Differences / Similarities between 790 - 970- 955

[scobar]

I looking to buy my first tractor to maintain 8 acres of new property I just bought and I'm torn / confused about which 30 HP-ish Deere to buy. Most of my work will be rotary cutting, garden tilling, downed tree dragging, etc. I don't have a bottomless wallet, so I've become interested in nice tractors a few years old. My studies have led me to the 790 (30 hp - 3 cyl) which seems to be loved by all. The unsyncronized transmission concerns me. The 970 (33hp, 4 cyl) seems to be an older, yet generally comparable model to the 790, with a syncronized transmission. Then I learned of the 955, which seems to be a hydro version of the 970, except it's got a 33hp, 3 cylinder. I've read enough on the site to know that it's participants are experts, so give me some of your opinions. I've found nice machines of each model, all comparibly priced, relatively nearby. I'm going to stop by and see each one, but I won't be able to get much felling from each of them just by starting them and checking their visual condition. Any information you could render would be greatly beneficial.
Thanks

 

[Storm56]

My choice would be the 970. A bit bigger machine and the sync tranny sweetens the pot. Unlike many here I am not a fan of the hydro.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd also lean toward the 970, but they're not easy to find.
All the tasks "rotary cutting, garden tilling, downed tree dragging, etc.", would be well suited to a gear transmission. Remember, you don't shift these machines up through the gears...you select the gear for the task (meaning you might start in top gear) and there's not much reason to change gears once moving.
The 955 is a heck of a nice little machine too and would make the better machine if you're going to finish mow your lawn.
So, in order: 970, 790, 955...that's how I'd rate 'em...for the tasks you've described. I think you'd find the 790 easiest to purchase since they've had a 12-14 year manufacturing life and still going strong.

 

[kebo]

One thing to keep in mind about the 955 is the hydro will "steal" a bit more of the engine hp, that's the way all hydro's are. It's just not the most efficient drivetrain to transfer HP to the wheels. If you can accept that for not having to change gears and deal with clutch issues, then it's probably what you would want.

You didn't mention if any of three models you are going to look at have loaders (FEL), are 4x4, come with any implements, price, number of hours etc, etc..... What kind of tires do they have?? All that would be nice to know to give you more informed advice. On the 790, you can increase the hydraulic pressure by about 25% with a simple shim kit (unless it's already been done), that will give you more lift capacity on the rear 3pt lift and FEL (if it has one). Also, the original 790's were rated at 30 engine hp, but I'm pretty sure at some point (don't know the exact year model) JD derated them to 27 engine hp.

That's about all I can say without knowing anymore about the particulars of each one. I do like spending other people's money though!!!

 

[scobar]

Thanks for all your advice. Kebo, I'll want a FEL for sure. As with almost everyone, I'd like the most HP I can afford, but I also want a modern Quick-detach FEL, which I'm not sure the older models (955, 970) would have, if they have their original FEL's. Of course, I'm not averse to a 990 with the FEL, if I can find a good buy.

 

[scobar]

Also, Kebo, I definitely want 4x4!

 

[RoyJackson]

On the 790, you can increase the hydraulic pressure by about 25% with a simple shim kit (unless it's already been done), that will give you more lift capacity on the rear 3pt lift and FEL (if it has one). Also, the original 790's were rated at 30 engine hp, but I'm pretty sure at some point (don't know the exact year model) JD derated them to 27 engine hp.

That's about all I can say without knowing anymore about the particulars of each one. I do like spending other people's money though!!!

I think you're a bit optimistic with the pressure/capacity increase...5%-10% is more like it...still a nice boost though (shimmed my old 790 about 3-4 years ago).
The 790 has had 3 different engines...originally rated at 30 gross (engine) HP and 25 PTO HP. It was 2002 or 2003 when the first change was made, which went to a 27 gross HP, 24 PTO HP engine. It also went from the 70 loader to the 419 loader. With the loader change, you really have to read the specs...there were complaints about the 419 having less capacity at maximum height, but what folks missed was the 419 raised about 8" higher. There was actually an increase in loader capacity. I had the 419 loader...did a great job for me!
About 2006, the third engine came in...same power rating as the 2002-2003 engine. I think this engine was strictly an emissions change. Also, the 300 loader became available.
Great tractors, the 790's...simple, powerful. I really liked mine except for reverse gear. Reverse low was slow, slow, slow...reverse high was a bit too fast (when operated at PTO RPM). Sole reason I traded mine is I wanted a reverser transmission...just had to buy a bigger tractor to get that tranny.
Back to the 790... One reason you want to know which engine you have is if you buy a service manual (highly recommended!!!). If you go for a manual, make sure you take the tractor's serial number (plate just above the PTO) with you when you order it.

 

[kebo]

Thanks for all your advice. Kebo, I'll want a FEL for sure. As with almost everyone, I'd like the most HP I can afford, but I also want a modern Quick-detach FEL, which I'm not sure the older models (955, 970) would have, if they have their original FEL's. Of course, I'm not averse to a 990 with the FEL, if I can find a good buy.

If you get a tractor without a FEL already installed, then I would make sure the tractor has power steering already on it. PS just makes the tractor easier to steer/manuever with a FEL on it. If you have to add the FEL yourself, JD most likely still offers one that will fit the 790 and 970, but I suspect they don't offer one for the 955 since it's an older tractor (I could be wrong though). If JD doesn't offer one for the 955, then there are several aftermarket brands that should fit right on the 955.

Also, I agree with your other post about wanting 4x4. I prefer it as well myself, having that option is like adding about 8-10 hp to the tractor.

 

[foggy1111]

I've put about 120 hours on my 2001 790....since buying it used. Mostly used it to clean up down timber and brush out new ground for food plots on hunting land I own.

I have found this size tractor works nicely for me and have accumulated a nice assortment of implements to use with the tractor. I want to have a grapple and have decided that I would be better served to add that to a tractor that has an hydro or PR tranny....as I do allot of loader work.

I've struggled at times with the too-fast / too-slow nature of the 790's reverse gear when using the FEL. Shifting gears and trying to accurately run the loader in tight quarters can be a challenge with the 790....especially on a hillside or "lumpy" ground. But.....it sure gets the work done!

I'm going to be selling my 2001 790....after (hopefully) buying a 3320 e-hydro in the next weeks.

 

[jenkinsph]

If I were choosing between the three tractors mentioned I would look into the overall condition and add ons each has. I would then compare the prices to decide which was the better deal.

Depending on the tasks i might well consider a slightly larger tractor if the cleanup work would require it. Not necessarily because of the number of acres but the size of the stumps or trees and ground work to be done.