Buying my first tractor

[billyo]

Hello everyone. I've been looking around for a used loader / backhoe for some time just to keep on my property for personal use (ditching, landscaping, driveway maintenance, etc...) I've looked at hundreds of 10-15 year old machines that have basically been worn out on construction jobs for $15000 & up. After some friends pointed out how much more versatile a tractor equipped with a loader & hoe would be, I stopped by a JD dealer to look at used tractors. Well, now I'm hooked. I've pretty much decided on going with a new JD 790 4wd with the 300 loader (hd bucket)and the 7 backhoe (13" bucket). I have a few questions:
1: What would be a good price for this setup? (I spec'd it out on JD's website - retail $22000)
2: Are there any particular things that I need that don't automatically come with it (website mentioned things like dual scv's, mid pto, ballast w/ extension, power extender, etc..) I guess what I mean is if I just ask for a 790 4wd with the loader & hoe are there other options that I need to specifically ask for to make the package work better?
3: Does this setup seem to fit my application? I have about 5 acres of level property and another 160 or so acres of wooded mountain property with a couple of miles of Jeep trails (and a few great places to build a cabin) on it. I'll probably not be mowing with the 790. It will mainly be used for ditch digging, landscaping, spreading gravel, lifting around my garage, keeping my trails open (moving downed trees, minor road repair). I considered spending the additional $5 - 6000 for the 990, but I just really think that the 790 is plenty big enough (and maybe the 990 is too big...)

I'll apologize in advance for the long post, and thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[billyo]

Hello everyone. I've been looking around for a used loader / backhoe for some time just to keep on my property for personal use (ditching, landscaping, driveway maintenance, etc...) I've looked at hundreds of 10-15 year old machines that have basically been worn out on construction jobs for $15000 & up. After some friends pointed out how much more versatile a tractor equipped with a loader & hoe would be, I stopped by a JD dealer to look at used tractors. Well, now I'm hooked. I've pretty much decided on going with a new JD 790 4wd with the 300 loader (hd bucket)and the 7 backhoe (13" bucket). I have a few questions:
1: What would be a good price for this setup? (I spec'd it out on JD's website - retail $22000)
2: Are there any particular things that I need that don't automatically come with it (website mentioned things like dual scv's, mid pto, ballast w/ extension, power extender, etc..) I guess what I mean is if I just ask for a 790 4wd with the loader & hoe are there other options that I need to specifically ask for to make the package work better?
3: Does this setup seem to fit my application? I have about 5 acres of level property and another 160 or so acres of wooded mountain property with a couple of miles of Jeep trails (and a few great places to build a cabin) on it. I'll probably not be mowing with the 790. It will mainly be used for ditch digging, landscaping, spreading gravel, lifting around my garage, keeping my trails open (moving downed trees, minor road repair). I considered spending the additional $5 - 6000 for the 990, but I just really think that the 790 is plenty big enough (and maybe the 990 is too big...)

I'll apologize in advance for the long post, and thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[gunmaker]

I recently went through the purchase process, deciding on the jd 2520 for my needs.
As you describe you situation, I think you'll find that you should consider something larger. There is something to be said for having a tool that is more than adequate for the job.
Look at the performance capabilities of the tractor and each individual component, you will find significant differences, such as the 300cx loader being much more capable than the 300 loader, the hydraulics on the 790 may not be enough to handle your chores, or not as fast as you'd like.
I've read many entries here, relating that a bigger machine (within reason) makes the work easier, lasts longer, and saves the cost of buying up again later.
Maybe the 990, 3720 or even 4000 series might be the right economical choice, if making the right choice the first time.
Good luck and happy shopping! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[gunmaker]

I recently went through the purchase process, deciding on the jd 2520 for my needs.
As you describe you situation, I think you'll find that you should consider something larger. There is something to be said for having a tool that is more than adequate for the job.
Look at the performance capabilities of the tractor and each individual component, you will find significant differences, such as the 300cx loader being much more capable than the 300 loader, the hydraulics on the 790 may not be enough to handle your chores, or not as fast as you'd like.
I've read many entries here, relating that a bigger machine (within reason) makes the work easier, lasts longer, and saves the cost of buying up again later.
Maybe the 990, 3720 or even 4000 series might be the right economical choice, if making the right choice the first time.
Good luck and happy shopping! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif