TC-30 v. JD 790

Anonymous Poster · Apr 1, 2003

I'm looking at one of these "basic" small tractors ... and was wondering if someone here could help sort out the difference. The price difference locally favors the JD by nearly $1000 ... but I want the best machine, not the cheapest.

JATO_RaT · Apr 1, 2003

If I had narrowed my decision to only those two, I'd go for the TC30

Anonymous Poster · Apr 1, 2003

Why?

What would be the determining factor?

Both dealerships are good (in fact, I like the JD dealer better, but really trust each.) Both machines have a good reputation. Help me.

MODiesel · Apr 1, 2003

The 790 has better hydraulics but the 3-pt lift capacity on the TC30 is more than double :: 1635lb vs. 815lb. The TC30 also uses wet brakes vs. the dry units on the 790. I also believe the TC30 platform is a bit flatter.

I have a wonderful NH dealer, but even if I didn't, the TC30 seems like more bang for the buck.

- Jay

markie61 · Apr 1, 2003

TC30 has option for HST - 790 is gear only.
Mark

Anonymous Poster · Apr 1, 2003

This forum is great ... I'm glad I found it in time to help make the decision.

Can someone help with this whole "wet brakes/dry brakes" issue? Why should I care?

Mrwurm · Apr 2, 2003

I made this same decision about a year ago. I too, favored the local Deere dealer but went with the TC30 anyway. Here's why...

The TC30 has underhood exhaust (no stack pipe)
TC30 can be had with hydro
TC30 has a wide open operator station. Very roomy
TC30 has double the 3pt lift capacity.
TC30 is several hundred pounds heavier. Much of the casting are iron as opposed to aluminum on the JD.
Shifter on the column for gear drive model. Not on the
floor like JD.
Probably some other reasons I can't remember.

I have been very happy with my machine. I bought the hydro model with 7308 loader, HD bucket, turfs, $15,100.

JATO_RaT · Apr 2, 2003

If you go hydrostatic, the dry vs wet brake is a non issue as the brakes will go virtually unused. Wetbrakes have longer life, stay cool and tend to be more consistent. I personnally don't think its nearly as big a deal as folks make it out to be, but then, I just don't use brakes all that much anyway.

My neighbor has the 790. He likes it fine, but after using other tractors, he understands why it is the economy model. To me., the platform is way to small. The loader and 3 pt hitch lever actually interfere with each other. The loader does not do simaltaneous functions. The exhaust should be routed down and out of ones face, for some reason his is a pretty smelly running diesel. This was mentioned months ago by JohnnyDeere. Nothing wrong overall with the 790, it's definitely got a place for the budget minded. The TC 30 just has more options that I would definitely desire. Once the 14 LA loader comes out with what I would suspect to be better specs then its current loader, it will be a great little tractor. Rat...

Mrwurm · Apr 3, 2003

I received a private message from another TBN'er who questioned one of my statements about the two tractors in question.

To be clear I will state the weights of the tractors per their respective websites.

790 1,930lbs 2wd gear
TC30 2,193lbs 2wd gear
Difference of 263 lbs

The kubota dealer told me about the casting compositions when I was considering the L3000DT. I cannot verify that he was correct, but have been told by another TBN'er that this information was in error.

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Bluen · Apr 5, 2003

I just did the same comparison (JD790 vs TC30) and concluded the TC30 was the better choice for the reasons already mentioned. The difference in 3-point hitch capacity and exhuast location first got my attention but I got a better price for the TC30 as well. I would have decided on the TC30 but eventually went with TC40 mainly because I could use the extra hp (terrain of my property, expected use, and input from TBN posters).