JD990 Question

mwood · Aug 5, 2003

In looking around at the JD4310 and the JD4210, my eye was caught by a 990. These look like really nice machines! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

However, I see that they only come in a collar shift arangement. My question is as follows...

If I am brush hogging and want to keep the PTO RPM's up, is there any way to vary my speed? It seems to me that if I throttle down, i'll loose PTO RPM's and if I shift up, I may be going too fast. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Also, are these set up such that when you hit the clutch, the PTO stops as well? This seems like it could be a little difficult if you were using a tiller, stopped to shift and then had to restart the tiller while it was still in the ground...

I know these sound like dumb questions, but I want to be as educated as possible before I start talking to a dealer.

Thanks in advance!

zenmek · Aug 5, 2003

( If I am brush hogging and want to keep the PTO RPM's up, is there any way to vary my speed? It seems to me that if I throttle down, i'll loose PTO RPM's and if I shift up, I may be going too fast. )
( Also, are these set up such that when you hit the clutch, the PTO stops as well? This seems like it could be a little difficult if you were using a tiller, stopped to shift and then had to restart the tiller while it was still in the ground...
)
To answer the first part..yes, that is a downside to gear drive, but usually you can find a happy medium /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
On the second part I don't know for the 990 specifically, but my 770 has a 2 stage clutch which allows ya to shift gears without stopping the PTO. Hope this helps...happy shopping /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JJC · Aug 5, 2003

If you plan on using a front end loader you would be better off with a hydro. Which means the 42 or 4310. I would go with the 4310 with a 430 loader e-hydro its a sweet package. But thats easy for me to say I dont have to make the payments. Good luck on your decision. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

DK35vince · Aug 5, 2003

( Also, are these set up such that when you hit the clutch, the PTO stops as well? This seems like it could be a little difficult if you were using a tiller, stopped to shift and then had to restart the tiller while it was still in the ground... )

Once you find the best gear for tilling I can't see where the would be any need to shift while tilling.
Put it in the gear that tills best and go !!

yellowsocks93 · Aug 5, 2003

Hi, the 990 does have a dual stage clutch so you can shift gears and keep the pto running. Shifts good just a little grinding once in a while cause gears are not syncronized. For loader work the 990 would be fine (I have yet to try the 430 loader on mine). I have a 4300 that I am trying to sell and it did not seem wide enough for the loader in my opinion and the front axle did not seem like it was going to hold up that great over years of service. I just used it for moving woodchips and snow but there are very happy 4310 owners out there. The 990 has a lot more torque over the 4310-4410 because it has one more cylinder. 3 vs 4. The 990 is 40.4 engine hp and 35 pto hp. I really notice a big difference in mowing with the 990 compared to the 4300. I can run the rms at 2100 and the engine is not lugged down with the 272 RFM. You would like the 990 and remember its design is proven with the previous 70 series! Also have a 970 and have had no problems with it. Good luck.

Nick
990 4x4 turf, 272 RFM, 430 loader, 25A flail

Joe1 · Aug 6, 2003

Like zenmek, I've also got a 770. The gear shift is not a problem with the FEL or my rotary cutter for that matter. I've only got about 20 hrs on my used 770 and only an hour or two with just the FEL, but it's just not an issue, especially with the 2 stage clutch. I've never used a tractor before, and so I'm just learning, so while a hydrostatic would be nice, I don't miss what I never had. If you've driven anything with a clutch, it shouldn't ba a problem.

mwood · Aug 6, 2003

Thanks for all the help. I've never driven tractors extensively, but I have used a 65HP synchronized gear drive to pull loaded hay wagons for an hour or so. I guess that's why I had questions. The idea of being able to shift on the fly is also what i'm used to with all my vehicles (all standard transmissions).

It seems that people are pretty happy with the gearing on the 990 and for the HP increase, if one isn't set on the hydro transmission, it seems to be a better buy than the 4x10 series.

Thanks again for all the help!

GreenMtnMan · Aug 6, 2003

My wife insisted on an HST so I got a 4310. I couldn't be happier with it, but if not for the HST requirement I probably would have opted for the 990. It seems to be a lot of tractor for the money.

zuiko · Aug 6, 2003

You can change gears without stopping on the 990, but not ranges.

I have one on order, I can't wait to get it.

rdam · Aug 7, 2003

( You can change gears without stopping on the 990, but not ranges.

I have one on order, I can't wait to get it. )

Are you sure about that? It's a collar shift. Non-synchro. My understanding is you have got to stop to shift gears or range. Shifting on the fly will likely result in unpleasant noises.