HELP Please: advice on JD790 vs. Kubota L3400

greyhound788 · Nov 21, 2005

Advice appreciated... I am in market for new tractor, having sold my 1952 JD AR recently. Based on my needs,
I am interested in either a JD 790 or possibly Kubota L3400 (or maybe even a Kubota L3130 or 3430).
Main uses... 15 acres of heavy woods in central NH... moving rock, some digging,,, hauling hay wagon for fun rides with friends,, general weekend warrior type of stuff.. no mowing planned.

fyi, I had just considered a very attractive buy on a used Kubota B2410, but decided that there is insufficient clearance with the frame-mounted backhoe.

I am considering a JD 790 with FEL and backhoe... would this be a good choice?? ,,,or should I also consider the L3400 (or L2800)... I do NOT want HST transmission.

many thanks and best regards,

Fred B. (New Hampshire)

ruglad03835 · Nov 21, 2005

Go with the 790. I just bought one out of Dover NH. THe dealer is very good and also accomadating. The 790 fits my needs as well. I have 5 acres, 1/2 clear and 1/2 standing timber. I use this machine to move firewood and skid logs as well as maintaining my property and moving snow. It's more than adequate.

Rick

deerefan · Nov 21, 2005

I agree, the 790 is great. For what you are doing, definitely get 4wd. Also, look at the 990 (40 hp, 32pto/hp). It is a great non-hydro tractor. It will have plenty enough power to do what you want.

xl95th · Nov 22, 2005

Hello. Newbie here to TBN. Stumbled on this site looking for info on a sub soiler. But I digress.

I compared these two tractors (along with a New Holland) about a month ago. Ended up buying the 790 simply due to the fact that the dealer was more courteous and professional than the other brands.

I've got 12+ hours on mine now and I simply love it. Basic no frills tractor. I would suggest getting the front end loader for it's obvious uses and to act as a counterweight for the rear attached implements. I also agree about the 4WD too. A definate plus especially on clay-based soil like we have here in Ohio.

Good Luck with your choice.

XL

ruglad03835 · Nov 23, 2005

Congrats on the 790. I just love mine. I posted pictures on mine on the owning / operating board.

kjb · Nov 25, 2005

Fred,
The 790 has 25 PTO vs. 29 on the L3400. One of the things you may want to check is the 3pt lift capacity on the 790. Around 800lbs. vs. 1435 for the L3400. Check the weight on your backhoe. It may not handle it. greyhound 788

RoyJackson · Nov 25, 2005

"The 790 has 25 PTO vs. 29 on the L3400. One of the things you may want to check is the 3pt lift capacity on the 790. Around 800lbs. vs. 1435 for the L3400. Check the weight on your backhoe. It may not handle it"

The 790 uses a Deere #7 'hoe. I'm sure if you look around at the aftermarket units, you'll find a good match.

I can tell you the 790 is a good solid tractor. It doesn't have the capacities (at least as advertised) as some of the newer designs. Realistically, it's probably plenty for most homeowners with up to 10 acres (that are to be worked). More then 10 working acres, I'd look at a bigger machine...in my case, it would be a 43xx series (if I could get a gear tranny) or a 990.

johan3400 · Nov 25, 2005

I just have to chime in. GO with the L3400. Best tractor for the the dollar. IN my opinion. I looked long and hard at the 790 a year ago and chose the L3400. Both are good tractors, but I think Kubota's warranty outshines the Deere warranty. I also would not be ashamed of owning a JD790 but the 3400 is priced well and works hard.

daTeacha · Nov 25, 2005

The NH TC 30 is in that league and available with HST if you want that feature. Also, there is a 3xxx JD coming soon that is essentially a hydro version of the 790.

You might also find a used 770 sitting around if you're lucky. There's one at my local Deere dealership but with no loader and turf tires.

ruglad03835 · Nov 26, 2005

I have to tell you I'm as pleased as punch with my 790. I took it out in the woods today with my brother and cut down 7-10 cord of logs. The ground was snow covered and traction was not a problem when I was hooked to and towing logs. One thing I did notice was a lack of traction at the rear wheels because I did not have the ballast box on when I had nothing connected to the drawbar. Next time I'm going to leave it on and tow logs. Hopefully it doesn't interfere with the chain. I did go and look at the Kubota product but decided to stick with Deere and Co.