John Deere 790 - A Good Deal?

foggy1111 · Mar 31, 2009

Kennyd's post made me do a lookup on the 2720. I'm not familiar with the model...so I just looked at the quick specs. Sounds like a new model....a picture would be good. Seems the lift capacities (front and rear) are better than the 790 and the weight and power are similar....so if you have allot of loader work or are not good with a clutch....this may be a good tractor choice. (?) I also think with allot of lawn mowing around trees and such that a hydro would be the real deal. Sounds like a nice size for you.....from what was said early on. What kinda price on the 2720 and loader?

Also, this model looks like it's a better set up for a mid mount mower....no?

10boomer · Mar 31, 2009

Dealer Quote for:
JD 2720, 200CX Loader, Frontier RC20 Rotary Cutter, and Frontier BB20L Box Blade - $19.9k (tractor alone was $15.3k)

they do have a MMM available...but I didn't get a quote for that as I have a smaller mower for the "easy stuff".

I think the difference for me would be the size? For me, the 2720 looks to be a large riding mower with the attachment capabilities (please don't shoot me for that...I was simply talking physical size not strength). From all I have read, this little guy has a LOT of horsepower for its size.

I thought the loader could only do about 700lbs lift on a 5' bucket.... when I tested at the JD dealer (they had a nice pile of sand and gravel to play with) the 2720 lost traction well before the bucket was full (actually about half full)....even in 4wd. Not sure how much weight on it, although there was a small implement on the 3-point.

The 3320 ran in and scooped a full bucket each time. Not sure if because of the larger frame, more weight on the 3-point, or what.

This is where I was concerned about the loader capabilities. I think If I could consistantly get full loads on it....I would be less concerned. Also, the dealer mentioned something about its ability to "float" the loader???? Perhaps not as good as the 300 loaders????

10boomer · Mar 31, 2009

I should have mentioned that the dealer quote for the JD 3320, 300x loader, box, and shredder was about $4,200 more.......

kennyd · Mar 31, 2009

10B,

For effective loader use, the 2520/2720 needs 800lbs hanging on the 3PH.

Do a search for "2520" and see how this has been a great performer for it's owners...the 2720 is the same everything but 2 more HP.

10boomer · Mar 31, 2009

I'll sure do it...thanks!

Mech · Mar 31, 2009

10boomer said:
Dealer Quote for:
JD 2720, 200CX Loader, Frontier RC20 Rotary Cutter, and Frontier BB20L Box Blade - $19.9k (tractor alone was $15.3k)

they do have a MMM available...but I didn't get a quote for that as I have a smaller mower for the "easy stuff".

I think the difference for me would be the size? For me, the 2720 looks to be a large riding mower with the attachment capabilities (please don't shoot me for that...I was simply talking physical size not strength). From all I have read, this little guy has a LOT of horsepower for its size.

I thought the loader could only do about 700lbs lift on a 5' bucket.... when I tested at the JD dealer (they had a nice pile of sand and gravel to play with) the 2720 lost traction well before the bucket was full (actually about half full)....even in 4wd. Not sure how much weight on it, although there was a small implement on the 3-point.

The 3320 ran in and scooped a full bucket each time. Not sure if because of the larger frame, more weight on the 3-point, or what.

This is where I was concerned about the loader capabilities. I think If I could consistantly get full loads on it....I would be less concerned. Also, the dealer mentioned something about its ability to "float" the loader???? Perhaps not as good as the 300 loaders????

When I bought my 790 I looked at the 2520 and wasn't really happy with the size. I grew up on a farm driving big tractors and the 790 looked like one of those tractors the 2520 didn't. I know it probably isn't logical but since this is as much a toy as a tool for me it was important. I would look at the economy 3000 series (3032E and 3038E) if I wanted a hydro. They weren't available when I bought mine.

Mech · Mar 31, 2009

The configurator says you can get a 3032E with FEL for less than 15K. Seems like the only think I didn't like about it was no differential braking. That would be an issue for me getting around my narrow dirt roads.

foggy1111 · Mar 31, 2009

OK...if your not mowing lawns...then I can see where the larger tractor size would trip your trigger. Mine too.

Mech · Mar 31, 2009

No lawns where I live. I grade roads, plow snow and use my loader for a wheel barrow once and a while. If I'm really in need of some seat time I might go get the mail.

DWCox · Mar 31, 2009

I have only had one tractor that was not stick, and that was a glide shift Kubota about nine years ago. It really is nice, but not an absolute necessity for me.

I grew up using the gear shift tractors, and it not a big deal in my mind taking a couple seconds to change gears. I do alot of loader work and I do from time to time notice the lack of convenience. But then I keep in perspective that I am not running it as a money-maker, so changing gears is just part of the enjoyment in operating it on projects. Why do we need to be in such a hurry?

The most appealing aspect of the 790 or 990 (3005 or 4005) is that they are straight-forward, time-honored technology which is essentially bullet-proof in nature. The sheet metal and overall feel of this generation of JD tractors is now only available in the agricultural and utility line. I am glad JD is still making these two models available among their compacts.