990 Questions

FLDave · Nov 7, 2004

Hi All,

I've had my heart set on a new 4320 for a while but I've also been keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal on a used tractor.

I just found a 4wd JD990 with just a little over 100 hours on it. There's a small scrape on one fender and the oil is black.

The seller wanted $12,000 for it and I got him down to $11,400. It comes with a boxblade and I don't think it has scv's for a fel.

I have but a few questions:

I don't think it has scv's to hook a fel loader to. Can you even buy a 4wd 990 without scv's?

How much would it be to add dual scv's so I could put a loader on later?

A 990 is 40hp and 35 PTO hp. A 30hp PTO is supposed to be able to operate MX6 cutter. Are there any aftermarket 6' rotary cutters (medium duty) that a 990 could run?

I have 15 acres of cow and horse pasture. Should I wait and get a slightly stronger unit?

The front end of the 990 seems VERY light. So light that when I first drove it I popped the front wheels off of the ground a few times on take off with the boxblade on the back. Can this be cured with practice or are front weights inevitable?

Oh Yeah, and is the price I got decent?

I'm supposed to see the guy tomorrow morning so comments on any of this is extremely appreciated.

Thanks,

JDNineNinety · Nov 7, 2004

Dave, a couple of other things. I got dual SVC'S with the tractor and only paid $8500 for the rig. The guy had paid 38 notes on the 990 but still owed $6500 to JD. I paid JD off and gave him $2000 cash. Some deal, huh?

FLDave · Nov 7, 2004

Robert, even I know that you got a once-in-a-lifetime deal on your tractor set-up. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I just want opinions if I should buy the unit mentioned. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

If I try to wait for a deal like yours I may never own a tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

RoyJackson · Nov 7, 2004

"The front end of the 990 seems VERY light. So light that when I first drove it I popped the front wheels off of the ground a few times on take off with the boxblade on the back. Can this be cured with practice or are front weights inevitable? "

It doesn't take much RPM to move the machine. Try setting the hand throttle at 1200-1500 RPM and let off the clutch smoothly. Then increase the engine speed using the hand or foot throttle. You might need the weights, but if you're thinking about a loader..I'd save that money to put into the loader

You do have the 3PH, so the hydraulics are there. Now....you might check with a local dealer to determine how much it'll cost to add the loader. I assume this tractor has a joy stick? If so, you're halfway there...

As far as any aftermarket cutters...you'll find a wide variety that the 990 has the power to operate. That won't be a problem! I've a Land Pride (60" unit) I am very happy with!

I think the 990 would be a good match for your 15 acres. I do think you'll want a loader though...and adding a 430 loader might be a showstopper for this particular tractor. So, check the cost of adding a loader before you buy.

FLDave · Nov 7, 2004

Roy, thanks for the input. I didn't see a joystick for a fel. The reason I was asking about scv's is that I didn't see those colored plastic caps on the rear end that cover the hydraulic line connectors.

If that's the case, my closest dealer wants like $1,460.00 for hydraulic connectors, etc., ... and $3,500.00 for the loader. Unless on the 990 they put them somewhere other than the rear end and I just didn't see them. I was on my way to Miami and I jumped off the highway to take a quick look at the tractor. In my haste I may have missed seeing them but they definitely were not on the rear end.

I'm starting to think if I haggle with a dealer I may not be that far off on a new unit. The problem is, the local dealers say that they don't have as much margin on the 790, 990, 5105, & 5205's. This may or may not be true but that is what they're feeding me anyways.

It was funny, the first time I drove the 990 I was driving it like a standard car and while I was letting off the clutch I was pushing down on the gas pedal. I achieved some good wheelies doing that. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

RoyJackson · Nov 7, 2004

"I'm starting to think if I haggle with a dealer I may not be that far off on a new unit. "

The 990 lists for just under $14K new (MSRP on the Deere website).
I'd try machinefinder.com ( Link here ) and see what you find online.
If you need to add the loader and hydraulics..you are real close in price to a new machine.

I think the 990 would be a good fit..I also think a 4400 or 4300 would fit just as well. Didn't see many 990's on Machinefinder, but there's a bunch of 4300's and 4400's.

FLDave · Nov 7, 2004

Roy, It's a 4wd which I believe list new for over $17,000.00. I still think that maybe it's not the greatest deal though.
Thanks for the link.

therebarely · Nov 15, 2004

I have a 990 with an MX-6 brush cutter, and it works well, it's not really enough tractor for the weight. The horsepower is probably also marginal. It really drags the engine down on startup.