New to the community with a John Deere 790

[LehighValleyPA]

I am glad to say I just brought home a John Deere 790 with a 70 loader. Used but doesn't seem abused, with maybe too much time spent out in the elements. Loaded ag tires and MFWD, so I don't think I'll be getting stuck.

The wife has really taken to it, moving firewood already.

Short term goals are to hook up a borrowed 3-pt DR Chipper and to get a backhoe. Any chance of getting a JD #7 backhoe for less than a small fortune?

 

[yooper1]

Hello and welcome to TBN

 

[DavidNPro]

Welcome, that is a nice looking 790 you have there.

 

[RoyJackson]

Loaded ag tires and MFWD, so I don't think I'll be getting stuck.

Short term goals are to hook up a borrowed 3-pt DR Chipper and to get a backhoe. Any chance of getting a JD #7 backhoe for less than a small fortune?

Welcome to TBN!!

Great tractor, the 790...had one 5 years and I really liked it.

"Loaded ag tires and MFWD, so I don't think I'll be getting stuck"...famous last words!! But it's pretty easy to push out with the loader as long as you use some common sense...that is, realize you're stuck and stop before you really dig yourself in!
BTW, if you plan on snow plowing....now is a good time to look for chains (try www.tirechains.com).

With that loader, you'll want good rear (3PH) ballast. That really makes a difference, especially with a relatively light tractor like a 790.

As far as the 7 backhoe...I've seen them on Craigslist now and then. As far as a "small fortune"...mostly in the $3000-$4000 range for the asking price. But, another TBNer, Arrabil, got a really nice 8B loader (off a 970) for less then $2000. The 8B would be too big for your 790, but Arrabil's purchase does indicate there are decent deals around.

Enjoy that nice tractor...be safe and use the seat belt!!

 

[grnspot110]

Welcome!

I just bought my 790 late last Spring, really like it! :thumbsup: Mine has a 300 loader, R4 tires (better for my usage) & a 5' Woods finish mower. I replace an old two-cylinder, zero turn mower & garden tractor w/loader with my 790.

Nice little tractor! ~~ grnspot110

 

[sixdogs]

I have a 790 TLB with a #7 backhoe and it is the nicest small tractor combo i have seen. Whatever the cost, find the best deal you can on a new or nearly new one and go with the best deal you can afford. I have seen $4,500 to $5,000 or more new and $4,000 used. Maybe a $3,500 once. They are hard to find used.

Mine has moved trees and dug trenches and storm drains and celler steps and you get the idea. Even buried two of man's best friends properly.
Years back I owned a Woods 700/7000 3 PT hich model with separate hydraulic tank. Nice but the sub-frame and install/removal ease and ergonomics of a #7 on a 790 is much sweeter.
JD says to install a roll-bar extension when the hoe is added. Around $100 from Deere and it makes the ROPS about a foot taller. I think the idea is to keep the operator from being crushed in case of mechanical failure if the boom snaps back.

You have a great tractor and have come to the right place to learn and swap tractor stuff. Keep posting lots of photos.

 

[LehighValleyPA]

I just found & bought a Woods 6500 backhoe that was close enough to pick up with the trailer one afternoon (worthwhile use of a half-day vacation time in my opinion). Made in 2004 so it's about the same vintage as the tractor. It has a PTO pump & reservoir which is great since I don't have a Power Beyond setup. As a bonus it was even JD green.
So far I have only connected the PTO pump to check out basic hydraulic functions. Everything moves, no unpleasant surprises so far. I can't tell if the PTO pump has its own separate lube. I might have to post a new message in the forums or call Woods tech support.
I'm also checking availability with the local Woods dealer for the subframe and front bracket needed for the JD 70 loader. A lot of people apparently have success using the 3-point mount, but with my luck I'd rip the top mount off the tractor.

 

[sixdogs]

I thought it was just to prevent you from banging your head on the ROPS. It's a close fit for me, and I have a few grooves up there already.

Well, probably...but on my three point hitch Woods 700 model of a few years back, I recall mention of a "crushing hazard" if the hoe was not properly positioned and the boom snapped back. They gave you a special grade bolt to use for the boom to prevent failure and you were not to use the hoe without it.

Not sure on this but I think they said (1990) not to use the hoe with a ROPS on unless you fit under it. They didn't say remove the ROPS but they implied it. Remember this was before ROPS were on everything.
Both ideas seem like good ideas.

 

[sixdogs]

Here's a quick pic of mine after being pressure washed and cleaned from head to toe. You can see the ROPS extension.

The 790 TLB is the sweetest small tractor I have ever seen. So tight on fuel I have to keep tapping the gauge to make sure it's not stuck.

Notice I just (last year) welded on some bucket hooks but didn't paint them yet.

 

[LehighValleyPA]

...Notice I just (last year) welded on some bucket hooks but didn't paint them yet.

I'd like a 2nd and maybe even a 3rd hook on the bucket of mine. Darn but they are useful!
I bet the ROPS extension would make having a canopy less of a head-injury threat when getting on & off.
Nice 790 by the way!