John Deere 790 Reviews
Tippy On The Hills
Model Year: 2002
The tractor would be a perfectly fine machine on flat ground. The center of gravity either is or feels very high and the wheel base is narrow. Up and down is the only way to go on even the lowest of grades, which make up most of my property. Unfortunately, I bought the tractor when living on flat ground.
Pros: Well made, reliable, plenty of accessories and implements, fairly fuel efficient.
Cons: New cost is high, tippy on hills and slopes, less than adequate power for a true farm tractor.
Model Year: 2002
The tractor would be a perfectly fine machine on flat ground. The center of gravity either is or feels very high and the wheel base is narrow. Up and down is the only way to go on even the lowest of grades, which make up most of my property. Unfortunately, I bought the tractor when living on flat ground.
Pros: Well made, reliable, plenty of accessories and implements, fairly fuel efficient.
Cons: New cost is high, tippy on hills and slopes, less than adequate power for a true farm tractor.
Good in Tight Places and Tough Terrain
Model Year: 2007
I have the 300FEL, 48"BB, 48"RC, Liberty limb grinder, 3Pt trailer hitch, and some home-made pallet fork. I use it for brush cutting on my hilly terrain. If fits in tight places and always manage to crawl out of gullies. I use the FEL for everything from unloading the truck to carrying firewood, to grading project. I used if for building and maintaining cross country running trails and even for parking my boat. For construction projects I wish it was a bit bigger, but I use it in the woods so much, there's no way anything bigger would fit. I've never had a tractor before, but it's been a great tool, extremely reliable and low cost to maintain. It's a very basic no-frills tool that gets the job done efficiently.
Pros: Very capable for its size. Works great in tight difficult terrain.
Cons: A little more hydraulic capacity would be nice on occasion.
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Model Year: 2007
I have the 300FEL, 48"BB, 48"RC, Liberty limb grinder, 3Pt trailer hitch, and some home-made pallet fork. I use it for brush cutting on my hilly terrain. If fits in tight places and always manage to crawl out of gullies. I use the FEL for everything from unloading the truck to carrying firewood, to grading project. I used if for building and maintaining cross country running trails and even for parking my boat. For construction projects I wish it was a bit bigger, but I use it in the woods so much, there's no way anything bigger would fit. I've never had a tractor before, but it's been a great tool, extremely reliable and low cost to maintain. It's a very basic no-frills tool that gets the job done efficiently.
Pros: Very capable for its size. Works great in tight difficult terrain.
Cons: A little more hydraulic capacity would be nice on occasion.
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Plenty of Power
Model Year: 2000
Great with bush hog on level ground. Handles 5 ft rototiller with ease. Will not pull a single bottom 12 inch plow. Tractor starts spinning whenever plow hits a hard spot in ground. Would not buy again.
Pros: Starts first try. Runs great. Powerful engine.
Cons: No traction. Front end light. Parts are expensive.
Model Year: 2000
Great with bush hog on level ground. Handles 5 ft rototiller with ease. Will not pull a single bottom 12 inch plow. Tractor starts spinning whenever plow hits a hard spot in ground. Would not buy again.
Pros: Starts first try. Runs great. Powerful engine.
Cons: No traction. Front end light. Parts are expensive.
Needed Front Loader Bucket Liked the Model
Model Year: 2008
I have a '91 John Deere 750 that is very similar. Tractor is nice, reliable and it does what I expected. Front loader has saved me a ton of back aches!
Pros: Reliable, has all the hydraulics for all my toys!
Cons: Operator platform is to small, exhaust fumes noticeable.
Model Year: 2008
I have a '91 John Deere 750 that is very similar. Tractor is nice, reliable and it does what I expected. Front loader has saved me a ton of back aches!
Pros: Reliable, has all the hydraulics for all my toys!
Cons: Operator platform is to small, exhaust fumes noticeable.
My Two John Deere 790s: So Good I Bought Another
Model Year: 1999
I've had at least one JD 790 for 14 years now. It has never been in for service or given me a moments grief. The negatives first: the battery cable ends corrode and fail. You can expect to change every five years when you change your battery. That's about it. The early version of which, I have two have the 84N, true 30 hp Yanmar, newer versions have an 82N, rated at 27. For me, this made a difference as I use an Allis Chalmers All Crop Harvester behind mine, a 14t baler, 8 ft JD grain drill, 60 inch Howse tiller, two bottom plow. For a little tractor is is a mule, the All Crop weighs a ton and is no problem. 10 years now. Wait another negative---after 14 years the chain stabilizer chains adjustment has frozen in place. They are pricey. Have over the years looked at new comparable JD's (plastic fenders?). Find an old one and hang on to it.
