JD 790 4x4

Hi to all, After many years of service from my JD 950, It's time for a new one. Nothing wrong with the ol girl, it's just I need somwthing with a FEL and Backhoe now. I keep going back to the 790 and was hoping I could get some feed back from all those great minds out there.

I had thought about just trying to add theose items to my current 950,but, that just seems like it would wear her out faster. Not to mention that I have been over here in Baghdad since 05 and I am ready for a new toy.

T will be using it for digging out my small creek in certain areas, digging stumps, clearing a place for a new barn, loads and loads of dirt and bushogging of course. "Louisiana work"

Any feed back would be VERY helpful..Also looking for prices if anyone could let me know what they had paid in the past or any quotes from dealers.

Thanks to all and I am looking forward to kissing the Good Ol USA Soil again

C 

790's a good tractor. Its been around for a long time. Its a utility minded machine, no frills. Its not the most polished machine around. You'll find the 3000-series machines are much more modern. The 3005 would probably be perfect, but Deere hampers it and won't put a backhoe on it to upsell you to a deluxe tractor. The Kubota L3400 is an equilivant machine without the limitations. When your state-side again its a good idea to go out, kick tires and actually sit in the seat of a few of these to get a feel for the size and capacity.

Thanks for your service!

I have to admit, the Kubotas have been catching my eye. In comparison to prices, how do these 2 stack up...790 vs L3400? With attachments I quoted earlier. I found a 790 with Woods backhoe and FEL for $19,998 from a dealer earlier. Is this High in your opinion and what would be the ball park for the Kubota with FEL and BH. I understand you are not giving me "Quotes".

Thanks again for all your input...Being springtime right now at home is killing me not being there.AAHHHh.

Charles

There is a lot more to the equasion, Tires, transmission, quick couplers, etc. Can skew the price by large margins. A typical 790 is a gear drive, 27 Hp tractor. The closet Kubota is an L2800, these run about 15k with a loader, about 21k till you put a backhoe on. Thats round numbers with Kubot attachments. Woods stuff is typicaly cheaper (I sell that too). I jump right to the L3400 becuase its only a few hundred more for the extra 6 HP. I'd also recomend looking at a hydrostatic transmission. They cost $1000 more, but are way easier to drive, and make much better loader/backhoe transmissions. You'll extend the life of the clutch by a huge margin, and maintain much better resale value as well.

Chuck,

I got my 2004 790 w/ 419 FEL and R4 tires when I got back from afghanistan last year.  Love the tractor but with the following reservations:  operator platform is a little tight; no rear lights, and the loader hydraulics are weak.  I would go hdro if I could have afforded it.  Need a snow blower for next winter.

I know what you mean about enjoying the grass!!!!  Hang in there!  Essayons!!

woodchuck