Newbie 790 2WD Question

[PhilG]

Hello, I am a newbie to the tractor scene but am pretty sold on the 790. My question is .. I really need/want a FEL for immediately doing things like moving brought-in piled dirt, loose gravel, and yard debree movement. I am of the opinion, for what I want out of a FEL, I don't "really" need require 4WD. I understand the benefits, but to be honest, I am trying to avoid the cost. The local deere shop often sells the FEL on 2WD but of course recommends the 4WD. The majority of usage will be to run a finishing mower. However, since I was injured in a motorcycle accident, the FEL would really help me get some things done that I simply struggle doing. Also, I am looking at turf tires. Can anyone offer advice on the 2WD versus 4WD for the FEL for what my needs are? Also, would you recommend the power steering for the 2WD?

Thanks for your time.

Phil

 

[yellowsocks93]

I would bite the bullet and get the MFWD on the 790. I owned a 790 and had the 4x4 on it and used it a lot driving around in the winter time. The 790 will be not as useful with the MFWD for loader work. When I take the 990 out of MFWD I can't go nearly as far into a snow pile when it is in 2wd. I do finish mowing with the 990 and having the MFWD does not hurt the turing radius any nor tear up the turf when out of MFWD.

 

[RoyJackson]

Do you expect to do any type of snow removal?

I'd sure go for the MFWD. The 790 is a great tractor but it is a bit light. Even with filled tires, mine runs out of traction sometimes.

But, if you're not going to push any snow or do any digging, 2WD might do the trick. I think you'll regret not have that front assist though.

But if you get a loader, get the power steering! I use my loader for lifting things more then "loader" work (except for snow removal). For strictly lifting and moving heavy items, I could probably get by with the 2WD. But I wouldn't buy this tractor without MFWD.

 

[RobS]

I'll second what the others are saying. If you were NOT going to get a FEL I'd say you could get away with 2WD but the FEL makes 4WD almost mandatory on such a small, light tractor.

As soon as you pick something up with the loader it unloads the rear tires. You can use all sorts of rear weight (and you should) but it will still lose rear weight and traction with a load in the bucket. Lose the traction and the tires spin making a mess out of whatever you are working on.

Not sure the cost difference but you'll be MUCH happier with 4WD /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Dave4410]

4wd is not needed for the loader work you described. If necessary, you can lower the air pressure in your rear tires and get all the traction you could ever want for doing loader work. The two functions you would need 4wd for would be excavating and working in snow. Because you will be mowing and loading, R4 tires on all 4, are in my opinion, the ones that will provide the traction you'll need. You should get power steering. You're buying the 790 to make life easier and get some projects done that you wouldn't otherwise be able to accomplish. You don't want to be struggling with your steering wheel.

 

[JDdude]

The 4 wheel drive will hold its value as far as resale, plus you will have the benefit of it when you may need it. The tractor will be more versitile...Power steering is a must on any tractor and it will increase resale value.

 

[PhilG]

Thanks for all the advice . . I rarely see snow here (central Louisiana). I will get quotes for the FWD as well as power steering . .I have been told also that for the kind of material handling I need to do . I could use a dirt scoop on the back . .never even seen one used.

Phil

 

[stuart]

Spend the money and get the 4 wheel drive. It is worth it. I have gotten stuck a number of times while in 2 wheel drive and when I could not get out of the fix in 2wd I always can get out in 4 wheel drive. I would not buy a tractor without it. Just one man's opinion.

 

[JDgreen227]

I can't imagine using a FEL on ANY tractor without power steering...it's a MANDATORY item for me to have. And while you actually don't need the MFWD for your purposes, I think you should spend the extra $$ and get that option also. IMO, having four wheel drive capability is one of the most important options you can specify for a CUT. You would not believe the number of times my JD has been hung up while mowing a ditch or hauling a heavy load in the FEL bucket, or even backing up a 25 degree grassy slope into my barn. In 200 hours of operating my tractor I have engaged the MFWD at least fifty times to get enough traction ON GRASS to get moving.

Resale value will be greatly enhanced by both PS and MFWD and you will receive more use from your tractor. Better to have those options and not need them, than need them and not have them....

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[GONO2]

I bought the 4wd not thinking I would need it - it has proved me wrong many many times. It really helps!!!

 

[Bellville]

Phil, if there is any way you can afford the MFWD get it. I did not think I needed it when I was tractor shopping, but it has gotten me out of many a tough spot.

On one occasion I was moving a large amount of treated 2x6 with the FEL and had to back up a slight incline, even though I had my box blade on for counter weight I was just spinning the back tires, (engaged the differential lock and spun both tires), put it in 4 wheel drive and she backed right up.

I know it is quite a bit more cost, but if you can go it you will have a tractor that is so much more capable.

Best of luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I have 12.4 x 24 R1's on the back of my Cub Cadet and I almost never use 4WD. I am a strong advocate for using 4WD to get OUT of trouble, not INTO it. 4WD helps allot with steering when you are pulling an implement. It's also a big help in the woods when you are pulling out stumps or a log. Sometimes, just that extra little purchase is all you need. 4wd is nice for sure, but you can get away without it. If you were to load your tires and throw on a weight box you'd be OK if you had R1 tires. TURF f tires will spin and you WON"T be happy. That said, you would PROBABLY be OK with 2WD for moving a load of loam or gravel with turf tires, but you certainly won't get a good bite if you intend to do any excavating, especially in loose or rough soil. If there is any way possible, go for the 4WD if you are set on getting turf tires, even if it means holding off a little while. Good luck!!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[ipwanab]

Phil;

Get the 4wd. there are many times on the slightest of inclines or wierd situations where my 790 will not move without the 4wd engaged. A good example is making a backup when mowing to get under a tree or such and the rears will just spin without the fronts helping,(this doesn't happen on level ground) but it does't take much slope to cause slippage. I also think that 4wd get's you ps.

 

[JATO_RaT]

"Phil, if there is any way you can afford the MFWD get it. I did not think I needed it when I was tractor shopping, but it has gotten me out of many a tough spot. "


I'll second that and add that if you can't afford it, find a used tractor that has it. There have been a few fellas here that almost seemed to advocate 2WD (PruntyC) but for every one, there must a hundred that surely support 4WD. You can easily resell a 4wd, but 2WD will probably have a smaller market.

The need for 4WD will become quite apparent when you don't have it, that need will come up often. My experience anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[bczoom]

PhilG

I'm with everyone else on getting at least the 4WD, especially if you're going with the turf tires. Are you considering a mid-mount mower or rear finish mower. If MMM, you'll definitely prefer the power steering.
As for FEL, if you can swing the $, I'd consider it also.
You said the "majority" of use will be for running a mower. What other things would you be considering using it for?

 

[mainiak1]

I'm a 790 owner too I try not to use 4WD as much as I can.
My field is fairly level and I find myself in 4WD 30% of the time. I have turf tires. I think the loss of traction while in 2WD is magnified because tractors do not have suspension to help.
My 4WD Jeep on the other hand I use 4WD .001% of the time. Please believe what others are saying, their trying to save you alot of frustration.

 

[Henry]

Pretty consistent advice.... I own a 790 w/turf tires, loader, and belly mower. I always run in 2WD for mowing and always run 4WD for running the loader.

For mowing, it tears up the turf in 4WD
For loading, I seem to need the extra traction with 4WD

I suggest you go for it! Tell your wife that thousands of middle-aged tractor owners insist that you buy the 4WD /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif