[Horttiger22]

What does your land look like??
Flat or Hills..?

How much land?

What is your primary use for a tractor if you know yet?

Mostly Hilly/sloped 7 acres
bush hogging
material movement. (Mulch, gravel, plant material burlaped trees)
we don’t get snow here.
And tilling small/medium garden (Don’t know dimensions but probably 2/3 passes with the tractor)

 

[theduke]

Sounds like a Hydro drive would be your best bet.

If you could find a low hour 955......you'd be happy.....10K ish loaded.

With the budget at 15-20 k as I think I read.....you could get something a bit bigger & newer.

 

[cc1999]

Well, I do agree the 2032R and the 2038R are really great machines.
I didn't see any out there in the target price range, especially not new and none showing used below $18K

I think the 990 and 995 were good machines, but there is not any 995s showing up and only 1 990.

There does appear to be several 2018+ latest model 2025Rs available used with low hours. These might be worth a look. I recently bought a new 2025R, so recent its not been delivered yet. I also use to own a 2038R.
I think based on your usage and land description this might be a good choice for you.

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[SRG]

You might try using machine finder. That is John deere only dealer base of used equipment. Some dealers do put some new stuff on there as well.

That 990 must be a hard machine to come by. Only 1 listing nation wide among all the deere dealers.

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Only see 3 790s out there. These are looking mostly 10K or less .

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Tractorhouse.
Over a dozen 790s and 3-4 990s, and some 8-9 and 10, 70 series machines, not much different than 90 series machines.
Quite a few 955s too.

 

[sunilbhaiya72]

I see the “hard to grease driveshaft joints” come up all the time. I did mine yesterday. From start to finish, including getting the tools out and put away, it took me 25 minutes and I also greased the mower deck. It’s one of those things after you have done it once it’s easier. 50 hour interval so for me that’s about twice a year

 

[Sergeant]

I would say 650/750 670/770 for you Small frame compacts 790/990 which became the 3005 & 4005 for You medium and Large Frame Compacts Though I would still love to have a 1450 or 1650

 

[cc1999]

Tractorhouse.
Over a dozen 790s and 3-4 990s, and some 8-9 and 10, 70 series machines, not much different than 90 series machines.
Quite a few 955s too.

I only saw one 955 JD tractor on tractor house had over 1100 hours and wanted 7K for it. No pictures .
None at any JD dealers . There was a lot of stuff with a 955 model number but only 1 that I saw was a JD compact tractor .

 

[SRG]

I only saw one 955 JD tractor on tractor house had over 1100 hours and wanted 7K for it. No pictures .
None at any JD dealers . There was a lot of stuff with a 955 model number but only 1 that I saw was a JD compact tractor .

Whoops, it is the 855, that has over a dozen listings. Slightly smaller, still a good older hydro machine.

Synchro gearshift machines...
870, (3cyl) 28hp, 25pto HP
970, (3cyl) 33hp, 30pto HP
1070, (4cyl) 38hp, 35pto HP ( also has load and depth control)
All with 2 stage clutches.
They would all be medium to large size CUTs

990 and 790 are the hot rods, very similar to the 70 series machines, just with more HP for their size. 790 is rated at 27 and 30hp depending on year, and 990 is 40hp.
I personally think the 70 series machines are a better buy, due to a few things the 90s dont have, like swinging and offsetable drawbar, crank handle right side lift link, and more likely to find them with ag tires, than the typical R4s more likely optioned on the 90s.
Plus all 3 70s are 3x3 trans with 3 reverse. 790 is 2x4, 2 reverse. 990 is 3x3 3 reverse
790s furl tank is also on top of the hood, where the 990 and all 70s are in the rear, for a bit easier access.
790 is closer in size to the 23hp 770, than it is the bigger 8,9,10 machines.

Hydro has a place for alot of people. Just ain't for me. I like the raw pulling power you get with a gear drive. Drag most hydro machines around behind ya.

 

[Horttiger22]

I just did a quick search and found a 2017 3032 with 316 hrs for 15k.

 

[jasper04]

I would say mid mount is not really important as I don’t see myself manicuring the fields to the point of a mid mount paying off (from what I’ve read). Also there is a familiarity with the rear mounded mowers for me.
As far as price point ideally 15-18k would consider the ~20k a max.
If there is/was something before the 2 and 3 series I would be fine with that. I don’t think I “need” all the refinements but also realize I will absolutely need them after I have them.

Here you go!! Shouldn't last long!

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[jasper04]

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[jasper04]

Or this one.

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[SulleyBear]

Maybe mention what part of the country you are in as there can be a few thousand dollars in freight to get a machine across the country to you, so that might impact your search and selection some.

Certain machines seem to have much more regional availability than others. For example, many models which are very common in the Midwest are often much more scarce in the Pacific Northwest and desert southwest.

Then there is the selection and consideration of a machine. Some wouldn't hesitate to purchase a used machine sight unseen based upon photos where others wouldn't consider a machine they couldn't personally inspect and test drive. Unless, of course, you are up for a major road trip as part of your tractor acquisition.

 

[Treefarmer]

According to the title - ever made.

You can go back a ways. The 790/990 were bullet proof. The 755/955 etc. were bullet proof. The 2520/2720/2032 are nearly bullet proof.

I say all this because of all the simple/stupid issues people are having with their brand new machines. Frame bolts loose - major hydraulic leaks, etc.

As a 790 owner, I would agree with the above. No computer, no complicated emissions, simple clutch and transmission. Downside is the 300 loader has limited lift capacity although the later model improved that with larger curl cylinders.

I bought mine used and it may outlast me. . .

Treefarmer

 

[Horttiger22]

I am in South Carolina close to the North Carolina border. I am finally at a computer so searching is a lot easier. Also not something I have to have right now I can wait for the right one to pop up. I do see a 990 relatively close for 14k 945 hours. I think I am leaning more the 790/990 755/955 route, as it give me the tractor I am looking for at the price point I am looking at. However the 2 and 3 series I am sure would spoil me if I found one at the right price.

 

[theduke]

Have you been to Tractordata.com ??

Heres an example

https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/1/5/152-john-deere-955.html

You can enter any brand /model # and get to the raw data quick...Its not 100% accurate but pretty close and easy to use. Will give you the years produced ,HP ,options avl at the time and many different specs.

Also...Keep in mind...With the older 90's ++ tractors......Gear drive tractors typicly had taller tire/wheel 's than the similar HP Hydro drives. Hydro's were shorter lower. May not be true today as almost all compact types are all hydro. Things were different back then. A 955 is equivalent to todays 3 series. Yes its smaller but HP is one thing to look at. 955 was the longest ,lowest and widest of the triO...755/855/955.
I can't speak for the gear drives of the era....My land is way to steep to even consider one. Been there .
I can sidehill my 955 anywhere on my land .27^.but I have learned its limits...Also all 4 tires are loaded and R4's..the shorter of the choices for a 955. Its a safe machine with 3 brake pedals and a simple forward & reverse pedal. Get in a strange spot..let go of everything and it just sits there...

Keep digging..You'll find what fits you.

 

[beenthere]

I know this could potentially become a dumpster fire as this is like asking which is better Ford or Chevy. However, I’m looking for most reliable (or easiest to work on) around 30hp tractor with loader. Small average (7ac) to maintain. Typical use bush hog, gravel work, smaller garden and dirt/mulch loader work.
Or the flip side question is are there any to avoid?

Hands down, it is the JD 4300 or 4400. Prior to the electronics, and prior to engineering feats to cut cost corners.

 

[Ed333]

plus one on the 755, although you may want an 855 or 955. My 1987 just keeps on ticking, never been stored inside, Maine winters and all, easy to work on. there may be a reason they are hard to find, eg, mine is not for sale and will not be while I live.

 

[vetboss]

4410 hydro good luck

 

[Akovia]

I know this could potentially become a dumpster fire as this is like asking which is better Ford or Chevy. However, I’m looking for most reliable (or easiest to work on) around 30hp tractor with loader. Small average (7ac) to maintain. Typical use bush hog, gravel work, smaller garden and dirt/mulch loader work.
Or the flip side question is are there any to avoid?

The last tractors I owned were in 1975: a Cat D-4, a Cat D-2, and a Ford 8N. I now use my JD 3033R on my 40 acre retirement farm. So far, the only thing I have wished for is a pto driven no till seeder that will work with 24.8 pto hp. That doesn’t seem to exist. Otherwise, this thing is a capable, economical gem.