Buying a new tractor

jdmar · Oct 15, 2004

I you have time and really love hogging...get the 990. I agree bigger would be better with 35 acres. I have ten acres now with a 4300 (about 32 engine HP) and it is a good match. I power a 5 foot brush hog up steep hills with little problem. I imagine a 990 could handle a six fotter without any diffiuculty especially without large hill.

But I just purchased 43 acres and know I will need bigger. But I do work full time and can't devote days to just brush hoggin chores. If time is no problem then the 990 is still a GREAT tractor but will take 1-2 days to cut your property.

By the way..do we get pictures of this homestead. That "rolling acres" sounds beautiful.

Peter

Turner · Jan 2, 2005

I decided on the 990, but am confused about which tires to get. The dealer recommended the R1, ag tire which was on the unit available for sale. I asked about the R4, industrial and he thought I would be spinning the tires too much if using a loader or rear box blade. What do you think?

Turner

Turner · Jan 2, 2005

I decided on the 990, but am confused about which tires to get--the R1 ag or the R4 industrial. What do you recommend? Turner

Tractors4u · Jan 3, 2005

I saw in another posting that you would be using the tractor for bush-hogging also. Since you are doing box blading, loader and bush hogging, you are probably good to go with the R1's. If the area you are bush hogging has a lot of nasty stuff that you think might cause punctures, then the R4's are worth a look. I have the R4's on my 4310 and spin them from time to time doing loader and box work.

Kyle_in_Tex · Jan 4, 2005

I'd go ahead and get the R1's. The only reason you would give up the R1's is if you were going to mow the lawn or a bunch of road/asphalt driving.
My R4's are constantly spinning if it rains and I get near mud. They get plugged up easily. Luckily I have access to a bigger tractor with R1's to give mine a push every now and then.

Grassgod · Jan 4, 2005

Turner..why are you so **** bent on a 990? Not a bad unit but sounds like your going to be getting alot of seat time on that machine so why not be completely happy? I know if I were going to be stuck brush hogging in open fields which takes not concentration, I would want a least an arm rest with my seat & a cup holder for that beverage to keep you cool on those hot days. There is a wide variety of tractors out there, why limit yourself? I have brush hogged in open fields many times & believe me it gets boring quick.

Turner · Jan 9, 2005

You are right about a lot of time in front of the rotary cutter with the 40 acres. In a couple of years about 20 acres will be in pine trees and another 2-3 will be finish mowed, so I will have less than 20 acres left for the rotary cutter.

I have looked at other tractors, but keep coming back to the John Deere 990 -- I have always wanted a JD --maybe its just the green color.

Thanks for your input.

Turner