JD 790 Finish/Grooming mowers

[JEFFinOH]

I am interested in purchasing a new tractor. My budget is $10000. I like the 790/3005/2wd (budget will not allow for 4wd). I will mow 12 acres/week. I will also use the tractor for personal snow removal. Blade-?60"/72"?.
I'd like to know what brands/size finish mowers everyone else is using. I am not married to any brands... YET! I would like to run a 72" but think a 60" is more realistic. Also, what range/gear provides efficiency without abusing the tractor/mower/operator. I assume ballast will be required to put 600+lb. mower on a 2000-lb tractor(how much?).
The 54 ft./lb. kinda scares me since my 8n has 92 ft./lb. I have 100 acres (50 leased to local farmer) here in north central Ohio and will use this tractor for everything from light grading to forest maintenance. I am not worried about having to small of a machine (as long as it can run a 60" really well) because it will give more time to play!
Also, my old finish mower(caroni?(stickers are gone)) liked to bend the shaft for the spindle-wheel. Are there any solutions for this problem?
Fuel consumption/hour anyone? The only thing I could find was the JD2520 1.6 gal./hr.(same engine rated at 26.5 hp. not 27) which seems kinda high since my dad's 5.9 Cummins only uses about 3 gal./hr.(highway). Every review of this tractor I could find either started with "great fuel economy" or "starts every time" which I like.
Do I NEEEED the cold weather option (coolant heater, I think??) in northern Ohio? Is this better for the engine (has to be, I think, maybe??) How much is this? I'll buy this before next winter if I need it, so I can trick myself into thinking I stayed under budget, he-he, unless the dealer can do this for less, or free? Probably not!!!!
Cetane boost or fuel conditioner? In the winter or otherwise?
Sorry about all the questions. This will be my first new tractor and I want to give it to my grand kids, I'm 25.
Lastly, sorry about the long post. I feel like I am back in high school....worst year of my life.(was...too cool for school-now...too poor for 4x4!!)
Thanks. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
 

[Haywood]

I Ran a JD790 MFWD and a 72" inch deck is too much deck.

You'll do fine with the 60" deck and Mow just as quickly with a smaller deck and quicker ground speed. In Fact probably quicker.

I was using about 1/2 Gallon an hour on diesel on light load using loader and 3/4 gallon under heavy load.

The Yanmar Started Easy in the cold and yes I used a winter blend of fuel...No Biofuel....
If you live in the Cold climate get the block heater if you can cheap enough it saves on battery and starter wear over the years.

You can check Landpride website and it will give pto HP specs for equipment and this will give you a buying guide for implements.
Somestimes a salesman will sell anything to you if you want it. just be sure what it will handle and what you need before you take the plunge.

I liked My JD790 a lot but I only used it for what it was built to accomplish and nothing more.

Good luck with your search

Haywood
 

[JEFFinOH]

Great stuff! I was dreamin" with the 72" huh.
THANKS!
 

[Mike M]

I thought the NEW ones only came in 4x4 ?

Don"t buy a 2wd compact. Find a used one with 4x4 and a loader. should be able to at $10,000
Once you have a loader you won"t know how you got along without one !