NEED TO UPGRADE 790, NEED ADVICE.

frj777 · Mar 28, 2006

I have a 790 with loader, this is the 30 hp version not the new 28?hp.

Anyway, I made simple yet very effective pallet forks that slide into 1-1/4 inch pipe welded on top of bucket. These forks are very effective and I cannot imagine any other bucket mount forks working better.

Problem: tractor does not have enough hydrolic power to lift the pallets that I receive on a regular basis. Tractor performes double duty of unloading 1-6 pallets a month and various field work.

I am needing to upgrade tractor to somthing with a stronger hydrolic system. Yet the size and attributes of the 790 are great for my other needs. I will unload pallets that may weigh as much as 1200 lbs.

As well what is my 790 worth? It has Mid and Rear PTO, as stated above it is the 30 Hp modle and has front end loader. Hours: 150.

Thanks for any help on this one!

N80 · Mar 28, 2006

The 990 is a step up and probably sufficient for your needs. Also the Kubota L4400 is in the ballpark and priced similar to the 990 but has a little more hp and maybe a tad stronger FEL than the standard one on the 990.

john_bud · Mar 28, 2006

Ok,

I'm a cheap Bast--d. Just so you know! I would do a couple things. First, make a pallat fork that connects directly to the loader arms. Yeah, it will be more "fun" to swap between bucket and forks, but you will gain a quick 300# of lifting capacity (maybe more with leverage changes). That alone may get you where you need to be.

If that didn't work, get bigger hydraulic cylinders. You need to measure the "all the way closed" and the "all the way open" distance. It's best to do this with one end of the cylinder unhooked from the loader. You also need to measure the rod diameter and the cylinder diameter. This is the INSIDE diameter, not the outside. But, if you measure the outside and subtract 1/2", that's usually correct. You want double acting, welded cylinders with welded cross tubes. Not a tie rod cylinder and not a clevis end. I'm guessing that your cylinders are 1.5" diameter ID, so something like this is probably close to what you need - but is probably too long;
Surplus center 1.75" cylinder $69.95 each

If these are a step up, you can get them cheap. Otherwise, a pair of cylinders should only run you $3-400 and that's a heck of a lot cheaper than a new machine. Especially as the rest of your needs are so well met with the one you already have!

jb

JerryG · Mar 28, 2006

I don't know what the lift capacity of your loader. But, there has been several JD 790s that have been check and have had the hydraulic pressure really low for the factory. You might want to check the pressure first before you trade unless you just want to trade anyway. There have also been several members on here that have shimmed their system to increase the pressure so that they could lift more.

_RaT_ · Mar 28, 2006

Johns right, you loose so much lift ability as well as stability by putting the forks out in front of the bucket. Its pretty suprising how much capacity you gain by going right to the loader arms. My neighbor has the same tractor as me and opted to buy pallet forks that attach via hooks to the bucket instead of with the quick attach. The lift capability is in my opinion lousy and thats on a Kubota L3830 which has a loader that is significantly larger and far more powerful then the JD 790's loader (my other neighbor has the JD 790).

rockyridgefarm · Mar 28, 2006

Hi _Rat_!!!

Back to the poster.. You have had great advice. Get the forks back on the loader. Shim the hydraulics carefully. And make sure that you have proper ballast. That will cost significantly less than trading!

Dutch445 · Mar 28, 2006

I'm going to take a different approach here...
and assume you have the 419 loader.
The advice about the forks being out on the bucket vs. closer to the loader arms is right, but, I don't think even with this change your tractor is going to do what you want.
The specs for that loader, even the new 300 loader, don't even come close to what you need, and that is measuring at the pivot pin on the loader, not on a set of forks.
I think if you look at the 3120, you will find that with the 300CX loader, you will have a tractor slightly larger, with a folding ROPS, and a lot more hydraulic power,, and weight, to do what you want to do very nicely. Even bumping up the
790 hydraulic system will not give you enough tractor to safely handle a pallet with 1200 lbs of weight on the loader.
I would think unless you have a very heavy ballast box, and the tires loaded, your backside will be very light! (not to mention the stress on the front axle)
anyway, just MHO!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

rockyridgefarm · Mar 28, 2006

oops, I hate to admit it, but Dutch is really on target.

8. Be friendly, courteous and respectful of other members, as well as the entire TBN community

Darn, does that mean I can't say he's UGLY?!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

_RaT_ · Mar 28, 2006

Hey, I know you, are you alive or is this your spirit lurking? Did you trade in your "Club 4310" for a new super duper fangled Deere with a yellow seat? I'm contemplating going tractorless and thus reducing my life here at TBN to mere ridicule.

_RaT_ · Mar 28, 2006

Dutch, I thought much the same with the possible exception that maybe its a particular item he needs to lift that the 790 just barely does now. Without a doubt, I would be looking at the new super duper Deeres, but then I've been spoiled and want all that fancy stuff that the 790 does not have. If anything, the 790 would probably sell well used in the next few months.