JD 990 - GOOD OR BAD?

TBone · Sep 3, 2002

I have a buddy who fell in love with a 990 on a local dealer's lot. Trouble is that one was sold and the dealer is looking around for him another one.

Before he signs on the dotted line, can any of you relate your experiences with this tractor, both good and bad. There's not a lot in the archives on it.

THANKS!!!

TBone

luther · Sep 3, 2002

I purchased a 990 and also have a JD 4300. The 990 is one tough tractor without the frills. I have 400 hours on it with no problems at all! The only drawback to the tractor is the front end is light so make sure that you add 300-400 pounds of front weight for cutting with 6 ft rotary if you do not have a loader on it. But overall, one tough tractor!

TBone · Sep 6, 2002

Thanks for the reply Luther. I'll pass it along to my friend as his dealer is still looking for one.

I see there are a couple of folks discussing their 990's on the owning/operating board but I guess they are too busy to reply to this one.

Thanks again and be careful.

TBone

BWa · Sep 7, 2002

Please forgive me for not getting here sooner , I watch the owner operation boards now that I have made my purchase ...
With that said , I am very happy with my 990, understand that this is my first tractor so your view maybe different .
As stated , it is a very tough li' machine and has done all that I have asked so far and well , I have used the FEL to dig out small stumps , 6" dia. by going slow and easy , I have run a scrafier and have pulled roots up to 8" dia. out of the ground again taking it slow and multi. passes. I run a full width Kuhn tiller model 42-190 in heavy NE soil, some clay and rock areas again slow , ( low gear) and leaves the ground tilled like coffee grounds to a depth of 7".
The only thing I have found that if you are using it for farm work and need valves off the back you have to use the tilt and curl of the FEL or have the valves mounted on the back on long hoses to a FEL .
All in all I like the machine , it does the work I ask of it and I find it a joy to operate, ...
I wish your friend happy tractoring ........
Bill G.