JD 790 or 990??

RC51Boomer · Jun 19, 2006

First off, I have 10 ac with now about 5 ac my yard. The rest was pasture and a horse barn that hasn't been cleaned up in about 10 years, so its over grown with small trees and has alot of rocks. Looking at getting a small tractor to bushhog and cleanup land. Definitely going to get the 300 loader and a 5' bushhog and posthole digger. 990 is about $3000 more, but is it worth??? Money saved can be used to buy a finshing mower and triller.

thanks

greyhound788 · Jun 19, 2006

I was considering the 790, due to price (many dealers now sell them at $14,999 out the door with the new loader/bucket....
but once I sat on the 990, i'm no longer considering the 790....

Have you sat on them both? the 790 is very small,,,,cramped seating..cannot push seat back very far.... low ground clearance....

I'm told many 790s are traded back in, as they're too small for many jobs...
with 0% financing right now, I'd go with the 990

right now i'm trying to decide between the JD 990, the 5105 or the Kubota L4400

good luck, fred

RoyJackson · Jun 19, 2006

I've got a 790. Great tractor! If you had just 5 acres to work, the 790 would be the choice.

But you've ten acres, so the 990 would be the way to go. Also, with trees to drag out, the weight of the 990 would help...not that's it's a more capable tractor...but bigger jobs require bigger equipment.

I'd even consider a 3320 with the power-reverser transmission.

The only task the 790 would do better then the 990 would be if you've got to clean out the barn. In that circumstance, the 790's smaller size may be advantageous.

BTW, my 790 was used...the original owner traded it for a 990. Great ractor, but just wasn't big enough for the tasks he had planned.

gizmo · Jun 19, 2006

I traded up to a 990 from a 850 2.5 years ago. I manage ten acres and have taken the 990 to it's limits on more than one occasion. I think I would be disappointed with a 790 for the kind of work I do: grading drive, dragging trees, hogging trails, cutting grass, digging stumps, splitting wood, hauling material. My BIL has a 790 and wants my 990.

2kpsd · Jun 20, 2006

It all comes down to what you need to do. I looked at both as well and ended up with the 790 for my tasks. It's smaller size is perfect for cleaning out stalls, pulling a disc, mowing, moving dirt and snow, grading, etc. etc. It has plenty of power and has been very versatile and continues to impress me. Anything bigger than it would be overkill for my individual needs.

RC51Boomer · Jun 20, 2006

hey 2kpsd, I thinking the same thing. I can get the 790 with a HD loader with tooth bar for $400 cheaper than the 990 alone. Yes the 990 would be nice, but its stretching my wallet alittle too. I need to make up my mind before this friday so I can get my order in.
thanks for all replies

Michigan_Mike · Jun 21, 2006

My situation was close to yours. 10 acres of old farm that hadn't been used for many years. Lots of small trees 1" to 2" in diameter.
I looked at both but bought the 790, and very happy with it.
I'm sure you'll like which ever one you buy.

RC51Boomer · Jun 21, 2006

ok, looks like I thinking 990 now :-( Just found out today the 790 will only pull the LX5. I really want and need the MX5. This, after I learned the 790 with 300 loader and 61" HD bucket for $14,895. Happy and now sad. I know, what's another $4500 over the lifetime of keeping the tractor?? I know I would be happy with either one. The 790 is easier on the wallet.
thanks for replies