Looking at a JD 990

[CWP37]

Also, you might think of jumping up to an MX6 shredder. More durable and more powerful.

 

[tarscraper]

I started this same process you are at over a year ago and still haven't bought...but I've learned a lot through this site and through shopping around and testing different tractors.

Originally, I was looking at a 990. In my opinion, you should take a hard look at the JD 5103. I was recently quoted $17,800 for a 5103 w/ loader, vertical exhaust, arm rests, and R4s. You are getting a LOT more power for close to the same $$$. I drove one around the lot and was impressed about how agile they are. You will also have a hard time finding anything negative about the 03s on these boards. Depending on what my CPA says at the end of the year, I'll be getting an 03 as soon as possible.

Unless you have decided 4 wheel drive is required. Then this would not be an option here.

 

[wolc123]

I vote for the R1's and the 4wd 990 over the 2wd 5103. Since you are not going to use your tractor on the lawn, the only advantage R4's would give you is slightly better durability in the woods. R1's are a lot better in the snow,mud,and tilled ground and it sounds like you will see these. In my opinion, the single biggest reason to get a new tractor is 4wd which almost doubles the capability of a loader tractor compared to a 2wd of equal weight and power, and also results in improved offroad fuel economy.

 

[Champy]

I have had tire discussions with most of the dealers in my area (southern Indiana), and they all agree for the most part that about 80%+ of the CUT sales they are making go out the door with R-4's...........perhaps this would affect resale or maybe everyone else knows better than I do what is the best all-around tire setup locally.

> I looked at the 5103's but when I found out they were only 2WD they came off the short list.

> currently comparing with a Kubota L4400........not sure if I like the hydrostatic pedal (heel/toe); and the loader controls are up fairly high, feels like I'm waving to everyone.

 

[tarscraper]

I have had tire discussions with most of the dealers in my area (southern Indiana), and they all agree for the most part that about 80%+ of the CUT sales they are making go out the door with R-4's...........perhaps this would affect resale or maybe everyone else knows better than I do what is the best all-around tire setup locally.

> I looked at the 5103's but when I found out they were only 2WD they came off the short list.

> currently comparing with a Kubota L4400........not sure if I like the hydrostatic pedal (heel/toe); and the loader controls are up fairly high, feels like I'm waving to everyone.

I had a Kubota B7500 at one point. The two problems you mentioned were a little bit of a pain for me. The heel/toe pedal made any work looking behind you a real pain in the knee (bad knees anyway but still) . Its a real awkward bend when working with am implement that requires frequent checking over the shoulder. The loader lever is a bit of a reach and can get a little tiresome. I guess I am mixed on that because I fnd my leg hitting the deere bucket control lever from time to time. Causing me to roll the bucket.