Hi guys, I"am looking to buy 05 JD 790 with 64hrs on it with loader and ballast box from a private owner in New York for 12,000.00 firm. From the photos the seller sent me and as per conversation i had with him, the tractor is almost brand new. I will be useing it for cutting 15 acres of crass(i need rear finishing mower of course) and maintaining 1 acre food plot. The owner says its 28hp and tractordata says its 30hp. Any input on this machine will be appreciated thanks.
Looking to buy JD 790
- Thread starter Antjules
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foggy1111
Elite Member
Welcome to TBN!
The 790 is still in production....but they changed the model number to 3005 in about 2009. It's a good basic tractor that will get lots of work done for a low price. Many feel these are nearly bullet-proof tractors. The price you state is fair (IMO)....in that it only has a few hours on it.
I owned one before upgrading to my current tractor. Reason: I wanted more lift capacity and a hydro tranny for my needs.
You can go to the search function above and type "790" in the box for hours of reading. Also the review section has some reviews on the 790.
Good luck.
scobar
New member
Your price sounds right on. Last August I bought a 2006 790 with 300 loader, box blade, and JD LX5 mower for $ 12.5k. It had 136 hrs on it. I use it to mow 8 acres. You'll find it to be a fine machine for your stated needs. I've already built a set of pallet forks for it. It also had an I-Match type hitch from Tractor Supply on it. I would greatly recommend it. Don't be lured into paying more for a larger, more cushy tractor (hydro, for example) for your stated work. The 790 is a solid, basic tractor with a bullet-proof Yanmar engine.
grnspot110
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I gave $11,500 for my 04 790 last April (385 hrs), w/300 loader & 5' Woods finish mower. Very happy with it! ~~ grnspot110
scobar
New member
AntJules,
I've also been considering a flail mower for my 790. I haven't found much discussion about it online. If you decide on one, please post your adventures. Maybe your investigations and experiences will be helpful.
I've also been considering a flail mower for my 790. I haven't found much discussion about it online. If you decide on one, please post your adventures. Maybe your investigations and experiences will be helpful.
foggy1111
Elite Member
I don't own either of these types of mowers. But I think you have two different kinds of animals here. As I understand from reading past posts....the finishing mower will give a nicer cut for a quality, well cared-for lawn. And the flail mower is kinda between a rotary cutter (brush hog) and the finishing mower in cut quality. It would however cut faster and through more debris. Guys with a flail mower seem to brag on em allot.....so they must be good. :laughing:
foggy1111
Elite Member
I believe if you ran a search for "flail" in the "attachments" section....you could read about 'em for days.
JDGreenGrass
Veteran Member
You are looking at a mighty fine tractor. A real work horse.
15 acres is a lot to mow. You'll most likely be mowing with a 5 or 6 foot mower, I would guess.
It would be better if you could step up to a tractor that can operate a bigger mower....8'.?? I know, money becomes an object at some point but, if you can come up with the funds it will be less of a "chore."
Mowing 15 acres is a lot of seat time.!!
15 acres is a lot to mow. You'll most likely be mowing with a 5 or 6 foot mower, I would guess.
It would be better if you could step up to a tractor that can operate a bigger mower....8'.?? I know, money becomes an object at some point but, if you can come up with the funds it will be less of a "chore."
Mowing 15 acres is a lot of seat time.!!
RoyJackson
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The 790 (now designated 3005) had three different engines installed during it's manufacturing run. The first engine was advertised at 30 (Engine) HP, the second and third engines were both advertised at 27 engine HP. PTO HP was 25 on the first engine, 24 on the second and third.
BTW, if you buy a service manual (get the CD-ROM from Deere), make sure you have the tractor's serial number when you order.
I had a 790 for 5 years. Excellent tractor and a great value. It is a very old design (mid-1980's) so don't expect any bells and whistles (doesn't have any). It's got a non-synchronized transmission which is easy to work with, but most folks aren't familar with them.
However, 15 acres is a lot of mowing. Although the 790 can easily handle a 6' finishing mower, that's a lot of grass to cut. I'm not sure a 790 would be the best choice for that amount of mowing.
Also, is that 15 acres all lawn? Or is it field grasses which would require a rotary cutter or flail mower? A 790 can handle a 5' cutter, no problem...but probably not a 6' cutter.
I suggest you give some thought to this purchase before you buy a tractor that, as good as it is, may be marginal for your needs.
