Thinking about a 790 4WD need feedback

scmac · Mar 13, 2004

I currently have a 1950 8n that I have used for the past five years on my 6 acre property. Tired of working on it every time I get ready to use it and I need a new dependable tractor. I think the JD 790 is the one I have my eyes fixed on. I've recently went to the dealer and test drove this fine machine and I like it. Is there anyone that could give me some experienced information on this tractor it would be greatly appreciated. My usage information is as follows:

6 acres
Mowing/Brush Cutting
420ft driveway
grading required
snow plowing
small food plotting/gardening with possible use of small disc

Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif scmac

Alaskanjdeere · Mar 14, 2004

Welcome to the site.
I too looked at the 790, seem's to be a well built tractor for the price. I really liked the steel fenders, but my feet felt cramped. I liked the open platform and Hydro trans of the 4x10 series better so I went for the 4410.
Good luck in trying to choose, It only took me TWO years /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Shawn

_RaT_ · Mar 14, 2004

Decent power, well made, small loader for it's size and for me, very tight quarters and I'm not that big.

RobS · Mar 14, 2004

I've had my 790 for a couple of years now. It's been great and it will definitely handle what you've got in mind. Like others said, it's a bit cramped but you'll have to be your own judge there. Also, loader and tph specs are relatively low but it's never been a problem for me. The 790 is a great value in a tractor. If you want to know anything more specific ask away /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RoyJackson · Mar 14, 2004

"Also, loader and tph specs are relatively low but it's never been a problem for me. "

Relatively low, compared to what?

Seriously, if the Loader and 3PH can pick up the heaviest implement one uses, then the capacity is quite adequate.
My little 670 (predecessor to the 790) can pick up the heaviest implement I own with no problem. That implement is a 60" medium duty Land Pride cutter (weight is a litle over 600 pounds).
The loader can lift it too, but it's a bit iffy due to the size of the cutter, not the weight.
So far, never had not enough power...even at 19 Gross HP.

Now traction is a different story...but I'd need a bigger tractor for that. Since scmac wants to do some grading, that might be a concern.

Even digging with the loader...remember, without a toothbar, it's a loader, not designed as a digging machine. Even with a toothbar, the FEL's digging ability is not the greatest. You want to dig...get a back hoe or excavator.

Sorry about being long-winded, but I get a little tired of reading the 790's capacities are a little low. If the machine can lift and operate the implement you intend to use, then it's fine.

The only implement I'd like that is probably a little beyond the PTO power of the 670 is a chipper...maybe.

As far as being a bit small in the operator station, that depends on the individual. I like the close access to all the controls, but since I've a gimpy leg, the gearshift lever catches my boot laces if I'm not careful. That wouldn't be pleasant going off the machine face first.

All in all, that 790 is a robust little tractor that will last for a long time and would be an excellent choice for a home owner with 5 or 6 acres to maintain.

BTW, Rob...didn't you get a #7 backhoe for your 790?

RobS · Mar 14, 2004

"Also, loader and tph specs are relatively low but it's never been a problem for me. "

Relatively low, compared to what?


Compared to other similar hp tractors. You're absolutely right though Roy, it may be low but it's more than adequate to get the work done.

Yes, I did get a #7 hoe for my tractor and love it. Used it yesterday in fact to do some preliminary excavating for a retaining wall I'm planning. Ah yes, the beauty of owning the hoe vs. renting. I can take the time to dig a test footer to confirm all my measurements before ordering my materials /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I didn't intend to sound negative at all on the 790 but anyone doing a simple comparison is going to see that the 790 has lower loader and tph specs than many other tractors. Roy and I, as well as countless other TBN members, will openly attest to the 790's capabilities. Don't let the printed numbers deter you, go by your needs and the ability of the machine to meet those needs /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

_RaT_ · Mar 14, 2004

I think the loader that the 790 has is small for the size of the tractor and perhaps why Roy is tired of seeing posts to this affect. Compared to many other tractors in the same size and HP, it is pretty light. But, if having a loader that is only needed for light work, it would be fine. The on/off ability of it is also a bit cumbersome compred to other models. But, again, consider how much the 790 costs and it's a minor compromise. All in all, especially for the price, the 790 fills a very nice market need. Plenty of power and good performance overall. If your needs are mowing, occasional loader use and dragging other 3 pt hitch implements is what your after, the 790 could be the tractor for you. I don't have a 790, but my neighbor does and I often show him how to do the things he wants to do with it. Once I removed the loader for him, he could not believe how much easier mowing is. He now wishes he had at least gotten a hydraulic top link. It's something to strongly consider if your thinking about any tractor.

RoyJackson · Mar 14, 2004

"I don't have a 790, but my neighbor does and I often show him how to do the things he wants to do with it. Once I removed the loader for him, he could not believe how much easier mowing is. "

Guess he never read the manual, eh?

