simply want a tractor that will do a good job. I don't need or want lots of bells or whistles.

 

[zuiko]

I don't see how running a 60" finish mower would be a problem for any CUT or even a sub-CUT. If cheap is what you are after I would consider the 790, 990, or NH TC30. I have a 990 which runs about $15k with the loader (no mid PTO so you'd have to go for a RFM), 40hp. No HST available.

The 790 is a few thousand cheaper, has a mid-PTO available so you can get a MMM, it is 27hp, also gear only.

The NH TC30 is 30hp does have HST available, not sure about MMM and pricing on that but it is considered a budget tractor. It's interesting and worth checking out even if its not green /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

 

[RoyJackson]

"Many people feel a sub 30HP (21-24) tractor will be overworked if doing a lot of mowing with a 60" finish mower."

Unless you've got some pretty steep hills, 16 HP at the PTO will be plenty for a 60" finishing mower. If the grass is more then 6" tall, you may have to slow down just a bit. If it's tall and wet, then you might have a bit of trouble.
I mow just over an acre with a 670 (16 HP@ the PTO) on moderate slopes with no trouble at all. I run a 60" finishing mower. I also run a 60" rotary cutter with the same tractor.

The 790 should be very suited to your needs unless you want the hydrostatic transmission.

I just made a deal on a 2003 790 with 24 hours. The cost was $12500. Now, I wanted the HP of the790 to run a chipper, but as I mentioned, mowing hasn't been a problem.

 

[jdmar]

I have a 4300 with 430 loader and I think it would do all the work you want. You could look for a few year old used one and get a great tractor.

The new 790 and even 990 would be great. They are gear only (so is mine...not a hydro). They are a bit more "basic" but really do everything you need. I would have bought one in a hearbeat but found mine "used" with 11 hours on it and saved a lot of money. They are both great tractors and should last a lifetime if cared for. I have not owned one of the other "big three" but have been very impressed with JD support/parts/etc.

Either 790 or 990 would easily run a 60" mower...or larger. The 790 may wiggle and fit in the woods a bit easier if you have lots of trees. Good luck, all the machines you seem to be looking at will work well and should last forever. Drive 'em and see what fits your shape best and see which dealer seems to be the most responsive

Peter

 

[Hambone]

<font color="red">Many people feel a sub 30HP (21-24) tractor will be overworked if doing a lot of mowing with a 60" finish mower."
</font>

I agree with Roy. I can speak from experience. I have a sub 30HP tractor(23HP, 17PTO) and run a 62"MMM just fine. I can cut 4 acres with no problem at all, 3 acres here at home in 1.5 hours.
I believe you were mislead.

 

[Whiskey]

Bear:

Your profile dosn't give your location but, if you check the New Holland section of this site you will see a fellow TBN'er selling his TC30/hydro/loader/back blade/finnish mower/250 hours for $13,750 he's in IN. if I remember right.

I own a small horse farm (own 3 acres/ take care of 5) and also own a 790 and it's a great little tractor. It's small enuff to run in and out of the barn with ease and still run a 5' brush cutter.

Whiskey

 

[yellowsocks93]

I too have a 990. Very nice. All metal. Will last for years because this is a proven series.

Zukio:

I still don't get how you can get a 990 with 430 for 15,000. How did you do it? That seems really cheap since we can't take much off the 16K sticker price for a fully loaded 990 since they are not marked up that much. The 430 is also like 3 grand.