Brand new 790 I'm nervous about the 300 FEL

[gordon21]

Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

I am taking delivery of a new 790 on 2-24-06 with a 300 loader. I just looked at 102 pages of posts and saw dozens of messages about many 790 FEL loaders. Not one person mentioned a 300. Did I get stuck with some oddball or ancient unit? The 300 cost $2500 w/HD bucket and toothbar.

I can't thank all you guys enough for the wealth on info on this site.

 

[ronjhall]

Re: Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

The 300 is the replacement FEL. Here is a link to information on the 300, c, cx FEL's. Click Here

 

[gordon21]

Re: Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

I have a 300 FEL arriving, not a 300x or 300CX. That is what is making me nervous. I have seen no metions of a 300 at all. The info on the JD website shows the 300 as thye ONLY available choice to buy with a 790. No metion of the 419 or 70 FEL who everyone else is talking about.

 

[ronjhall]

Re: Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

That's correct. A new 790 gets the 300.

 

[RoyJackson]

Re: Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

"No mention of the 419 or 70 FEL who everyone else is talking about. "

The 70 loader was the first one available with the 790 tractor. The 419 (which is what I have) replaced the 70 loader in 2002.
The 300 loader replaced the (now obsolete) 419 loader in late 2005.

I strongly recommend you get a ballast box for your tractor, if one wasn't delivered with your tractor. That box with 500-600 pounds of ballast (I use sand) really helps when using the loader.

 

[gordon21]

Re: Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

I am having the tires filled and will leave a 5' box scraper on while using the FEL. Will that be enough weight or should I hang a couple weights on the box scraper. It seems as though the 40/42# JD ones for the front would just hang on the box scraper OK with a little bracket to keep them from sliding around.

If you have time, check my post on JD pricing. Thanks.

 

[RoyJackson]

Re: Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

Just get the weight over 500# or so. Your 3PH can pick up over 800#, so if you went to 600#, there'd be no problems.

I got a good deal on a used Deere ballast box. I must admit I like the compact size of the ballast box rather then using an implement, but that's nothing more then personal opinion.

BTW, up your front tire pressure to 25 PSI =/- a pound or so when using that loader.

 

[daTeacha]

Re: Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

I just talked with the guy at my dealership who orders out the new stock. He always orders a ballast box on any tractor with FEL. The 790 has a relatively light weight, so the 300 loader is not as strong as the x or cx versions. I think it's a corporate means of avoiding some liability problems if some yo-yo stands one on it's nose while not wearing a seatbelt and then tries to sue. There are probably issues with the mounting system, too, to prevent someone from putting too big a loader on the tractor. The going rate around here is between $14,600 and $15k with Ags or R4s.

 

[Joe1]

Re: Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

Gordon:

Congratulations on your new tractor. I've got a 1998 JD 770 which is the last year they made it before the 790 replaced it. I've got the older 70 loader on mine and it works fine. With a full bucket of gravel, and an implement on the back, you'll know the weight is there, particularly if raised to the maximum. Getting the tires loaded is an excellent idea and has added to the stability a great deal.

I would recommend, if the dealer has not alread done so, that you have the front tires switched from side to side. The tread direction will remain the same, but the valve stems will be on the inside. This will make the front track a few inches wider and will add to the tractor's stabilty. It will also help protect the stems somewhat from things on the side of the tractor.

When using the controls, a light hand, particularly when lowering the bucket is in order.

You've made an excellent choice and will have a rugged and economical to operate tractor.

Joe

 

[jcmseven]

Re: Brand new 790 I\'m nervous about the 300 FEL

Gordon,

The 300 loader is a nice loader. You will like it and I would offer no reservations about it. Each rendition of the JD loaders seem to get a little better. I am not saying that the 300 is better than its predecessors, but it is certainly not less good. With regard to ballast, I think you would be fine with the box blade and loaded tires. The hydraulic flow on the 790 is not that great, so with reasonable ballast you should be fine. One thought though, the 790 has a relatively narrow track for such a capable machine, so you might want to easily test it on your terrain empty and slightly loaded before hitting the heavier stuff. This would also let you know whether more ballast would be needed.

John M