Admittedly, the first time one drops the loader off, it's a bit intimidating. I was a bit more concerned about re-installing it though.

Of course, now it's a piece of cake and stays off most of the spring, summer and autumm. Much easier when I mow, but I do need it on when I'm using the cutter for a counterweight.

I do have a pretty big job for the Loader this summer though. Got to smooth out a powerline right of way the the power company has neglected. Not in a big hurry, so it'll take a few weekends of reasonably good weather. Kind of looking forward to it since most of my loader work so far has been hauling or lifting various things.

scmac · Mar 14, 2004

Iwould like to thank everybody for the helpful information on the jd 790 especially about the foot cramping in the seat area.when I tested it yesterday I slid the seat back as far as it would go and at the time I really wasn't thinking about leg room, but in hind sight it was a little cramped.but then again I haven't even had brakes on my old ford for about five years know, so I'm not to awefully worried about leg room. I think I'll fit quite nicely behind my new deere. well I've got three dealers close to home so know I guess all I have to do is try to start a price war and see who I can get to give me the best deal. well thanks again everybody, hopefully I can post again soon and tell everybody how well I like my new green machine, that is when I get it. scmac /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

yellowsocks93 · Mar 14, 2004

If your doing finish mowing you'll like the 60'' deck available. I had one on my 790 and it cut great plus the tight turn radius was really good for around trees.

Joe1 · Mar 14, 2004

I've got a 770, which came between the 670 and the 790. I find the foot/leg spacing a little cramped getting off, but if I leave it in first, it's not a problem. These are true industrial strength basic tractors that are heavilly built with quality materials, attention to detail in fit and finish, and a tried and true, bulletproof Yanmar engine and drive line. I think the FEL and 3 pt capacity is well suited to the tractor. With a 54" (7 cu ft. FEL bucket) full and in the air, you wouldn't want much more weight. Some competiting models might have a higher weight capacity for the FEL, but the 770/790 are well balanced as is. I carried 72 ten+ lb concrete roof tile on a pallet on a 3 pt fork, and it handled it just fine. NONE of my impletments are that heavy.

The 790 and 990 provide a lot of bang for the buck if you can live without the hydrostatic and don't mind the verticle stack.

Joe

Mark_D · Mar 15, 2004

How do you like your #7 backhoe? How's the power on it? Is it well constructed? What size bucket do you have? Does it run off of the tractor hydraulics or have a PTO pump? Thanks.

RobS · Mar 15, 2004

How do you like your #7 backhoe?

Absolutely love it!

 How's the power on it? 

Like the rest of the 790, it's adequate. Well suited for the tractor. Plenty of curl force, stick and boom will relieve under load and the swing tends to relieve at a relatively low load. I'm sure this is all designed to protect the hoe which is fine with me. Our soil is sandy and the thing just digs away. I've seen guys on large machines use the swing to move dirt piles around and you won't do that on this hoe.

 Is it well constructed? 

It's typical JD design and construction. All seems well thought out and well made. The controls are logical and easy to get used to.

 What size bucket do you have? 

16". It has three teeth and will rip through anything we've got around here. I used it last summer to rip a trench for some edging (not very deep). It was dry and hard but no problems. The bucket isn't very deep but it's well suited to the machine.

 Does it run off of the tractor hydraulics or have a PTO pump? 

It runs off the tractor hydraulics via Power Beyond. Speed is fine for me, probably slow for a pro trying to make money at it.

The thing I like the best about it is the attachment. It's rock solid on the tractor yet literally takes five minutes to attach/detach. You won't dig many basements with it but it will outdig an Armstrong Shovel by a mile /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

glalonde · Mar 15, 2004

Scmac,
See the attached picture.

I have used my 790 with the loader (no toothbar) to dig a trench of 20" deep X 7' wide X 50' long, for my interlocking pavers project. I have used a hand shovel to finish the edge as this was my first few hours with the tractor (no experience before).
The way I used it was by trying to shave off 1" to 2" at a time. Not being used to it, sometimes the bucket would bite deeper but it went easier at the end. I'm sure having a toothbar would have helped much more.

_RaT_ · Mar 15, 2004

Thats also where a box scraper can do a great job. I'll pull off what I need and ramp it onto a pile. Eventually I have to move the pile as it gets to big or spread it if it's at a spot where that can be done. Sometimes I use just the loader, sometimes just the boxscraper and sometimes both. Great job glalonde.

rdam · Mar 15, 2004

I would take a long hard look at the Kubota L2800 and the New Holland TC30 before you decide. Especially with the NH TC30, you get a lot more bang for the buck. PTO HP, 3PH lift capacity, 9F/3R gears with a hydro option and a flat deck.

I know Yellow and Green is hypnotizing /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif....Just shop around before you decide.