John Deere 790 Review 2025: Specs, Features and Pricing

Compact in size but big on grit, the 790 ran from the late ‘90s through 2007 and earned a reputation for being one of the most dependable small tractors Deere ever built. It didn’t have bells or whistles. It didn’t need them. Powered by a rock-solid Yanmar diesel and built with old-school simplicity, the 790 is proof that “basic” can still mean “brilliant.”

Whether it’s mowing, grading, tilling, or hauling—this machine shows up and gets the job done. No questions, no drama.

What’s New for This Generation?

Nothing fancy. That was the whole point.

The 790 stayed nearly unchanged during its production run—and Deere didn’t mess with the formula. You got a no-frills, gear-drive compact utility tractor with 4WD, a Category 1 hitch, and enough hydraulic flow to run the essentials.

It didn’t try to be clever. It tried to be useful. And it nailed it.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Back when it was new, a 790 cost just over $10,000, depending on options. Now? Clean used models go for $7,500–$12,000 depending on hours, condition, and whether it comes with a loader.

Loader-equipped models are the ones to get. And make sure it’s got 4WD—it was optional on early builds but absolutely essential for traction and resale value.

Recommended Setup:

• MFWD (mechanical front-wheel drive)
• 419 or 300X loader
• R4 industrial tires for all-around use
• Mid-PTO if you plan to run a belly mower or snowblower

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood is a 1.5L three-cylinder Yanmar diesel making 27 horsepower. It’s small, yes—but efficient, torquey, and built to last forever. Cold starts? Easy. Maintenance? Simple. And the engine’s got enough pull to surprise people used to riding lawn tractors.

Transmission is old-school gear-drive:

• 8 forward, 2 reverse
• No hydrostatic option here—just crisp, positive gear engagement
• Clutch to shift, and plan your stops—but once you get used to it, it just works

Top speed is about 11 mph. Not fast, not flashy—but confident. Hook up a tiller or a 5-foot brush hog, and it’ll power through all day without complaint.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Use

Fuel tank holds about 7 gallons—and with how little this engine sips, you’ll run forever between fill-ups. We’re talking 1/3 gallon per hour under light load, maybe 1/2 under steady PTO work. It’s one of the most miserly tractors Deere ever built.

Real-world use? The 790 handles:

• 4- to 5-foot rotary mowers
• Rear blades and box scrapers
• 4-foot tillers
• Post hole diggers
• Small hay tedders or rakes
• Snowblowers and belly mowers

It’s the ultimate small acreage companion. Whether you’ve got a 5-acre homestead or a few horses to care for, the 790 punches well above its weight.

Interior, Comfort, and Operator Experience

“Interior” might be a stretch. There’s no cab, no sound insulation, no frills. But that’s exactly what makes it great.

The operator station is clean, open, and purpose-built:

• Mechanical levers for everything
• Clear sightlines to your implements
• Simple analog gauges
• Comfortable suspension seat with decent adjustment
• Enough room to work without feeling cramped

No screens. No menus. Just levers, pedals, and the open sky. It’s tractor therapy, pure and simple.

Infotainment and Connectivity

You’re kidding, right?

There’s a tach. There’s an hour meter. And maybe—maybe—an AM/FM radio if the last guy zip-tied one to the ROPS.

And that’s the beauty of it. No distractions. No software. No Bluetooth handshake issues. Just you, diesel, and dirt.

Safety and Ease of Use

It’s a small tractor, but it’s got serious safety basics:

• ROPS standard
• Seatbelt with good positioning
• Simple mechanical brakes
• Easy on/off access from both sides

Because it’s so lightweight, it’s also highly maneuverable and intuitive. Steering is light. Visibility is excellent. Anyone with half a clue and a safety briefing can be productive within an hour.

If you’re teaching a new operator or working in tight spaces, the 790 is one of the best entry-level compact tractors ever made.

Maintenance and Reliability

This thing’s a tank.

Routine service is dead simple:

• Engine oil and filters are easy to reach
• Air filter has clear service indicators
• Fuel system is mechanical—no electronics to fail
• Parts availability remains strong, especially through Deere and aftermarket sources

The Yanmar 3TNE84 engine is legendary for longevity. Hit your service intervals and you’ll see 4,000–5,000 hours with no drama.

The only real wear items? Clutches (if abused), tie rods (on loader models), and cosmetic rust on older units. Otherwise, this is the diesel equivalent of a hammer.

Verdict

The John Deere 790 is what happens when you strip a compact tractor down to only the essentials—and then overbuild them. No hydrostat. No digital dash. No complexity. Just pure, rugged simplicity backed by a bulletproof Yanmar and Deere’s clean design.

For hobby farms, homesteads, and small-acre operators, it’s as close to perfect as compact tractors get. Cheap to run. Easy to fix. Always ready to work.

It may not turn heads at the coffee shop, but out in the field? It earns respect. And that’s the kind of legacy that lasts.

Specifications