Pros: Powerful, reliable, sips diesel.
Cons: Wish the new ones keep that engine.
Model Year: 1999
I've had at least one JD 790 for 14 years now. It has never been in for service or given me a moments grief. The negatives first: the battery cable ends corrode and fail. You can expect to change every five years when you change your battery. That's about it. The early version of which, I have two have the 84N, true 30 hp Yanmar, newer versions have an 82N, rated at 27. For me, this made a difference as I use an Allis Chalmers All Crop Harvester behind mine, a 14t baler, 8 ft JD grain drill, 60 inch Howse tiller, two bottom plow. For a little tractor is is a mule, the All Crop weighs a ton and is no problem. 10 years now. Wait another negative---after 14 years the chain stabilizer chains adjustment has frozen in place. They are pricey. Have over the years looked at new comparable JD's (plastic fenders?). Find an old one and hang on to it.
Pros: Powerful, reliable, sips diesel.
Cons: Wish the new ones keep that engine.
Just When You Think
Model Year: 2000
I use my 790 in the winter and feel so smart because I have a front end snow blower. Thought the dealer was just trying to up-sale me. I thank him ever time I clear my yard. On nice days it takes 2 hrs, but on miserable it takes 45 min. Did I mention I had a stroke 6 months before I traded my IH in for the 790? Two reasons---smaller and new. The stroke left me with a bum right leg and and 13 years later I walk with two canes. Recently I looked at a Kubota 3200 and a JD2025. Wow! They are small cheaply made impossible to get up on, no room in the seat and have plastic fenders! Makes my 13 yr. 790 look like a hell of a tractor. Did I mention the new hydrostatics also cost $30 K? My only problem it is getting harder to shift gears, and I have had to add a second step to be able grit up on it. I would rather struggle with the 790 than spend good money on new junk! Paul
Pros: Size, power, well made, front end snow blower, easy to use.
Cons: Lock diff. hard to use with a bum leg, difficult to get on.
Model Year: 2000
I use my 790 in the winter and feel so smart because I have a front end snow blower. Thought the dealer was just trying to up-sale me. I thank him ever time I clear my yard. On nice days it takes 2 hrs, but on miserable it takes 45 min. Did I mention I had a stroke 6 months before I traded my IH in for the 790? Two reasons---smaller and new. The stroke left me with a bum right leg and and 13 years later I walk with two canes. Recently I looked at a Kubota 3200 and a JD2025. Wow! They are small cheaply made impossible to get up on, no room in the seat and have plastic fenders! Makes my 13 yr. 790 look like a hell of a tractor. Did I mention the new hydrostatics also cost $30 K? My only problem it is getting harder to shift gears, and I have had to add a second step to be able grit up on it. I would rather struggle with the 790 than spend good money on new junk! Paul
Pros: Size, power, well made, front end snow blower, easy to use.
Cons: Lock diff. hard to use with a bum leg, difficult to get on.
Tough Little Tractor
Model Year: 2001
I purchased the 790 (4wd) used with 400 hour. It has been a very tough and sturdy little tractor. I use it almost every weekend for 3-8 hours (has a FEL and rotary mower attached). Very reliable and would purchase another.
Pros: Durability, small size, fuel miser.
Cons: The tractor is only a 28 hp, so can bog down on tough mowing situations.
Model Year: 2001
I purchased the 790 (4wd) used with 400 hour. It has been a very tough and sturdy little tractor. I use it almost every weekend for 3-8 hours (has a FEL and rotary mower attached). Very reliable and would purchase another.
Pros: Durability, small size, fuel miser.
Cons: The tractor is only a 28 hp, so can bog down on tough mowing situations.
My Favorite
Model Year: 1999
Purchased my John Deere 790 last fall from a private individual. I was worried that it wouldn't have enough traction because it has turf tires on it. I have used it to plow snow with the bucket and a 6 ft back blade and rarely spin a tire. I have skidded red oak logs 20 in in diameter 8 ft long this spring. I love this tractor more every time I use it. My 790 is all manual controls and is a little awkward to get on and off. That is my only complaint.
