difference between a 4310 and 990?

willy1947 · Apr 28, 2004

Could someone briefly sumarize the differences between the two? I priced a 4310 w/FEL and powerReverser for around $18K. They never mentioned a 990 as an option only a 790 as another option.

Thanks,
Dave

SteveH_CT · Apr 28, 2004

Have you compared them on the Deere website? I don't know the 990 all that well - but I know the 790 is a good solid little tractor - and the 990 is the larger more powerful model. I wanted the "frills" i.e., all the electronic goodies that came on the 4310, motion match, load match, electronic switching on 4wd, cruise control, tilt wheel. Yeah it sounds soft, but the 4310 is a tough tractor... just pretty loaded. I think the 990 is just a good solid basic tractor with a decent amount of muscle. If you're looking to save $$ then I think it warrants a look.

Bob_Skurka · Apr 28, 2004

Mercedes Benz versus stripped down Checker Taxi Cab.

The same could be said about the New Holland TC29 versus the old workhorse TC30. The same could be said about the Kubota B2910 verses the plain vanilla B7800.

One is the deluxe version with all the whistles and bells, the other is a basic workhorse.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 28, 2004

I love my 4310, but your sig says Willys 1947, so you are probably inclined towards No Nonsense, No Frills. You might just LOVE a 990!

I almost jumped on a 2A a while back, I wish I had... Great machine! OlllllO

I have a pic of one with the stock Green and Yellow... Do you have a pic of yours?

willy1947 · Apr 28, 2004

Yep, got lots of pictures of my 2A

I've also got a 1946, but it is just for parts or a future project.

The pictures are at home on my computer. I'll try to get some posted or sent to me. Drop me an email at home, willy47@bluemarble.net, and I can send you a picture.

A 990 might just work, but I also want to "one up" my friends

However, "one upping" caused me to buy a 2004 dodge dually, 4x4, diesel. It's starting to get expensive to do /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif The local rental store has one. I may rent it and see what it is like. This should help me make up my mind.

Thanks,
Dave

rockyridgefarm · Apr 28, 2004

Well, I work with a Mopar Dealer, so I am not the best one to offer sympathy...

Monroe40 · Apr 28, 2004

Hi Dave,

I sort of went through this last year and ultimately bought the 990. It was delivered last September and I've about 35 hours on it so far.

The John Deere web site has been updated since I last went there and it's easier to find specs on the two. A few major points are HP -- gross and PTO. 3PH lift capacity. Engine and final drive type.

If you check out the Build Your Own section on the web site you'll see there are quite a few more options available for the 4x10 series. My impression was the 4310 generally compared more closely to the 790 and the 4510 to the 990.

In any case, the 990 and 790 are gear only, so if that's a show stopper, your decision is automatically directed away from the 790/990.

I've been satisfied with the basics for my first tractor. I've a 1/4 mile gravel driveway (box scraper work), a big hole to fill in (loader work), and I've taken sweet revenge on the multiflora rose (mower work) so far.

Dave

JoelT · Apr 28, 2004

Dave

I'm pretty sure the 790/990 has dry clutches and brakes and the 4310's are wet. The PTO is independant on the 4310 but not on the 790/990s which makes mowing tougher. The 4310 is way more comfortable for me the biggest reason being my feet kept getting tangled up on the 790/990 arrangment. Also, the foot throttle was useless (real touchy) on the 790 but is real smooth on the 4310. I wanted a stick so that wasn't an issue but with more gears the 4310 can go slower when needed.

Joel

johnbilt · Apr 28, 2004

Hi

I have a JD990 with the 430 loader. It has worked great for me. I wish JD would have put the 460 loader on the 990; It's a bit beefier.

The clutch and gears are very smooth and I have not had any problems. I like the extra HP and weight for pushing piles of limbs, gravel, dirt, and anything else in the way.

I would suggest you test drive both models and see what works for you. The 4000 series with the hydro trans is generally considered to be the "cadillac" series. If you need (want) the extra HP and weight, you may consider moving to the 4610 or 4710, which is more comparable to the 990. Plus they have the 460 loader.

I used to have a 56 Willys, but have "upgraded" to the CJ series some time ago. They are lots of fun.

Good Luck

John