790 BUSH HOG

Anonymous Poster · Nov 30, 2002

Hi everyone,

When I bought my 790, I bought it with a finish mower (farm king). Nice machine and I'm happy with it but I wish I had a Bush Hog as well. There's stuff in the back that my mower won't handle, better said, stuff that I don't want to use my mower for. Can anyone give me some advice on 25hp PTO Bush Hogs? I called Ritchie Tractor, my local JD dealer, and they quoted me 750 clams!! That sounds excessive considering that I saw a 40 hp rated 5' machine at Tractor Supply for $595. Anyway TIA for any enlightenment.
Frank

JimMc · Nov 30, 2002

I know from my dealings around the country that V&V Equipment in Williamston, SC sold more 790's than any other dealership in the US. They are just over the hill from you. Most of them went out with rotary cutters. They have set up 790's with about everything you can imagine. I know at one time, there were some challenges to getting the 790 balanced out with cutters. Call Ed and ask. Please give him my regards as well.

Stonewall · Nov 30, 2002

I was on the hunt for a 4' economy rotary cutter this summer and couldn't come up with anything under $700 (tax included). Unfortunatley Colorado doesn't have TSC outlets or 1st Choice dealers, only name brand equipment dealers up and down the front range so the rental yard got some billable wear and tear on their Bachtold walk behind. I have seen cheaper 3 pt units for sale on the web but I'm old fashioned and like to see the thing I'm buying. Rhino, Deere, and Landpride all came in at $750 - $900 TI. If I could find a new 4' for under $600 I'ld go for it.

Kodiak · Nov 30, 2002

Keep your eye out for a King Kutter dealer in your area. They make a reasonably priced line of equipment. And have a reputation for being strong. However they are a bit scruffy in the appearence dept. Lets see, good looking versus strong and reliable at a decent price. Well strong and reliable get my vote.

DK35vince · Nov 30, 2002

The 5' cutter you saw at Tractor Supply was probably King Kutter.
That unit should work just fine on a 790.

Gunfighter · Dec 1, 2002

I have a JD 790 with 5 foot rough cut mower. What ever the FEL bucket can push over,
the mower will make kindling.

What usually accounts for the price difference is the housing/body. Some of the cheaper
models have a stamped body an the more expensive mowers use heavier steel an are welded.

The dealer where I purchased mine had both the $600 / $800 models, that was the only
difference I could see..

em14 · Dec 1, 2002

I have a JD 516 rotary cutter that I use behind my 790 that works fine ... However, in real heavy stuff, you may need to slow your forward speed and always run the PTO at it's rated speed ... I have cut 1-1/2" sapplings with an occasional 2" ... I bought mine used but was in good shape ....

DK35vince · Dec 1, 2002

I also have a JD 513 cutter.
But the King Kutter is cheaper and heavier built !

Anonymous Poster · Dec 2, 2002

Thanks to all of you for your advice. Vince, what does the hp number written on the gearbox on that king kutter refer to?
I went by the TSC this morning and it is a kk, and it actually is $535. Seems like a pretty good buy but I just want to be sure that my 790 is capable of running it.