</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I've had a 790 for about two years now...and you're right on all your observations.
These are nice tractors...quite robust and simple to work on.
As far as the transmission...one thing you cannot do is shift on the go. The collarshift transmission has to be stopped to shift up or down. This never bothered me, even though I mow with this tractor (although I must admit, I recently priced a 3320 with Power Reverser...but going in debt for another 5 years...I'll stick with the 790).
Another thing...reverse gear is either way too slow (in low range) or way too fast (in high) if you intend to use a rear snow blower (which I'm not...).
If you buy a 790 with loader, get those tires loaded and make sure the dealer includes a ballast box with the deal. The loaded tires help with stability, the ballast box helps with loader work (increased traction as well as stability). I got a ballast box recently and is does make quite a difference when you drive into a pile of clumpy material.
As far as the rear mower...I use a 5' unit. I'd love a 6' mower (tractor can easily handle a 6' mower...I just don't want to spend the money).
If you're going to get a rotary cutter, a 5' unit works quite well.
Other implements? Well, I don't have any experience (other then a rear blade for snow plowing) but the 790 is a light weight...take that in account if you're considering a tiller or other implement. Now, I bought the 790 to run a
chipper (which I've not purchased yet), but a smaller Valby or Woods should work fine.
Nice tractor...I'm sure you'll really enjoy one, if you buy it. )</font>
Roy priced a 3320!!!??? Is this the same Roy that gave me advice on the 990? Say it isn't so...Roy can't be leaving gears behind!!!