Trade in 790 for 3320? Opinions wanted

Gizmo2 · Jun 30, 2009

dirt ditch said:
bxowner, I love my 790 and enjoy mowing with it, but have found I do so much more loader work than I thought I would that shifting gears along with the lower lifting ability of the 300 loader are starting to be a burden. All my attachments will work well with a 3320. I really wanted a 3320 when I bought my 790 but could not afford one. This one will be within the range of my budget.

Life is short, I would say go for it. How could the dealer NOT warranty it? Tell the dealer 1 year warranty and you will take it.

Willl · Jun 30, 2009

I beat the heck on rentals units.

WH401 · Jun 30, 2009

I believe Jeff Foxworthy said it best, "Buying a used rental car is like going to a house of ill repute looking for a wife." The same applies to a used tractor, maybe even more so. The fact that it's a rental would be a big worry to me. Then you pile on the "no warranty" and your really walking into uncharted territory. While it's possible this machine could be great, I don't think I would want to take the chance. You've got a reliable machine as it is and if shifting gears is your issues than wait for the right deal to come along.

The price could also be worked on as well. Last September I bought my 2006 3320 from a dealer who was selling it for $16,900. It was a used tractor w/ 10 hrs, had the PR transmission, and a 300cx loader. 18,500 seems high for a tractor that's only difference from mine is the Hydro trans and it being 1 year newer. Those extra 400+ hours of wear and tear have to count for something.

CinderSchnauzer · Jun 30, 2009

LD1 said:
The 3320 definatally has more luxuries, but when it comes right down to it, the capabilities of both machines are similar,

To describe the differences between a 790 & 3320 as just "more luxuries" suggests to me a lack of knowledge regarding the two. Guess it also depends on your definition of "similar capabilities" The OP wants to do more loader work. The capacity of the 300cx is at least 50% more to nearly 100% more depending on the measure point - that's not "similar" in my book.

Of course they are both green & yellow so maybe that's similar enough.

WH401 · Jul 1, 2009

CinderSchnauzer said:
To describe the differences between a 790 & 3320 as just "more luxuries" suggests to me a lack of knowledge regarding the two. Guess it also depends on your definition of "similar capabilities" The OP wants to do more loader work. The capacity of the 300cx is at least 50% more to nearly 100% more depending on the measure point - that's not "similar" in my book.

Of course they are both green & yellow so maybe that's similar enough.

I have to agree, the only thing that makes the 790 and 3320 similar is the PTO HP and that they're close to the same general size. Other than that, the 3320 has double the loader lift capacity available to it, double the 3-pt lift capacity, 4.5 gpm higher hydraulic pump capacity, weighs 800 lbs more.....I could go on for a while.

LD1 · Jul 1, 2009

I may have not been totally clear in my first post.

I know that the 3320 has a better loader and 3ph.

I was just trying to get an understanding of why the OP was disappointed with the 790.If it is because of an underpowered loader and he does a lot of loader work, then yes a 3320 would be a big improvement.

But if it is the general size of the tractor, there isn't much difference, since they are about the same in physical size.When it comes to mowing, bush-hogging, back blading, pushing snow, pulling logs, there isnt enough of a difference, for me anyway, to justify the cost difference.

I was more interested in why he was wanting to trade up, as to better offer suggestions for his situation.

dirt ditch · Jul 2, 2009

Thanks for all the replies. It was good food for thought. I decided not to trade. It boiled down to Kenny's 3 things and the fact I really like my 790. Always seem to get the job done even though hydro and stronger lifting would be nice. Just means more seat time. LD also had a good point. once the 790 is payed off go find a good used 30-40 year old 100hp tractor w/ loader.

bxowner · Jul 2, 2009

I think you made the right choice, both financially and for peace of mind. But, that doesn't mean you have to be too frugal. Celebrate the 'ol gal with a good cleaning and a new attachment - an iMatch, maybe. Enjoy the 790! Certainly, my favorite JD. Wish I had some more land to make good use of one.

RogerH · Jul 2, 2009

I don't want to upset a settled decision, but have you taken a look at the new 3E series? It is very close in size to a 790, but better loader lift capacity and a hydro. I think your dealer could get you into a new 3032E (or even a 3038E) for less money than the used 3320 and you would have the full warranty.

I have seen several posts from purchasers of this tractor, and the opinion seems to be that you get a lot of tractor for the money.

jenkinsph · Jul 2, 2009

dirt ditch,
I think you made the right choice too, lots of temptations to trade but this wasn't enough difference for the transition. I try to make these changes count and for me it would make more sense to add an implement, trailer or new welding machine one step at a time. Over the years I have accumulated quite an array of tools and equipment and I couldn't do it if I was trading needlessly all the time.

Steve