Pros: Plenty of power. Very versatile.
Cons: Awkward to get on and off of.
Model Year: 1999
Purchased my John Deere 790 last fall from a private individual. I was worried that it wouldn't have enough traction because it has turf tires on it. I have used it to plow snow with the bucket and a 6 ft back blade and rarely spin a tire. I have skidded red oak logs 20 in in diameter 8 ft long this spring. I love this tractor more every time I use it. My 790 is all manual controls and is a little awkward to get on and off. That is my only complaint.
Pros: Plenty of power. Very versatile.
Cons: Awkward to get on and off of.
Excellant for Small Acreage
Model Year: 2003
I purchased this 790 5 years ago with 180 hrs on it. Came with bucket, backhoe, post hole digger w/2 augers, fertilizer spreader, and front snowblower since then I bought a finish to mow a very clean field in front property, and a rototiller. That snowblower paid for itself just this past winter as my driveway is 300' from the road with a 10% grade. This tractor has done everything I throw at it I keep up with the maintainence and bought 1 new battery. Taking the AG tires off it soon putting turf tires on. My only fear is next winters performace, I'll put chains if needed.
Pros: Great machine. Reliable.
Cons: Changing attachments difficult.
Model Year: 2003
I purchased this 790 5 years ago with 180 hrs on it. Came with bucket, backhoe, post hole digger w/2 augers, fertilizer spreader, and front snowblower since then I bought a finish to mow a very clean field in front property, and a rototiller. That snowblower paid for itself just this past winter as my driveway is 300' from the road with a 10% grade. This tractor has done everything I throw at it I keep up with the maintainence and bought 1 new battery. Taking the AG tires off it soon putting turf tires on. My only fear is next winters performace, I'll put chains if needed.
Pros: Great machine. Reliable.
Cons: Changing attachments difficult.
New JD 790
Model Year: 2007
Should have known more about equipment before purchasing a new tractor, would have added a few options and probably gotten a little more power. Hydrostatic would work well when moving snow.
Pros: Just a nice little tractor, no problems at all.
Cons: Not hydrostatic!
Model Year: 2007
Should have known more about equipment before purchasing a new tractor, would have added a few options and probably gotten a little more power. Hydrostatic would work well when moving snow.
Pros: Just a nice little tractor, no problems at all.
Cons: Not hydrostatic!
Excellant Compact
Model Year: 1998
The JD 790 is an very good choice for small acerage. I have lots of hills and tight pathways and need a small footprint to maneuver around. Don't let the small footprint fool you. This is workhorse with a powerful 30 hp diesel that needs to be taken seriously. Cranks first time every time. I have a posthole auger, front-end loader, boxblade and other tools. This machine picks up everything I want to pick up, moves anything I want to move and runs like a Deere. This has to be the best compact on the market.
Pros: Tough and agile.
Cons: No cons at all, however, it will turn over on a hill to the inexperienced.
Model Year: 1998
The JD 790 is an very good choice for small acerage. I have lots of hills and tight pathways and need a small footprint to maneuver around. Don't let the small footprint fool you. This is workhorse with a powerful 30 hp diesel that needs to be taken seriously. Cranks first time every time. I have a posthole auger, front-end loader, boxblade and other tools. This machine picks up everything I want to pick up, moves anything I want to move and runs like a Deere. This has to be the best compact on the market.
Pros: Tough and agile.
Cons: No cons at all, however, it will turn over on a hill to the inexperienced.
JD 790: General Purpose Compact Utility Tractor
Model Year: 2001
Our 790 is used for many tasks on our farm: lawn mowing, brush mowing, tillage, broadcast seeding, fence building, grading & clearing snow, moving heavy objects, orchard spraying, manure spreading, hauling bulk materials, moving trailers, etc. It has been reliable and easy to maintain & repair. It has a shuttle transmission and a clutch. This drive train has been satisfactory for our needs and uses. Fuel economy is impressive. 30 HP has been enough for our needs, but some field operations would go faster with more power.
Pros: Ease of maintenance, parts are available, economical.
Cons: Parking brake is not well engineered.
