Deere Changed the 790

yellowsocks93 · Apr 6, 2004

We just got in a brand new 790 not too long ago and upon close inspection I found some changes for 2004. A under hood exhaust like that of the 4010 series. No more vertical exhaust. Also on the dashboard the hazard light/headlight switch has been changed to two seperate buttons. The hazard light switch is still on the right side but now a button and the headlight switch is on the opposite side with a cheaper feeling plastic switch with turn signals. Also the DSCV has been moved back to the back of the operator's footrest and now the MFWD shift lever has a cheaper feeling smaller grip on it. The steering wheel is also the same as on the Gators and X series garden tractors. It is smaller than the original 70 series steering wheel.

RoyJackson · Apr 7, 2004

I'd been told by a salesman from our local Deere store that the 790 was really eating into the 4210 series sales...that was one reason they lowered the engine horsepower.
Although there had been speculation that the engine downgrade was to ensure transmission reliability...it that was the case, I think we'd of read of problems like that on TBN.

Sounds like Deere is trying to either phase out the 790 or downgrade it enough to send buyers to the 4xxx series machines.
Now, to me...that kind of thing just pushes me closer to my second choice, the NH TC 30.

zuiko · Apr 7, 2004

That TC30 looks pretty interesting. Pretty huge lift capacities and HST available. Not sure how the pricing compares.

BillG_in_TX · Apr 7, 2004

Here's a comparison chart that includes the JD790 and TC30 and the new Kubota L2800 and L3400 (no pricing info, however).

rockyridgefarm · Apr 7, 2004

Interesting, that Kub picks their Hp ratings at higher rpms. All things equal they probably shave off a hp or so.

The Deere 790 sure always comes up weak in the hydraulics. Those shims oughta be considered the most important upgrade...