I am currently looking at these two machines and I am having trouble making up my mind.The L4400 is a new and unproven model yet has more power and a shuttle shift over the proven 990.Could some 990 owners give me some information regarding their machines.I like John Deere. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
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John Deere 990 vs. Kubota L4400
- Thread starter EldonC
- Start date
- Views: 3368
johnbilt
Silver Member
I like my 990. 40 Hp, simple design, right price. I don't want to knock Kubota though. They also make a great machine with an excellent reputation.
I guess it depends on what deals you can get locally, service, etc...
Any specific operation questions ?? Have you driven both ??
John
I guess it depends on what deals you can get locally, service, etc...
Any specific operation questions ?? Have you driven both ??
John
Well the price of each with FEL is virtually identical.I have tried the Kubota and it was quite alright though I hear on the road in high/high that the bull gears are noisy.I have tried a 790 and though a little small was very impressed with it.I am waiting for a 990 to land at a near dealership to try out.I appreciate your response.At any particular likes/dislikes that you may have regarding your 990.
I would dump the 990 for one reason only. That is the seat has no cushion spring on it, it's like a riding lawn mower. A solid seat with no up and down movement. But if you don't mind riding rough. I would go for the proven 990, the trans. is rock, or upgrade to the new 20 series deere's for more comfort.
I looked at the L4400, and it's really is a nice tractor too. I have no experience with kubota's, but i think the design is mostly the same from last year's model. So i wouldn't worry about that.
I looked at the L4400, and it's really is a nice tractor too. I have no experience with kubota's, but i think the design is mostly the same from last year's model. So i wouldn't worry about that.
johnbilt
Silver Member
My 990 seat has been fine. I think they have changed the design this year though.
I responded to your mail message.
John
I responded to your mail message.
John
They might have changed the seat, b/c i looked at a 2005 model year and it had no seat suspension. That is the only reason i didn't purchase a 990.
The 990 is a wonderful tractor, i had a older 870 model, which is the same design but a little smaller, and it worked great. No problems at all with it.
Heck, if it wasn't for the seat, i would call the 990, the best tractor out there. Simple and powerful, built to last 100 years.
The 990 is a wonderful tractor, i had a older 870 model, which is the same design but a little smaller, and it worked great. No problems at all with it.
Heck, if it wasn't for the seat, i would call the 990, the best tractor out there. Simple and powerful, built to last 100 years.
JDNineNinety
Bronze Member
I have a 2001 990 that has two springs at the rear of thr seat with about 3 inches of vertical movement. They are adjustable for tension. Very comfortable.
BenA
Member
I tried out the 990. One thing that I liked about it was the wide track. This may come in handy if your property is not flat.
BGL990
Gold Member
Agreed. I have the newer model 990 with the "less" comfortable seat. It's hinged at the front and sprung at the back. Has at least 2 or 3 inches of movement in the springs and I don't find it the least bit uncomfortable. In fact, compared to the antique ag tractors I've always driven, it's positively luxurious. I would say the seat is totally a non-issue - worry about the features that matter in a tractor.
btw. I love my 990. Simple, reliable as a brick, easy to service, nice size.
btw. I love my 990. Simple, reliable as a brick, easy to service, nice size.
Your are right, you need to worry more about the tractor then the seat. I was just making a point out of it b/c i had a older tractor with better seat springs. I didn't want to down grade on comfort.
The one thing the L4400 has over the 990 is the fully independent PTO. There is a electric switch that turns it off and on. The 990's is control by the clutch. Which some people may like better, and is better for some jobs. Really it's just what you like.
Also, i notice in my opinion the gears shifted smoother on the L4400, but laid out better on the 990.
The power steering also seemed to be a lot better on the 990. It operated alot easier, the L4400 steering seemed a little stiff. But maybe all tractors are like that. I'm just used to deere's being smooth.
If your getting a FEL, the joystick on the 990 is located on your right side. A perfect postion. The L4400 control lever is mounted on the loader itself.
The one thing the L4400 has over the 990 is the fully independent PTO. There is a electric switch that turns it off and on. The 990's is control by the clutch. Which some people may like better, and is better for some jobs. Really it's just what you like.
Also, i notice in my opinion the gears shifted smoother on the L4400, but laid out better on the 990.
The power steering also seemed to be a lot better on the 990. It operated alot easier, the L4400 steering seemed a little stiff. But maybe all tractors are like that. I'm just used to deere's being smooth.
If your getting a FEL, the joystick on the 990 is located on your right side. A perfect postion. The L4400 control lever is mounted on the loader itself.