JD 990 vs. 4320

[scoburn]

In the market for a 40+ hp JD with loader. Have 15 acres with horses, need capacity for general work in additon to round bales (800-1200 lbs.) Based on previous discussions, looked hard at the 990 - however, just ran into a 4320 with loader, 200 hrs, for $21, 900. vs. a used 990, 50 hrs, for $19,500. or a brand new 990 including schredder for $20,361. All these prices include a loader.

My head is spinning! I would appreciate your feedback between the 990 vs. 4320.

 

[joebobharley]

The 4320 is a good bit more tractor for the money in my opinion. I could launch into a detailed discussion here, but it simply boils down to the 4320 having a bigger heavier frame and much more capable hydraulics. It's just more tractor than the 990. If I was going to be moving 1200 lb. round bales (which I do quite often), I would want the extra capacity of the 4320 hands down compaired to the 990. My two cents.... for what it's worth.

 

[AKfish]

Neighbors got a new 4320 and the 400x FEL. I've got the older (slightly smaller -- 33hp) version of the 990 -- a JD970. It's like younger women and faster horses.... I hate crawlin' out of the seat of the 4320 and drivin' my 970 home!

The 4320 is more machine. Carry more on both ends -- 3pt. and/or loader. Faster and greater capacity hydraulics. And the 990 is a non-synchro gear tranny vs the eHydro. The 4320 will work circles around the 990 while moving bales, etc.

If the price is that close; well, the decision would be an easy one for me!

AKfish

 

[ddivinia]

Go for the 4320 - a lot of tractor there. What kind of transmissions on the 4320?

D.

 

[farmlegend]

Given those numbers, I'd say it's a slamdunk for the 4320. You cited a pricing differential of only $2400. If we were comparing new machines, in my area, a 4320 would set you back about $7 grand more than a 990 - that makes the 990 look a lot more appealing.

 

[Keoke]

Neighbors got a new 4320 and the 400x FEL. I've got the older (slightly smaller -- 33hp) version of the 990 -- a JD970. It's like younger women and faster horses.... I hate crawlin' out of the seat of the 4320 and drivin' my 970 home!

The 4320 is more machine. Carry more on both ends -- 3pt. and/or loader. Faster and greater capacity hydraulics. And the 990 is a non-synchro gear tranny vs the eHydro. The 4320 will work circles around the 990 while moving bales, etc.

If the price is that close; well, the decision would be an easy one for me!

AKfish

Hello Alaska, my 970 (old 990) has an all synchro transmission, it was offered as an option then.
Are all 990's now only offered with a non-syncro gear box?
If this is true, JD went backwards from the 970/1070 tractors instead of forward.
I like the synchro trans when doing loader work since first and reverse are in line.

 

[AKfish]

That's my understanding, George. When I was tractor shopping and very interested in the 990 it was my experience that JD only offers the 990 with the non-synchro collar shift transmission. As a result, I made an offer on a year-old 4610 with 460FEL and eHydro and the local dealer wouldn't go below $27K.

Happened to fall into a great deal on the 970 with all the attachments! I've got the snychro tranny in my 970, too. Yup, the synchro tranny makes for easier loader work than the collar shift transmission.

Maybe JD determined that the 990 sales with an optional synchro transmission would eat into the sales of the larger 3000 series and 4000 series tractors....

I know that's what I would have bought if it came with a snychro.

AKfish