John Deere 990 Reviews
John Deere 990
Model Year: 2006
I bought my John Deere 990 new in 2006. It is a no frills, gear drive tractor. It has been reliable, economical and fun to operate. In 8 years my only problem was the battery which out gassed and corroded the terminals as did a lot of the John Deere CUTS. I installed an optima battery which solved the problem. It easily powers my 6 foot rotary cutter and will run out of traction long before it runs out of power.
Pros: Simplicity, power.
Cons: Only one SCV.
Model Year: 2006
I bought my John Deere 990 new in 2006. It is a no frills, gear drive tractor. It has been reliable, economical and fun to operate. In 8 years my only problem was the battery which out gassed and corroded the terminals as did a lot of the John Deere CUTS. I installed an optima battery which solved the problem. It easily powers my 6 foot rotary cutter and will run out of traction long before it runs out of power.
Pros: Simplicity, power.
Cons: Only one SCV.
John Deere 990, 40 HP, 4WD
Model Year: 2001
I bought this utility/farm tractor new in 2001. It has been very reliable. It has amazing power with the 40 HP engine and does most anything I need to do. I opted to have calcium chloride added to the rear tires. Even with filled rear tires, the 4-wheel drive is benefit when using the loader and when working in slippery conditions. The bucket is only about 1/2 yard, so moving dirt takes a little longer, but for a middle-weight tractor, it does the job. Per the manual, the tractor weighs 3200 lbs and the 5' JD cutter weighs 800 lbs, so I am able to haul it on my 18' tandem axle trailer, which is rated at 7700 lbs.
Pros: Very reliable and plenty of power for a middle-weight utility tractor.
Cons: Not heavy enough for the occasional heavy-weight job.
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Model Year: 2001
I bought this utility/farm tractor new in 2001. It has been very reliable. It has amazing power with the 40 HP engine and does most anything I need to do. I opted to have calcium chloride added to the rear tires. Even with filled rear tires, the 4-wheel drive is benefit when using the loader and when working in slippery conditions. The bucket is only about 1/2 yard, so moving dirt takes a little longer, but for a middle-weight tractor, it does the job. Per the manual, the tractor weighs 3200 lbs and the 5' JD cutter weighs 800 lbs, so I am able to haul it on my 18' tandem axle trailer, which is rated at 7700 lbs.
Pros: Very reliable and plenty of power for a middle-weight utility tractor.
Cons: Not heavy enough for the occasional heavy-weight job.
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Good First Impressions
Model Year: 2005
I bought this tractor a couple of years ago and have put about 100 hours on it. It seems to be solid built.
Pros: Ideal size for me, very comfortable, easy to turn, 4x4 is great.
Cons: Exhaust pipe exits in front and at times blows into your face :-(
Model Year: 2005
I bought this tractor a couple of years ago and have put about 100 hours on it. It seems to be solid built.
Pros: Ideal size for me, very comfortable, easy to turn, 4x4 is great.
