B7800/JD 790

twodogs · Jan 6, 2005

Hey folks! I am new to the forum. I am considering a compact tractor. I am considering JD 790 & a B7800. I am looking at these based on what the salesmen have suggested for me. I thought that I would get better information from people who aren't trying to sell me something, and have practical experience. My needs - My yard is about 3 acres. We built our home about 6 years ago in the middle of a field. We have planted trees - leaving plenty of room for cutting. I was planning on a 60" deck, but would consider a 72". My concern with the 72" deck was that on uneven spots (it's not a golf course) I would cut unevenly or scalp. I also cut our fields - approximately 25 acres - a few times per year. I would probably look for a 5' brush hog. Eventually, I would like to get a FEL. I look forward to your thoughts & suggestions. THANKS!

MoBota · Jan 6, 2005

There are plenty of differences between the two as subsequent posters will point out. The foremost is transmission type, 1st decide what you want/need and are willing to pay for. The 790 I believe is a gear (read: manual shift) unit while the 7800 has a hydrostatic tranny. Deciding on this issue will help by way of a process of elimination and help you steer you the right direction.

ronjhall · Jan 6, 2005

I thought that I would get better information from people who aren't trying to sell me something, and have practical experience. 
twodogs
Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
One thing we like to do on TBN is spend others money. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
The B7800 with a 72" MMM will get your 3 acres cut in a short time. I can cut my 2 acres of lawn in about 1 hour.
I have had my tractor since 2000. All the scalp spots are gone now. To cut back on scalping I set the mowing height at 3".
HST is great trans for mowing.
Cutting a 25 acre field with a 5' rotary cutter will take some time. I cut about 1 acre a hour with my 5' rotary cutter.
I have a B2910. Same tractor as B7800 but with more features.

RoyJackson · Jan 6, 2005

Do your best to get the loader when you make your purchase...assuming you need a loader.

Either machine will do the job you're looking at. So, now it's just a matter of which machine fits you the best and which dealer do you want to work with.

NIXON · Jan 6, 2005

Twodogs . As Roy pointed out either machine will do what You ask . Sit on both and see which tractor physically suits You better . And as He said .... Take a good look at the dealer .
Hopefully either machine will last You a LONG time . But should the need arise for service ,or parts ,the dealer You're most confident in will make a big difference .
Good luck in Your choice ! John

lmiller · Jan 6, 2005

I'd have to agree with what Roy said, I bought a 7800 because I liked the dealer better than blue and much better than green or yellow. But that was just in my area. Good luck with your choice, If you've been reading here you know that any orange tractor is a good choice... oops, I meant any tractor is a good choice /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Lou

cuzncletus · Jan 6, 2005

The JD 790 was the JD model I had settled on before I bought a Kubota. In the JD line, it's more....er, primitive? If primitive means metal fenders and manual transimission. One thing that sold me on Kubota was less plastic. That may not be an issue to a lot of owners, but my tractor rarely sees open fields and spends most of it's time in the woods. A friend with a 4000 series Deere has to be much gentler to his machine and still the plastic is busted up. Bottom line: Kubota's are just plain tough; or plain and tough, depending on which model you select. In the Deere line, I like the 790 and 990 bottom line, no frills tractors fine. But my next tractor will be another Kubota.

ronjhall · Jan 7, 2005

I would probably look for a 5' brush hog. Eventually, I would like to get a FEL. 
I must have the FEL on my tractor to properly balance weight of a 5' rotary cutter. Others have purchased this size tractor without a FEL and had to add counter weights to front of tractor for heavy 3PH attachments.

JDGREEN4ME · Jan 7, 2005

( A friend with a 4000 Deere has to be much gentler to his machine and still the plastic is busted up )

I am not saying this to start an argument but it sounds like whatever he is doing to his tractor would end up being scratches and dents on metal parts. We are on our second year of clearing land, cutting trees, digging stumps etc. and the plastic on my 4000 Series Deere is just fine. and for the record I don't "baby" it, however I also do not abuse it. If my only options were the B7800 and the 790 I would go with the B7800. I like the HST! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

plaindave · Jan 10, 2005

I'll add another vote for the hydrostatic transmission. I grew up on a farm with a MF with collar shift. Nothing like trying to slip the clutch in high gear when coming back to the house. I could always lift the front wheels.

HSD transmissions are the way to go. So much easier when you are jockeying them around in close quarters, or working with a loader.