Trying to buy a JD 790.... Need some help

[TexasOaks]

I got some input back in April from you guys on how to start choosing a tractor based on needs and I am now seriously trying to find a good price on a JD790. Again, our property is about 200 acres of mostly all hardwood trees with a few smaller food plot areas we plant (so we are truly working on a fraction of the actual 200). The terrain is adverse in nature with a river, creek lines, hills and valleys but do have a lot of flat areas as well. With the terrain in mind, I think the tractor needs to be agile in moving around the property and have good ground clearance so went with the JD790.

Attachments we are going to use:
-front end loader
-box blade
-tooth bar
-mower
-tiller (we have that goes on the hitch to our truck)

Is it better to try to find the attchements already on the tractor or just add on?

I was looking that this one:

2005 JOHN DEERE 790 For Sale at TractorHouse.com

Could I get some feedback please. This place as helped me so much, thank you to everyone who makes this place so great for first timers in tractors.

Also if anyone owns a JD790 could they give me some feedback on how they like it please.

 

[Mech]

I bought a new 790 with 300 FEL, Box Blade and 72" blade for FEL and although I only have 11 hours on it in the month I have owned it I'm very happy with it. I grew up with basic tractors and I came from a smaller grey market Yanmar so it is a very similiar tractor although larger and with all the safety features. The platform is a bit hard to get on and off, the engine oil stick is a pain to get to and I wish JD had a toolbox for it, but otherwise no complaints. I do miss the powershift transmission from the Yanmar but otherwise this is a much better tractor. You can use the John Deere "Build Your Own" website to get some list prices. I bought the box blade from the dealer becuase they would deliver it for free.

 

[Willl]

Another $3000 would get you a brand new one right off the showroom floor !

 

[RoyJackson]

The price is good on the used machine.
Since you're only working smaller section (less then 10 acres, I hope) of the property, the 790 should do fine.

Of the tasks you've written, the box blade work might be the toughest. The 790 is pretty light and will run out of traction. You may have to take smaller bites.
As far as mowing...you don't say rather it's finish or field mowing. Well, the 790 can handle a 72" rear finishing mower and a 60" rotary cutter (medium duty) with no problem. The speed of cutting will be determined by the thickness of the brush. For loader work, you do need rear ballast...the box blade might be heavy enough, but you'll want 600 lbs or so.

I like mine a lot. Starts easily...good fuel economy and hydraulic capacity is quite adequate for my tasks (mowing, field mowing, snow removal and occasional loader work). Operational controls are easy to use. The station is quite adequate for my 5'9", 180 lb body. The gear shift does like to grab shoe laces though.

Personally, I think you'd be haapier with a larger tractor in the long term...say, a 990. Sooner or later, you'll want to work more of your property.

If you do buy the 790, figure on keeping it 5 or so years. That seems to be the sweet spot for making a reasonable sale (if you sell it) or trade without losing your buttocks.

Good luck
(Boy, wish I had 200 acres!!!)

 

[RobS]

I'm with Roy, even to the thought on the 990 perhaps being a better choice. I like my 790 a lot but I only have 10 acres, and mine is flat. With as much space as you have, you'll want a lot of comfort for even travelling across 200 acres will take some time. The operator station on the 790 is fairly cramped (I'm 6'1). I added a cup holder but I kick it nearly every time I get on.

It is a great little tractor though, I've had mine for about five years and over 300 hours now. It's been a troublefree workhorse for me during that time.

While you mentioned some implements, you didn't really indicate what you will be doing. That info may help us better help you.

 

[RoyJackson]

There ya go, Tex...opinions from two 790 experts and one new gent...

Good luck in your decision!

ROB!!!
I thought you were a Moderator? And...your avator looks an awful lot like a 990!

 

[TexasOaks]

Thanks guys... with the implements we just want to use the box blade to smooth out our dirt roads, tiller and mower on our food plots (1 acre or less on sizes on avg. for food plots), front end loader we want to move some rocks and move some dirt. No heavy farming just some odds and ends stuff. As far as the 990, there is a big jump in the price that I dont know if we can swing. I did notice that for $14,599 I can get a brand new the 07' JD 790 with front end loader. RoyJackson said we can keep the JD790 for five years or so and maybe upgrade down the road if we feel like needing more tractor. I think I like that idea.

 

[dannics]

Not sure if you've done anything yet but thought I'd emntion that I am as well looking hard at the 790 for purchase. There is a dealer here that has quoted it to me with the 300 loader for $11450. Thought you might want to know for reference purposes.

 

[RoyJackson]

Not sure if you've done anything yet but thought I'd emntion that I am as well looking hard at the 790 for purchase. There is a dealer here that has quoted it to me with the 300 loader for $11450. Thought you might want to know for reference purposes.

dannics...make sure he isn't quoting you a 2WD 790...that's about right for the 2WD base price plus about $3K for a loader.
If that's a new MFWD 790 with the 300 loader, that is one h3ll of a price! That's less then I paid for a used 790 with 419 Loader.

 

[splunk]

You might check this out.It is not that far if you have a way to haul.

Like New John Deere 790 with accessories