Comparison NH TC24DA or JD 790

[tedf]

Hello all, first post to this awesome site. I have 3 acres and am looking at some used tractors. I have two options at the moment. New Holland TC24DA (24HP) with FEL and box scraper w/ 243 hrs, hydro, 4x4, rear and mid PTO $10,500. Tractor is clean (residential use). John Deere 790 (27HP) with FEL, older but working brush hog and back snow blade w/ 418hrs, 8 forward and 2 reverse, 2wd/4wd filled tires, rear PTO only, $10,500. JD is a little more ç*¥sed but still in good shape (used on farm). I like both but am leaning to the NH. Both have advantages that I like. NH hydro, mid and rear PTO. JD little more HO and implements that I need. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
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[RoyJackson]

That one is a tough call...I guess you'd need to determine which transmission you prefer. The 790 has a 2-stage clutch and there is a short learning curve with that. If you'd be the only operator, that wouldn't be a problem...but if you plan on others operating the tractor...well, the clutch is tough and long lasting as long as one doesn't ride the clutch.
I had a 790 for 6 years and really liked it with one caveat: reverse gear is something you need to work with...low range is slow!!! High range is too fast (this is at PTO speed, BTW). I was OK with it, but it is something you'd have to work with.
Another thing to consider that may be more important....that's PTO HP. The 790 has 24 PTO HP. I don't know what the TC24DA has, but I'm going to guess it's about 20 PTO HP.
Another thing...are you planning to mow your yard (lawn) with the tractor you select? Since neither have a mid-mount mower, you'd either have to buy one or go for a rear finishing mower (both can easily handle a 60" mower, the 790 can handle a 72" mower).

Good luck in your choice!

 

[tedf]

Thanks for your reply Roy. I gave the NH a closer look today and really liked the Hydro. Only saw one potential issue that has me thinking. There was a little fluid by each of the differential seals / gaskets (two in the back and one up front). Do you think this an issue (big/small) with the number of hours on this tractor or is this common? I am attaching a picture of the back, one side. Other than that it looks and drives well. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[JSUnlimited]

Ted,

I don't know much about the 790. I bought brand new (still have) at TC24DA in 2004 and have close to 900 hours on it with a few issues (nothing major in my opinion).

I dont have much time tonight to go into great detail about my experiences with this NH but if you do a search for posts started by me "JSUnlimited" you should get a good idea of the projects, modifications, and repairs involving my NH. I pretty much know this tractor inside and out by now and would I but it again, absolutely!

If I get a chance tommorrow, I'll get back on here and go into detail. I'm sure you need to make a move soon, so I'll try and get back here in the morning. BTW, I would not worry about the oil you see.