Model Year: 2001
Our 790 is used for many tasks on our farm: lawn mowing, brush mowing, tillage, broadcast seeding, fence building, grading & clearing snow, moving heavy objects, orchard spraying, manure spreading, hauling bulk materials, moving trailers, etc. It has been reliable and easy to maintain & repair. It has a shuttle transmission and a clutch. This drive train has been satisfactory for our needs and uses. Fuel economy is impressive. 30 HP has been enough for our needs, but some field operations would go faster with more power.
Pros: Ease of maintenance, parts are available, economical.
Cons: Parking brake is not well engineered.
JD 790 Western PA General Purpose
Model Year: 2002
Our JD 790 tractor does everything here: mows grass, brush hogs, snow plows, spreads manure, plows, disks, rototills, moves dirt (box digger), drills fence post holes, spreads seed/fertilizer/lime, drags cut timber, moves heavy objects, pulls large utility trailer. The list goes on; it will include subsoiling, waterwheel planting, mulch-laying and row-crop cultivation this summer. It has been up to all the tasks we have committed it to, so far. Our land is mostly very hilly/steep and the four-wheel drive is always used, including the pedal-actuated differential lock. We don't have a loader, but the tractor has the hydraulics for one. 30 HP has been enough, barely, but the fuel economy is very good. It takes a little extra time to do some horsepower-intensive operations at low speed. Agricultural-lug tires & front-end suitcase weights are necessary for field work. Turf tires are needed for ornamental work and lawn mowing. We have both. Routine service has been easy to do and all parts needed have been available. It has a shuttle-transmission & clutch drivetrain, but that's what we prefer in rolling stock. Those who prefer automatic transmissions might prefer something else.
Pros: It's rugged and well-designed; engineered for continuous service, even though we only use it intermittently but strenuously.
Cons: The three point linkage hardware needs periodic repair. The parking brake mechanism is poorly designed and difficult to fix.
Model Year: 2002
Our JD 790 tractor does everything here: mows grass, brush hogs, snow plows, spreads manure, plows, disks, rototills, moves dirt (box digger), drills fence post holes, spreads seed/fertilizer/lime, drags cut timber, moves heavy objects, pulls large utility trailer. The list goes on; it will include subsoiling, waterwheel planting, mulch-laying and row-crop cultivation this summer. It has been up to all the tasks we have committed it to, so far. Our land is mostly very hilly/steep and the four-wheel drive is always used, including the pedal-actuated differential lock. We don't have a loader, but the tractor has the hydraulics for one. 30 HP has been enough, barely, but the fuel economy is very good. It takes a little extra time to do some horsepower-intensive operations at low speed. Agricultural-lug tires & front-end suitcase weights are necessary for field work. Turf tires are needed for ornamental work and lawn mowing. We have both. Routine service has been easy to do and all parts needed have been available. It has a shuttle-transmission & clutch drivetrain, but that's what we prefer in rolling stock. Those who prefer automatic transmissions might prefer something else.
Pros: It's rugged and well-designed; engineered for continuous service, even though we only use it intermittently but strenuously.
Cons: The three point linkage hardware needs periodic repair. The parking brake mechanism is poorly designed and difficult to fix.
JD 790
Model Year: 0
This is a great little tractor. I bought it, with 200 hours, very good metal and paint. It has power steering, 4 wheel drive and is plumbed for a front-end loader. I think it is 30hp. I use a 5'rotary mower, 5'box blade, 5'harrow with know problems. I would highly recommend this tractor to someone looking for a tractor in this hp range. - Jerry
Pros: Great all round tractor for its size.
Cons: None, because I knew what I was buying.
Model Year: 0
This is a great little tractor. I bought it, with 200 hours, very good metal and paint. It has power steering, 4 wheel drive and is plumbed for a front-end loader. I think it is 30hp. I use a 5'rotary mower, 5'box blade, 5'harrow with know problems. I would highly recommend this tractor to someone looking for a tractor in this hp range. - Jerry
Pros: Great all round tractor for its size.
Cons: None, because I knew what I was buying.
JD-790
Model Year: 0
Good overall tractor. Excellent motor and hydraulics. Good size for maneuvering in the woods to mow trails. I use a 48" brush cutter and the 790 has plenty of power for that. I mow with a 84" finish mower which is a little too big for this tractor as the tractor will strain a little in high grass. FEL is useful for many jobs, but for heavier dirt and gravel loads, the tractor is somewhat light and tends to lift in the rear (I'm not using weights).
Pros: Very reliable and durable.
Cons: Tractor could be heavier.
Model Year: 0
Good overall tractor. Excellent motor and hydraulics. Good size for maneuvering in the woods to mow trails. I use a 48" brush cutter and the 790 has plenty of power for that. I mow with a 84" finish mower which is a little too big for this tractor as the tractor will strain a little in high grass. FEL is useful for many jobs, but for heavier dirt and gravel loads, the tractor is somewhat light and tends to lift in the rear (I'm not using weights).
Pros: Very reliable and durable.
Cons: Tractor could be heavier.
Front Weel Comes Off Tractor
Model Year: 0
I grow sugarcane and plantains on my 200 acres farm in Liberia and I use the tractor primarily with a wagon to haul sugarcane from the field to the mill. Overall the tractor has been a good performer. It starts every time and no major issues whatsoever. But recently we've been having issues whereby the front wheel would just come off the axle while you're driving. A huge disadvantage for me is we don't have a John Deere dealer to service the tractor so I had to find a any tractor mechanic to work on the issues. I've almost rebuilt the entire front axle, but the wheel still comes off when you're operating the tractor. Has anyone experienced this problem with the JD 790?
Pros: Runs great.
Cons: Wheel comes off the front axle.
Model Year: 0
I grow sugarcane and plantains on my 200 acres farm in Liberia and I use the tractor primarily with a wagon to haul sugarcane from the field to the mill. Overall the tractor has been a good performer. It starts every time and no major issues whatsoever. But recently we've been having issues whereby the front wheel would just come off the axle while you're driving. A huge disadvantage for me is we don't have a John Deere dealer to service the tractor so I had to find a any tractor mechanic to work on the issues. I've almost rebuilt the entire front axle, but the wheel still comes off when you're operating the tractor. Has anyone experienced this problem with the JD 790?
Pros: Runs great.
Cons: Wheel comes off the front axle.
JD 790 Purchased at Auction
Model Year: 2004
Its been very useful for clearing land and landscaping. It has a 419 loader w/bucket which gets a workout. Have since purchased a boom bar (used once), a HD bush hog which gets a lot of use, a box blade, a rock rake (which has crooked tines), and a HD scraper. My only wishes are for more power (engine and PTO) and for rear hydraulics for more flexibility. I've added one set of connectors using kit BM18005 but would like to have another.
Pros: It gets the projects done.
Cons: Also could use more power/speed in the hydraulics.
Model Year: 2004
Its been very useful for clearing land and landscaping. It has a 419 loader w/bucket which gets a workout. Have since purchased a boom bar (used once), a HD bush hog which gets a lot of use, a box blade, a rock rake (which has crooked tines), and a HD scraper. My only wishes are for more power (engine and PTO) and for rear hydraulics for more flexibility. I've added one set of connectors using kit BM18005 but would like to have another.
Pros: It gets the projects done.
Cons: Also could use more power/speed in the hydraulics.
John Deere 790
Model Year: 2005
This little tractor is a perfect fit for small acreages and can be trailered easily with a standard pickup with brake controller. Mine came as a package with the 300 loader, 60in frontier box blade and #7 backhoe which with a little common sense and reading directions one can install and remove backhoe easily (about 5 min). I have used this machine for a lot of stump removal, yard excavation and road grading. This tractor had only 29 hours on it when purchased and now has 190 on it without a single problem. I love my green tractor!
Pros: Lightweight, agile, versatlie, green.
Cons: Man-trans, paint cosmetics, roof top was replaced with custom aluminum one.
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Model Year: 2005
This little tractor is a perfect fit for small acreages and can be trailered easily with a standard pickup with brake controller. Mine came as a package with the 300 loader, 60in frontier box blade and #7 backhoe which with a little common sense and reading directions one can install and remove backhoe easily (about 5 min). I have used this machine for a lot of stump removal, yard excavation and road grading. This tractor had only 29 hours on it when purchased and now has 190 on it without a single problem. I love my green tractor!
Pros: Lightweight, agile, versatlie, green.
Cons: Man-trans, paint cosmetics, roof top was replaced with custom aluminum one.
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