Cons: Exhaust pipe exits in front and at times blows into your face :-(
Emerald Lil
Model Year: 2006
I bought this tractor 2 years after buying a little over 9 acres of basically scrub land that hadn't been farmed or mowed in 20+ years. I tried to tame the land with a Deere D140 riding lawnmower but the grass and weeds were way taller. I actually bumped a tree that I could not see over the top of the weeds. It took two hours to do a couple of 100' rows. Clearly not a pleasant way to spend an hot day in Georgia! The fuzz and seeds coming off the weeds covered me and made being hot and sweaty even worse. Even with this Deere, the weeds can be over the canopy (about 8' up) if I don't bush hog it at least twice a year. I'm sure the land is good enough to grow something if the weeds and grass (hay) can grow that fast! I looked at many MANY tractors before I bought the 990. Mostly new, but a couple of Ford 8Ns too. I was a little stressed because of the prices and financing, and justifying it, etc., when I heard a little voice say to forget about it until I had the money in hand. I did and for 2 months, I didn't even think about tractors or the land. Soon after that, I learned that I could borrow a bit against my 401k at a GREAT rate (2.25%) and knew that I would find one then. The day the money was deposited, I looked on Craigslist and there it was. I went to see it and bought it on the spot. I wasn't that experienced with loading it on the trailer, so I had it a wee ways too far back from the tongue. The trailer started to sway and swing all over the place as soon as I got it up to around 45. My tow vehicle was a K1500 Suburban and it was dancing all over that little stretch of two lane! I found a place to pull off and when my heart went back into it's cage and I said many sincere thank yous to my guardian angel, I moved it up a little on the trailer. I was able to go the rest of the way home at 55-65 with nary a wiggle. Words to the wise: Try different loading positions on an empty road before taking it out into traffic. If it's too far back, the trailer will make your tow vehicle dance like a snake on hot asphalt. If it's too far forward, the front of the tow vehicle will be too light and it will under steer. A couple of tries at it and you will find the sweet spot where it will follow without any drama. My trailer is actually too short for the tractor with the loader and bush hog attached. It should be an 18' or 20' instead of 16'. The "hog" hangs over the end of the trailer a couple of feet. I have bought a few things for it: backhoe, box blade, scrape blade, loader, pulverizer, tiller. When I retire, I'm going to hire out to do odd jobs too big for a shovel, wheelbarrow or riding mower! In the meantime, I just drive it around my neighborhood with my wife on my lap. She loves to ride my "big green tractor"! Bottom line, if you can find a 990 that has been cared for, buy it. You won't regret it at all.
Pros: Absolutely the most reliable piece of equipment I have ever owned. Starts first time every time, regardless of weather and how long it's been sitting. Doesn't use any oil, and hardly any fuel at all. It takes about 6 hours to do 4 acres with the bush hog and it barely uses a quarter of a tank of fuel. That's really impressive when you consider the tank only holds 8 gallons!
Cons: I wish it had an oil pressure gauge instead of the idiot light. Putting a gauge on it is on my list of winter projects.
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Model Year: 2006
I bought this tractor 2 years after buying a little over 9 acres of basically scrub land that hadn't been farmed or mowed in 20+ years. I tried to tame the land with a Deere D140 riding lawnmower but the grass and weeds were way taller. I actually bumped a tree that I could not see over the top of the weeds. It took two hours to do a couple of 100' rows. Clearly not a pleasant way to spend an hot day in Georgia! The fuzz and seeds coming off the weeds covered me and made being hot and sweaty even worse. Even with this Deere, the weeds can be over the canopy (about 8' up) if I don't bush hog it at least twice a year. I'm sure the land is good enough to grow something if the weeds and grass (hay) can grow that fast! I looked at many MANY tractors before I bought the 990. Mostly new, but a couple of Ford 8Ns too. I was a little stressed because of the prices and financing, and justifying it, etc., when I heard a little voice say to forget about it until I had the money in hand. I did and for 2 months, I didn't even think about tractors or the land. Soon after that, I learned that I could borrow a bit against my 401k at a GREAT rate (2.25%) and knew that I would find one then. The day the money was deposited, I looked on Craigslist and there it was. I went to see it and bought it on the spot. I wasn't that experienced with loading it on the trailer, so I had it a wee ways too far back from the tongue. The trailer started to sway and swing all over the place as soon as I got it up to around 45. My tow vehicle was a K1500 Suburban and it was dancing all over that little stretch of two lane! I found a place to pull off and when my heart went back into it's cage and I said many sincere thank yous to my guardian angel, I moved it up a little on the trailer. I was able to go the rest of the way home at 55-65 with nary a wiggle. Words to the wise: Try different loading positions on an empty road before taking it out into traffic. If it's too far back, the trailer will make your tow vehicle dance like a snake on hot asphalt. If it's too far forward, the front of the tow vehicle will be too light and it will under steer. A couple of tries at it and you will find the sweet spot where it will follow without any drama. My trailer is actually too short for the tractor with the loader and bush hog attached. It should be an 18' or 20' instead of 16'. The "hog" hangs over the end of the trailer a couple of feet. I have bought a few things for it: backhoe, box blade, scrape blade, loader, pulverizer, tiller. When I retire, I'm going to hire out to do odd jobs too big for a shovel, wheelbarrow or riding mower! In the meantime, I just drive it around my neighborhood with my wife on my lap. She loves to ride my "big green tractor"! Bottom line, if you can find a 990 that has been cared for, buy it. You won't regret it at all.
Pros: Absolutely the most reliable piece of equipment I have ever owned. Starts first time every time, regardless of weather and how long it's been sitting. Doesn't use any oil, and hardly any fuel at all. It takes about 6 hours to do 4 acres with the bush hog and it barely uses a quarter of a tank of fuel. That's really impressive when you consider the tank only holds 8 gallons!
Cons: I wish it had an oil pressure gauge instead of the idiot light. Putting a gauge on it is on my list of winter projects.
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John Deere 990
Model Year: 2006
Bought new only problem is with the fuel guage that is sporadic.The 300CX loader I think is too light for this tractor should have the CX400 loader.The loader seems to be the weakest link on this tractor. I mow weekly with a 6ft KK finish mower, I also have 6ft brush mower, post hole, rock rake and box blade.
Pros: Fast and powerful.
Cons: Loader.
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Model Year: 2006
Bought new only problem is with the fuel guage that is sporadic.The 300CX loader I think is too light for this tractor should have the CX400 loader.The loader seems to be the weakest link on this tractor. I mow weekly with a 6ft KK finish mower, I also have 6ft brush mower, post hole, rock rake and box blade.
Pros: Fast and powerful.
Cons: Loader.
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John Deere 990
Model Year: 2007
This is my second John Deere the first being a 770 that was a total piece of junk. Front wheel gears went out 4 times. The John Deere rep blamed it all on me. I'm a retired forest ranger who has been operating equipment for 30 years. I finally traded in for a new 2007 that the dealer had on hand. I have been doing the same thing with this tractor as the old one and have not had a bit of trouble other than corrosion on the battery.
Pros: Very reliable.
Cons: Battery corrosion.
Model Year: 2007
This is my second John Deere the first being a 770 that was a total piece of junk. Front wheel gears went out 4 times. The John Deere rep blamed it all on me. I'm a retired forest ranger who has been operating equipment for 30 years. I finally traded in for a new 2007 that the dealer had on hand. I have been doing the same thing with this tractor as the old one and have not had a bit of trouble other than corrosion on the battery.
Pros: Very reliable.
Cons: Battery corrosion.
My JD 990
Model Year: 2001
I purchased this tractor with only 20 hours on it. Not sure exactly how it was being used prior to purchase but it was in excellent shape. I added the FEL and some implements. Since then the only issues I've had is minor fluid leaks which were easily fixed and replacement of both rear wheel seals (which I had the dealer repair). I have only changed filters and oil regularly. It has been a rock solid piece of equipment.
Pros: Reliable, good speed range.
Cons: Wish I had purchased 4wd/electrical...bad grounding.
Model Year: 2001
I purchased this tractor with only 20 hours on it. Not sure exactly how it was being used prior to purchase but it was in excellent shape. I added the FEL and some implements. Since then the only issues I've had is minor fluid leaks which were easily fixed and replacement of both rear wheel seals (which I had the dealer repair). I have only changed filters and oil regularly. It has been a rock solid piece of equipment.
Pros: Reliable, good speed range.
Cons: Wish I had purchased 4wd/electrical...bad grounding.
