Any 790 experts? I have a few questions!

[Phineas7]

Greetings all! I purchased a 790 about 7 or 8 weeks ago. It's the first tractor I've owned or even messed with. Still learning bunches. Kind of wish I'd found this place first, but hopefully it was a good choice for me compared to other brands and/or models.
So far the biggest mistake I've made was getting a 4ft box blade. I probably should have got the 5, but I doubt it will matter in the long run. Once I finish my current project with it, It won't see too much use. I did the the 4ft RC, but I need to get in tight areas, so I'm happy with that.
I have the FWD w/R4 tires (I think, it's the industrial looking ones) with the 300FEL a Fontier rotary cutter and box blade. I've got one the the Liberty (Jinma) limb grinders, but have not tried it yet.

I'm going to use the RC in the woods mostly to keep the underbrush cleaned out. The terrain is not incredibly steep, but fairly uneven. I'm concerned about how easy it is to tip this thing over.
I'm keeping the FEL bucket low, but overall: Is the FEL a help or hinderance when it comes to center of gravity?
If I fill the tires: Will that help in this situation?

The 23xx series probably would have been better in the off-camber stuff, but I wanted more PTO HP and also figured it would be better for FEL work.

Thanks!

P7

 

[kennyd]

Yes, loaded tires will dramatically help you situation, as will time. If this is your first CUT, it takes some getting used to, often when people step up from a garden tractor they have the "tippy" feeling for a while.

Welcome to TBN

 

[thatguy]

The 790 is a GREAT machine, especially for the horsepower vs money..

After using my 2320 it would be hard to go back to a gear transmission for loader type work though.. But before I got the 2320 the gears never bothered me at all..

enjoy your new toy

Brian

 

[Phineas7]

Thanks for the welcome.

I have not used a hydostatic (or any other tractor for that matter). The salesman warned me that the 23xx would be easier because of that.
So far it's not been an issue because when forward momentum stops, the tires just spin instead of stalling it. That may change when I load the tires and it dries up a bit. It's really hard to imagine having enough traction to stop that thing though.

Any thoughts on the FEL's affect on the center of gravity?

 

[RoyJackson]

As KennyD wrote, loaded tires really help the stability...but it still takes a while to get over the pyschological aspect of operating a CUT on a slope or uneven terrain.

The loader does raise the center of gravity. Those masts (upright members) and the rest of the loader frame add quite a bit up weight above the axle.
I find my 790 much more stable when the loader is off and I'm going across a slope. I rarely finish mow with the loader installed.

However, having the loader on when brush cutting has it's advantages. You can use the loader bucket to knock over some of the brush as well as find hidden obstructions if the brush is thick.

So, a trade off...

If your brush isn't thick, try cutting without the loader...or, drop the QA bucket off (that helps a bit). You will want to add front weights if you intend to lift the cutter to transport. I normally loosen up the top link on my cutter and tow it rather then raising it in transport...so that's another option.

Of course, when operating, always wear your seatbelt!