How is the John Deere 990?

[ArtVandelay]

I am thinking about getting a John Deere 990 MFWD tractor. Would it be a good tractor for a 6ft bush hog? I will probably be getting a FEL also. I have heard that the 990 is a really good no-frills tractor. Since I will be mowing 9 acres of grass that can get up to 6 feet high, I really don't want to go with anything less than 35 PTO hp. Would R4 tires be the best way to go to reduce tires rutts as much as possible, but still keep traction? Also, should I get the tires loaded or not?

Thanks.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I am thinking about getting a John Deere 990 MFWD tractor. Would it be a good tractor for a 6ft bush hog? I will probably be getting a FEL also. I have heard that the 990 is a really good no-frills tractor. Since I will be mowing 9 acres of grass that can get up to 6 feet high, I really don't want to go with anything less than 35 PTO hp. Would R4 tires be the best way to go to reduce tires rutts as much as possible, but still keep traction? Also, should I get the tires loaded or not?

Thanks.

The 990 is a VERY capable, very dependable tractor. Their advantage is their relative simplicity.

A 6' cutter in 6' tall grass will be a test. I'd ask a 990 owner for a better answer on that one.

R-4's will do less damage to turf than R-1's. They do so at the expense of a little traction. They make up the difference with longer life. With a loader, R-4's won't wear as quick.

If you plan on getting a loader, I'd DEFINATELY fill the tires. The ONLY way I'd have a tractor without filled tires is if ALL you'll be doing is mowing.

 

[Mr Grizz]

I realy like my 990 . I had a 790 before this one. which was very nice but the power on the 990 is much better

The pallet of logs weight 1790 lbs

 

[Keith_B]

I'd definitely fill the tires on a 990. When I tried one out it would slide on the gravel just coming to a stop without loaded tires.

 

[Champy]

The only way I'm giving up my JD990 is when they "pry it from my cold dead hands" ..............

> Simple to operate; > Tons of power; > Nimble; > Versatile; > Great $$ to HP ratio; blah blah blah.....

I currenty run an LX5 because I need to trim between the rows of trees, however in the high stuff clearing new fields, it never hesitates even in the saplings etc... even though I run the PTO slightly below the recommended 2600 RPMs for 540. I would guess a 6' would not be any problem for you (my dealer tried to get me to buy one but I needed clearance for the tree farm). I did not load the rears but opted for wheel weights on my R4's instead (weights don't leak). Only down side I have found so far is the top speed is only about 12-13 mph - which could be faster when moving down the road between fields, but I manage ok.

 

[ArtVandelay]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I actually prefer industrial tires over ag simply because of their ruggedness. Industrial tires have more plies of rubber and the sidewalls take more abuse. They are easier on turf and seem only slightly less aggressive when more traction is needed.

 

[Nuru]

Cool Pics Mr Grizz.

 

[MuttonPower]

The 990 is a mans tractor. 4 cyl yanmar, massive chassis and wheel combo, It's one of my favorite tractors and sell them for a living. I take one home once in a while too

 

[nosliw]

the 990 is, in my opinion, the perfect tractor.

i have one, and i love it. i mowed 20 acres this weekend (man my kidneys hurt!) and i only burned a third a tank of fuel.

super strong, super reliable, no bullcrap TRACTOR