Buying a JD 790 vs. 990

[loum]

Hi folks,

I am considering trading in an 850 John Deere on a new tractor. The 790 is very comparable to the tractor I have now only better and would probably do me fine. I use the tractor mostly for brush hogging, transporting materials, snow plowing and getting firewood.

I am tempted to upgrade to a 990 but it really isn't necessary. The only reason I have for doing so is because I really would like to add a front mounted snow plow. Using the grader blade in reverse, as I do now, really messes with my back and neck. The JD dealer tells me that the only solution for a plow on the 790 is the 380A plow attachment. It has it's own arms and requires removal of the 300 loader and installation of the 380A. It is very cumbersome. The 990, however, has a less expensive and more convenient plow that mounts on the 300CX loader in place of the bucket.

Can anyone tell me if there is a better solution available for a 790 plow. I really don't want to waste (may be the wrong word) aproximately $5000 to upgrade to the 990.

I have not considered a different make tractor though there are Kubota, Case, and Mahindra dealers that are reasonably close. While I admit to preferring green to other colors I would consider an alternative.

Thanks..........Lou

 

[Dutch445]

Lou,
You can certainly get a snowplow to go on the loader for the 790 also. Deere does offer one specifically for that loader, but there are several other manufacturers of blades now, and most of them will offer it with the JD quick tatch mounting system like your bucket will have. The only drawback with the 790 (and I believe the 990 also) is lack of an easy kit (an extra SCV) to give you hydraulic angling, and maintaining the curl (bucket) function while the blade is on. If that isn't a problem for you, or you don't mind manual angle of the blade, you could probably get a 72" blade from Curtis, Horst, or Snow-Way that would work with the 300 loader.
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[brandon07]

I just bought a 990 4wd and I absolutely love the thing. Although we don't have to deal with snow down here I do use my bucket and grapple alot. I also mow alot and the 990 does a great job. I am about 6'4 225 lb's and the 990 fit's me good only thing I don't like is the "bucket controller" for lack of a better term being so close to my leg

 

[Dutch445]

Brandon,
Can you tell us how you control your grapple?
Did you add an extra hydraulic circuit? or split
one of the existing ones?

thanks,
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[gizmo]

I did the same thing. I sold my 850 2WD and bought the 4WD 990 with a 430 loader. I chose the 990 mainly because there was a 15 hr repo sitting on my dealer's lot and I got a good deal on it. However, if I was choosing between the 790 and 990 I would have to go with the 990. I have driven both and the 990 is much stronger and heavier. One of the problems I had with the 850 was not enough traction to grade my 1000' gravel driveway. Not an issue with the 990.

 

[loum]

Thanks for the input. I took the 790 for a little ride today and realized that it feels like a lot less tractor than the 850 and am settled on the 990. While I often think "less is more" it doesn't seem to pertain in this instance...

Lou

 

[brandon07]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Brandon,
Can you tell us how you control your grapple?
Did you add an extra hydraulic circuit? or split
one of the existing ones?

thanks,
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )</font>
The JD dealer added a second hydraulic circuit. When I bought it I went back a few days later after they got my loader in and they installed it and the grapple plus a cover over my head /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif