Love my 790!

F350Lawman · Aug 2, 2003

At about 35 hours now on this tractor I am starting to make better more effective use of this tractor. My digging and FEL skills have improved so that the work is going much faster. he lack of HST, synchros or shutle shift seemed to be slowing me. Now I think I am 90% as fast with the gears as I wouldbe with HST anyway and shift without thinking.

While I was always happy with the tractor the first couple of days it didn't seem nearly as capable as it now does. Motor may have broken in some but mainly I am not holding the machine back due to my lack of skills. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Today I was moving manure, flattening some mounds and skidding logs and the tractor was great. I was skidding 500lb+ telephone poles 2 at a time and if I didn't look back I could have forgotten they were there. A far as the loader cpacity that other shave mentioned it lifts full buckets of moist dirt or manure so no complaints there.

Very happy with this machine.

JimmyD · Aug 4, 2003

Glad to hear you are enjoying that new ride. I considered the 790 but opted for more weight. That led me to the 4310 Sync Shift over the 790. The 990 was really my first choice in a Deere but was out of my price range. I'm also glad to hear from another user who finds gear shifts really easy to use once you get the feel of the transmission. There is a strong bias toward hydro transmissions on this board. I had some doubt about the wisdom of choosing a geared transmission while waiting for delivery. After 30 hours of working my tractor I am completly satisfied with my choice. I might feel differently if I had to do a lot of direction changes mowing and loading in tight quarters but I don't have that requirement for this unit. I will be getting a hydro on the next lawn tractor I buy when my 10 year old $600 Murray rider dies. It will be a big plus for the areas we have to mow around our house.

yellowsocks93 · Aug 4, 2003

Just wondered how the 990 costs more than the 4310? My 990 with 272 RFM was checaper than my 4300 sync shift with 7 iron. I still have to sell that darn 4300. Takes up too much space! I too prefer gear tractors. They are more fun to drive and I think they will last longer. Never knew others also felt this way! Glad everyone likes there John Deeres!

Nick
990 4x4 turf, 272 RFM, 430 loader, 25A flail

_RaT_ · Aug 4, 2003

Thats great, I drive my neighbors 790 now and then. It's not bad. It's great that your enjoying your purchase and doing things, thats what its all about.

"Now I think I am 90% as fast with the gears as I would be with HST anyway and shift without thinking."

Ya wanna race? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Rat...

F350Lawman · Aug 4, 2003

Anytime buddy! Bring it on.../forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JohnMiller3 · Aug 5, 2003

( Ya wanna race? ) 

Ok Mark,

My Green Mean Machine is ready, willing, and able... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

...all 8 gears... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RobS · Aug 5, 2003

Great to hear you're enjoying your machine. I've got over 160 hours on my 790 now and still love it as well. GST is no problem. I may fill my tires for the winter as it was a tad light last year. Other than that, I've got no complaints, just lots of smiles /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

_RaT_ · Aug 5, 2003

Oh yeah baby, just what will the race consist of? Loader speed, manuverability? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Lets not do power, I'm not going to do to well there compared to your 8 speed monster, /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif but then, heres more ---

Our orchard also has a JD 5500, it has 12 gears, can you handle that? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The old International 454D is still like new with only 1600 hours, with 8 gears top speed is just over 22 mph, watch out! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

JohnMiller3 · Aug 5, 2003

( it has 12 gears, can you handle that?... top speed is just over 22 mph ) 

No sweat... I only need ONE GEAR... that's # 8 in High range... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My Father had followed me a few years ago, when I first got her... I think top end was ~~ 24-26 mph... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

(he said the speedo jumped around /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

_RaT_ · Aug 5, 2003

Uh oh, my L3830 HST only does 17 mph and the International tops out at 22 mph. Speeds that I have yet to obtain or need, but, when you show up, I'll have to make the necessary adjustments. The JD 5500, I don't know what it does, I'm sure in your wealth of knowledge, you have it somewhere. The JD has just about the best shock absorbing seat I've ever been on. Instead of going up and down, it moves at a diagonal. Now you would think that would kick you out of the seat, but no, it does a beautiful job of cushing the ride. If the race is on a rough road, I'll have a nice ride. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Rat...