Opinions on JD 990

[JVPSKI]

I'm looking at a used JD 990 2008 40 HP, what are peoples experience with this tractor? It is has a 300cx loader and 8B backhoe.

The transmission is 9x3 and it is non synchro with a Yanmar engine. Any opinions on the above specs is appreciated. Thanks

 

[ejb17]

I have a 2007 990 with 300cx loader and am very happy. No shortage of power. Just remember if you do a lot of loader work it is still a old style gear/clutch machine. Simple and durable. My only real complaint is that I do a lot of mowing with it and wish for a gear in between B1 and B2. I pull a 17 foot Frontier finish mower and thats why I say it has plenty of power. No problems with a 66" rear blower or loader lifting. You can not go wrong in my opinion if the gear drive suits you. I hope to upgrade sometime soon to a 4520 or 4720 because of all my mowing time and big mower. Good luck.

 

[AKfish]

Very solid tractor. Tried and tested -- built to last. I used to have it's "2nd cousin"; a JD970 with FEL and 8A backhoe. It had a synchro tranny; 9x3.

I used it clear trees, dig stumps, and establish new pastures from raw ground to mowing. Not a hiccup! Very easy on fuel, too.

As ejb17 mentioned; depending upon how you envision using the tractor - the tranny might be a negative. However, for ground engagement work; like rototilling or pulling a disc harrow, etc. the gear drive excels.

One question; does this model 990 have a snychro shift between 1st gear and reverse? Some of the JD models with the 9x3 tranny have that option to make it a fairly easy exercise when doing loader work. You don't have to come to a complete stop when shifting either from forward or reverse with a bucket load.

Course, the non-synchro tranny has no effect on the backhoe... and the 8B hoe is a very strong implement. I put a 2-position thumb on my 8B and it was the Cat's PJ's for rocks, stumps, trees, posts or steel pipe.

If you're looking for a basic, no-frills machine that will power a 6' brush-hog or a 7' finish mower or a 6'-7' disc harrow -- the 990 will get 'er done!

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[DWCox]

The 990 (now grouped in the 4000 series) is the big brother to the 790 which I own. We have five acres I am developing, and actually strongly considered the 990, except that the price on the 790 was just too good to pass (we bought it used with 33 hrs on it).

The 990 (and 790) are essentially bullet-proof in terms of reliability and design. Both carry a Yanmar power plant, the 990 being a four-cylinder, the 790 being a three-cylinder. I don't know how familiar you are with them, but Yanmar is a Japanese company that has a solid reputation for quality and durability in design. In addition to their own product line, Yanmar also supplies the engines for Takeuchi track loaders and excavators--likewise machines with stellar reputations (I have owned two in the past). These engines sip fuel, start easily, and produce great power.

The 990 and 790 are likewise manufactured on the basis of a J.D. platform and design that has been proven over time. Accordingly, these models are incredibly simple and straightforward--again, adding to their long-term reliability. For some individuals this can also be a negative point, since it means you only have one option: a stick shift with unsynchronized gears. If you are doing frequent loader work, it is less efficient than glide shift or a hydrostatic transmission. Also, if you doing work in low range, you will need to switch back to high range to go in reverse (you can leave it in low, it just takes forever to move backwards). This, however, is not a big deal to me, since I no longer make money with my equipment and, therefore, do not mind the extra step. One other thing in particular that I like about this older design of the 990 and 790 is the actual sheet-metal rather than plastic throughout (viz., hoods, fenders, etc.). I am pretty sure you will not see this feature until you get to the 5000 utility and the ag series (though that may have changed). This is just personal preference on my part though. Some really like the flexibility and look of the plastic.

The 990 has considerably more hydraulic capability than my 790 (the only real weakness from my perspective for my tractor). My 790 at 27 hp is nimble and produces excellent power for its size. I believe the 990 produces 41 hp, so you can plan on being able to run standard six foot implements with ease. Perhaps other 990 users will chime in more on this point.

All in all, if you are looking for a strong, reliable, and time-honored tractor design that will likely still be going strong long after you and I are gone, I don't think you will be disappointed with the 990.

 

[Whitey]

Buy it! you won't be sorry.

 

[Wheatland KB]

I had a 990 on the Equestrian Ranch. It was a bit older (although not a metal hood) no BH and I don't remember the loader model or the time on the tractor. It was run by myself and a plethora of hired hands (most of the hands we had were mid notch to say the least) who were very hard on equipment. The 990 held up very well with regular maintenance. A problem that I had twice was the front end left hand side MFWD grinding itself to bits. This was due to the fact that the hired hands would shift into 4X4 while loading shavings and leave it in 4X4 for the duration of the day (or until I caught them, then they used a wheelbarrow for the rest of the day). We had alot of asphalt and packed dirt so very hard on the front end.

My advice FWIW leave it in 2 wheel until you really need it.

KB

 

[sixdogs]

The 990 (now grouped in the 4000 series) is the big brother to the 790 which I own. We have five acres I am developing, and actually strongly considered the 990, except that the price on the 790 was just too good to pass (we bought it used with 33 hrs on it).

The 990 (and 790) are essentially bullet-proof in terms of reliability and design. Both carry a Yanmar power plant, the 990 being a four-cylinder, the 790 being a three-cylinder. I don't know how familiar you are with them, but Yanmar is a Japanese company that has a solid reputation for quality and durability in design. In addition to their own product line, Yanmar also supplies the engines for Takeuchi track loaders and excavators--likewise machines with stellar reputations (I have owned two in the past). These engines sip fuel, start easily, and produce great power.

The 990 and 790 are likewise manufactured on the basis of a J.D. platform and design that has been proven over time. Accordingly, these models are incredibly simple and straightforward--again, adding to their long-term reliability. For some individuals this can also be a negative point, since it means you only have one option: a stick shift with unsynchronized gears. If you are doing frequent loader work, it is less efficient than glide shift or a hydrostatic transmission. Also, if you doing work in low range, you will need to switch back to high range to go in reverse (you can leave it in low, it just takes forever to move backwards). This, however, is not a big deal to me, since I no longer make money with my equipment and, therefore, do not mind the extra step. One other thing in particular that I like about this older design of the 990 and 790 is the actual sheet-metal rather than plastic throughout (viz., hoods, fenders, etc.). I am pretty sure you will not see this feature until you get to the 5000 utility and the ag series (though that may have changed). This is just personal preference on my part though. Some really like the flexibility and look of the plastic.

The 990 has considerably more hydraulic capability than my 790 (the only real weakness from my perspective for my tractor). My 790 at 27 hp is nimble and produces excellent power for its size. I believe the 990 produces 41 hp, so you can plan on being able to run standard six foot implements with ease. Perhaps other 990 users will chime in more on this point.

All in all, if you are looking for a strong, reliable, and time-honored tractor design that will likely still be going strong long after you and I are gone, I don't think you will be disappointed with the 990.

This post is exactly the way it is.
I have a 790 TLB because the price was right but would also love to find a used 990. If you can handle the gear trans and the price is right, buy it.

 

[JVPSKI]

To all, thanks for all the good advise and information! Sounds like a great tractor.

John