Price Check TC30 vs JD790/Specs & Price

Anonymous Poster · Jun 12, 2003

Narrowed down to these 2 units, both in FWD Questions

1. what is "sliding gear" transmission? Is it syncro? Manual tranny is what I want. Are the JD and NH both "sliding gear"? Do they "shift on the fly"?

2. JD is 4 speed with 2 ranges. It appears NH is 3 speed with 3 ranges. Is this correct? Any issues with dash mounted manual gear lever?

3. Dry shoe vs wet disc. Is there a substantial difference in stopping power? Maintenance?

4. Both units have "live PTO". I assume PTO runs regardless of the transmission and clutch?

5. I thought I read somewhere of an issue regarding the JD FWD connection/reliability. Any comments?

NH quote is TC30 4WD, 9x3 trans w/ R4 tires $10,800
$14,100 w/ loader

JD 790, FWD, R4, $11,440.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 12, 2003

I thought I've seen a previous rule regarding double posts but I can't find it. I will also post in JD for that FOX news fair and balanced reporting deal.

yellowdog99502 · Jun 12, 2003

I was looking for a plain-jane fwd gear type tractor and went through the same process about six weeks ago. I ended up with the TC30 based mainly on the information found on this site and the greater three point lift capability. I also have a personal problem with green although I do have a green Ford pickup, go figure! Maybe it was the Ford/New Holland connection, who knows?

The gear transmission on the TC30 is non-syncronized. While 'shifting on the fly' can be accomplished, it will usually result in ugly noises from the gearbox. The TC30 has a High-Med-Low range lever by your left leg and a 3-speed gear shift on the dash, seems to work fine.

As for the brakes, all I can say is they stop the tractor when asked to!

The 'live' PTO on the TC30 is accomplished through a two-stage clutch. Pushing the clutch halfway down releases the gearbox but allows the PTO to continue running; pushing all the way will disengage the PTO. The PTO control lever is by your left hip and simply moves fore and aft to engage the PTO (push in the clutch first).

Cannot address the reliability of the 790, will offer that my local dealer was pushing me towards another model (more whistles & bells) while the guy thirty miles down the road thought the 790 was just fine for what I needed.

Pricing seems to be a regional thing, I paid 13,500 for the tractor & loader in southern Michigan.

Good luck with your decision.