Value for the Buck
Model Year: 2004
JD 990 with a JD 430 loader; 552 hours. Added a canopy, purchased a JD MX6 Bush hog and have been cutting 10 to 12 foot tall dense 1 1/2" diameter Hawthorne bush all summer; between 40 to 60 hours a week. This little 4WD was amazing. Used the loader bucket to push down the bush and low 1st gear to destroy field after field of bush. Made a skid plate for the underside of the tractor out of a sheet of 1/2" plywood and a right hand wing attached to the loader support (out of a snowmobile ski) to keep the bush from the right rear tire.
Pros: Value, agility, dependability.
Cons: Keep the fuel at least 1/2 to 3/4 tank when cutting on hills.
Model Year: 2004
JD 990 with a JD 430 loader; 552 hours. Added a canopy, purchased a JD MX6 Bush hog and have been cutting 10 to 12 foot tall dense 1 1/2" diameter Hawthorne bush all summer; between 40 to 60 hours a week. This little 4WD was amazing. Used the loader bucket to push down the bush and low 1st gear to destroy field after field of bush. Made a skid plate for the underside of the tractor out of a sheet of 1/2" plywood and a right hand wing attached to the loader support (out of a snowmobile ski) to keep the bush from the right rear tire.
Pros: Value, agility, dependability.
Cons: Keep the fuel at least 1/2 to 3/4 tank when cutting on hills.
Very Satisfied with 990
Model Year: 2007
I use the 990 for christmas tree business. This includes mowing, moving supplies along with firewood. It has plenty of power and does everything it is supposed to. It handles the loader and 6' bushog with ease. It has been troublefree, with the exception of a flasher relay. It could use a step on the right side. Also, you can move your right leg against the bucket lever by mistake and lower the bucket unintentionally. Very satisfied overall!
Pros: Power, reliability, price.
Cons: Rear fenders too tight for chains, bucket lever too close to right leg.
Model Year: 2007
I use the 990 for christmas tree business. This includes mowing, moving supplies along with firewood. It has plenty of power and does everything it is supposed to. It handles the loader and 6' bushog with ease. It has been troublefree, with the exception of a flasher relay. It could use a step on the right side. Also, you can move your right leg against the bucket lever by mistake and lower the bucket unintentionally. Very satisfied overall!
Pros: Power, reliability, price.
Cons: Rear fenders too tight for chains, bucket lever too close to right leg.
JD 990
Model Year: 0
My 990 has been a workhorse and has never let me down once. Only things I have ever had to do to it is regular fluid/filter changes, and replace the battery once. It never let's me down.
Pros: Rugged, reliable, fuel efficient.
Cons: Headlight bulbs don't last long in it.
Model Year: 0
My 990 has been a workhorse and has never let me down once. Only things I have ever had to do to it is regular fluid/filter changes, and replace the battery once. It never let's me down.
Pros: Rugged, reliable, fuel efficient.
Cons: Headlight bulbs don't last long in it.
2005 John Deere Model 990
Model Year: 2005
I purchased this tractor second hand. The original user only put 174 hours on it. It has a JD 300CX FEL, a JD 8B BH, a JD PF and a JD BB. The tractor itself is completely built by Yanmar. The diesel engine is very fuel efficient. It also came with a 3PH SpeeCo wood splitter. Thus far, I have been very impressed with this CUT. I have replaced all the fluids and done some upgrading on the 8B BH by welding on some ware plates on the bucket and also adding a hook and adding a Bro-Tek thumb. The thumb is working well. The 990 is very easy to work on from a maintenance standpoint which I have experienced in a hands on way. Many don't like a collar shift transmission, but that is what I grew up on so I don't mind it. I can understand the benefit of a HST over the collar shift. As one person wrote about its little brother the 790, the 990 is a pretty bullet proof tractor. Not a lot of electronics and other parts to break which I like. This 990 should last me my lifetime unless I find I need something bigger.
Pros: Yanmar built and bullet proof.
Cons: Collar shift transmission.
Model Year: 2005
I purchased this tractor second hand. The original user only put 174 hours on it. It has a JD 300CX FEL, a JD 8B BH, a JD PF and a JD BB. The tractor itself is completely built by Yanmar. The diesel engine is very fuel efficient. It also came with a 3PH SpeeCo wood splitter. Thus far, I have been very impressed with this CUT. I have replaced all the fluids and done some upgrading on the 8B BH by welding on some ware plates on the bucket and also adding a hook and adding a Bro-Tek thumb. The thumb is working well. The 990 is very easy to work on from a maintenance standpoint which I have experienced in a hands on way. Many don't like a collar shift transmission, but that is what I grew up on so I don't mind it. I can understand the benefit of a HST over the collar shift. As one person wrote about its little brother the 790, the 990 is a pretty bullet proof tractor. Not a lot of electronics and other parts to break which I like. This 990 should last me my lifetime unless I find I need something bigger.
Pros: Yanmar built and bullet proof.
Cons: Collar shift transmission.
Never Without FWA Again
Model Year: 2003
Got this JD 990 in the spring, replacing a 2030 with a 40HP tractor seems like a stretch but after spending a summer and fall with the 990, and the fact that the 2030 was about used up, the result has been fantastic. Loader work is a dream (other than missing the shuttle shift) with FWA. The high pressure hydraulics compared to the 2030's is great. Fuel economy could be better, but I work it pretty hard (6 ft Bush hog), backhoe work and the like.
Pros: FWA and modern hydraulic pressure, weight is pretty good when a heavy implement is on back.
Cons: Bucket on the loader is a little light on the duty cycle (430 loader) no shuttle shift and no mid PTO.
Model Year: 2003
Got this JD 990 in the spring, replacing a 2030 with a 40HP tractor seems like a stretch but after spending a summer and fall with the 990, and the fact that the 2030 was about used up, the result has been fantastic. Loader work is a dream (other than missing the shuttle shift) with FWA. The high pressure hydraulics compared to the 2030's is great. Fuel economy could be better, but I work it pretty hard (6 ft Bush hog), backhoe work and the like.
Pros: FWA and modern hydraulic pressure, weight is pretty good when a heavy implement is on back.
Cons: Bucket on the loader is a little light on the duty cycle (430 loader) no shuttle shift and no mid PTO.
John Deere 990
Model Year: 2007
We bought the 990 to mow the roadside and plow snow. I use a 5 foot JD rotary brush cutter for mowing, and a 6 foot Woods rear blade for grading and snow plowing. The brush cutter works well for the roadside, but it will scalp if I don't watch what I'm doing. I mow over a mile from our house to the road, whenever the weeds and grass start to get too high. The rear blade works great for grading the scoria road. For snow, it works very well for up to 6 inches or so. It doesn't do as well for deeper or drifted snow, and for that, I often have to turn the blade around and try to push the snow off the roadway. The 4wd 990 is terrific, and I have never been stuck. It has been totally reliable and is a joy to use.
Pros: Well built, tough, simple, reliable, great traction, handles well.
Cons: None that I can think of.
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Model Year: 2007
We bought the 990 to mow the roadside and plow snow. I use a 5 foot JD rotary brush cutter for mowing, and a 6 foot Woods rear blade for grading and snow plowing. The brush cutter works well for the roadside, but it will scalp if I don't watch what I'm doing. I mow over a mile from our house to the road, whenever the weeds and grass start to get too high. The rear blade works great for grading the scoria road. For snow, it works very well for up to 6 inches or so. It doesn't do as well for deeper or drifted snow, and for that, I often have to turn the blade around and try to push the snow off the roadway. The 4wd 990 is terrific, and I have never been stuck. It has been totally reliable and is a joy to use.
Pros: Well built, tough, simple, reliable, great traction, handles well.
Cons: None that I can think of.
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JD 990 TLBF MFWD
Model Year: 2007
Great tractor, old school and reliable. I had new style loader, 300CX, which I love due to the side oriented grease fittings. Older loaders had a zerk under the bucket which always got ruined. Tons of power, more than my 870. More backhoe clearance, and loved the block heater as it goes right to low idle. This tractor has the most power for the dollar. I bought one of the very last 990 made, as they were not made in 2008. The stickers were changed and the 990 became the 4005 to put it in that established series. The 790 became the 3005. The Tractor only comes with one grab handle on the fender as the older ones had 2, but its cheap and order able. The 8B backhoe is rugged and tested, same as my 870 had. full backhoe frame. The reversible blade on the HD bucket was wonderful for back dragging a driveway. The forks made this a very useful machine as I moved Items from Coal to a furnace on a pallet. Loose the bucket and get forks on in a minute.
Pros: Most power for the dollar in collar shift tractor.
Cons: Battery corrosion, even sitting inside.
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Model Year: 2007
Great tractor, old school and reliable. I had new style loader, 300CX, which I love due to the side oriented grease fittings. Older loaders had a zerk under the bucket which always got ruined. Tons of power, more than my 870. More backhoe clearance, and loved the block heater as it goes right to low idle. This tractor has the most power for the dollar. I bought one of the very last 990 made, as they were not made in 2008. The stickers were changed and the 990 became the 4005 to put it in that established series. The 790 became the 3005. The Tractor only comes with one grab handle on the fender as the older ones had 2, but its cheap and order able. The 8B backhoe is rugged and tested, same as my 870 had. full backhoe frame. The reversible blade on the HD bucket was wonderful for back dragging a driveway. The forks made this a very useful machine as I moved Items from Coal to a furnace on a pallet. Loose the bucket and get forks on in a minute.
Pros: Most power for the dollar in collar shift tractor.
Cons: Battery corrosion, even sitting inside.
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John Deere 990
Model Year: 2001
I spent a considerable amount of time searching for the right tractor. My main focus was on 23 - 26 hp CUTs. JD 2320, 2520, Kubota 2320 2620, and MF 2410. The one attachment that I really wanted (besides the front end loader) was a backhoe. I had been looking at mostly new tractors, a salesman at a JD dealer said something that stuck with me. He said "no one ever buys a tractor and down the road complains that it is too big, plenty of people have bought a tractor and then wish they had a bigger one". A friend found a used 990 and we looked at it. Wow, what a tractor. No frills, 4 cyl, awesome 8B backhoe. Size DOES matter! I waited too long and it was gone.I found another used 990 with many less hours and I bought it. I have a few attachments: JD 8B backhoe, JD 506 rotary cutter, United 72" box blade, and a Kelley wood splitter. The tractor has ag tires. The tractor is a manual shift which doesn't pose a problem for me. This is a very solid tractor. I am pleased with what it can do. I have pulled stumps, leveled gravel, "graded" the road/driveway, bush hogged some fields and split wood.
Pros: Stable, reliable, plenty of power.
Cons: Would like R4 tires. Can't drive it to work.
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Model Year: 2001
I spent a considerable amount of time searching for the right tractor. My main focus was on 23 - 26 hp CUTs. JD 2320, 2520, Kubota 2320 2620, and MF 2410. The one attachment that I really wanted (besides the front end loader) was a backhoe. I had been looking at mostly new tractors, a salesman at a JD dealer said something that stuck with me. He said "no one ever buys a tractor and down the road complains that it is too big, plenty of people have bought a tractor and then wish they had a bigger one". A friend found a used 990 and we looked at it. Wow, what a tractor. No frills, 4 cyl, awesome 8B backhoe. Size DOES matter! I waited too long and it was gone.I found another used 990 with many less hours and I bought it. I have a few attachments: JD 8B backhoe, JD 506 rotary cutter, United 72" box blade, and a Kelley wood splitter. The tractor has ag tires. The tractor is a manual shift which doesn't pose a problem for me. This is a very solid tractor. I am pleased with what it can do. I have pulled stumps, leveled gravel, "graded" the road/driveway, bush hogged some fields and split wood.
Pros: Stable, reliable, plenty of power.
Cons: Would like R4 tires. Can't drive it to work.
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