29 vs. 30 vs. 33?

Racer · Aug 19, 2003

Can someone please shed some light on the differences in these three tractors from a performance standpoint? It seems like the 30 and 33 are the same tractor with different body work and the 29 is just a bit less HP, but yet there is a big difference in price.

I need to mow 20+ acres, maintain a 1/4 driveway and till about 3 acres. What do I need? Do I need hydro? Was told that hydro makes a HUGE difference when using the FEL. Is that true? Do I need the 33 power or will the 29 work just fine? I dont mind spending the extra, If, and only IF it is worth it.

Bob_Skurka · Aug 19, 2003

Assuming you are mowing all 20 acres, go for the 33hp and get a 72 or perhaps 84" mower deck. For mowing with a finish mower the general rule is about 5hp per foot of deck for normal grass. Wet grass requires more, tall grass requires more. Dry grass requires a bit less. So the maximum I could recommend is 84" if you keep up with it. If you need to knock it down with a rotary cutter and it is tall to begin with, then the 33hp with a 72" cutter is about max.

I use a 60" finish mower with a NH 24hp and in tall stuff it bogs down. If I keep up with the lawn the 24 is fine with the 60" deck but wet or tall stuff ends up in clumps and the engine bogs down when it gets really heavy.

BigDave · Aug 19, 2003

Okay, the TC29 and TC33 are the same tractor with a different Shibaura motor. These are both Boomers and are assembled in Georgia. The TC30 is a rebadged Shibaura that is available worldwide as a New Holland or a Shibaura. So they are blood relatives, but they more like cousins rather than siblings.

Also, if I needed to mow 20 acres, I would be looking at something bigger than the TC33. Probably a TC40 with a 84" RFM or brushcutter would fit the need. Hydro or not would depend on the number of obstacles that you have to mow around. If you plan on a lot of FEL work, then a hydro is usually preferred.

Neophyte · Aug 20, 2003

You should know that they are discontinuing the TC29 models. I don't think this should stop you from buying one but you should be aware of it.

You should also be aware that the TC33D is being changed for 2004 and it will be called the TC33DA. They will be replacing the 7308 loader with the 14LA loader, which will have increased lift capacity. The 14LA also provides better visibility and it looks sharp. To help handle the increased loader capacity, the front axle will be redesigned. Finally, it will have the new style hood with the vertical head lights. It should be out somewhere between late fall 2003 and late spring 2004???

As far as I know, the TC30 will remain the same and keep the 7308 loader. Powerful little machine for the money but it is lacking some of the options / features / refinements of the Boomers. It also has metal fenders/hood instead of plastic, which can be good or bad depending on your preference.

If you are new to tractors and mostly mowing and using the loader, then I would recommend Hydro. Hydro is very nice for mowing and loader work, especially if you are not familiar with tractors. You will find many people who agree with this and many people who disagree with this. It is an ongoing discussion and has occupied many threads. There are many die-hard gear fans out there and gear has come a long way with options like Synchronized Shuttle Shift (NH), Power Reverser (JD), FST (K) or GST (K). I have used something similar to a Power Reverser on a Case 580K and, as easy as it is, I would still prefer to use a Hydro for loader work and especially for mowing. With that said, you can save a $1000-$2000 by going with a gear.

If I were you, for 20+ acres, I would definitely look into the Class III Boomers (TC35D/TC40D) assuming you are set on NH. Others you could look at in this range would be the JD 4410/4510 or the Kubota L3430/L3830. These machines will enable the use of larger implements. For instance, an 84" finish mower, 84" rotary cutter, 80" Tiller, etc.

If you are set on the 29-33HP range, then I would definitely go with the TC33D or wait for the TC33DA, assuming you are also set on NH. Others in this HP range would be the JD 4210/4310 or the Kubota B7800/B2910/L3130.

Please don't think I'm trying to steer you away from NH by mentioning other brands. I'm a big fan of NH machines and I have been drooling over them for weeks. I just thought you may want to explore the big three before sinking $20k+. Perhaps you already have.

If you don't have any good local NH dealers or if you are just looking for out-of-state NH dealers to save yourself from the 7.5% sales tax, then I would highly recommend talking with Scammon Tractor in ME or Corriher Implement in NC. My biased favorite is Scammon but both of these companies have been extremely responsive and helpful. With that said, I'm not sure if Scammon sells outside of their service territory so you would need to ask.

As with all advice, you get what you pay for and keep in mind that I'm in the same predicament as you are.

Whatever you decide, make sure you let us know and post many pictures.

Racer · Aug 20, 2003

Thanks for the info. I looked at a TC33D today and specifically asked the dealer if there were going to be any changes for 2004. He said that He didn't know, NH had not informed them of any. Are the changes common knowledge to the NH dealers? The guy I spoke to was the Sales Mgr for the dealership.

Unfortunately, anything bigger than a TC33D is out of my price range.

Neophyte · Aug 20, 2003

I have seen posts as far back as 2002 that mention the 14LA loader. I have not talked to a NH dealer yet that did not know about the upcoming changes to the TC33 models. I would guess that it should be very much common knowledge to dealers. Perhaps he didn't mention it because he does not have a firm date, perhaps because he does not want it to delay your purchase or perhaps he's just oblivious.

Do you plan to use a MMM or RFM for finish mowing?

In case you didn't already know, the difference between a TC33D/7308 and TC35D/16LA is about $1500.

Racer · Aug 20, 2003

Yes I did know the price difference, but I am already over my budget at the 33 price.

I am not set on anything. As a matter of fact, the more I look the more confused I get. I have looked at JD, NH, Kioti's, Century and Kubota. I try to compare specs, but I really dont know what it is that will suit my needs best. I got a nice deal on the Kioti 3054 that is thousands cheaper than the others, but it only has 23hp @PTO and I am concerned with that. I am also concerned about the exhaust. I also got advice to absolutely go with a hydro, especially for my needs. My head is spinning....

trkbldr · Aug 20, 2003

Racer, I think a lot of people on this forum can identify with your problem. I have been shopping the NH line exclusively for 6 months and have yet to sign on the dotted line. Is the 33D too small? Is the 35D too big? Should I give up the bells and whistles, get a TC30 and save some money? Who can answer these questions but me? Should someone who doesn't know what they want themself give advice to someone else? Maybe not, but let me throw in my 2 cents anyway. First, I agree that you should be looking to go larger than the 33. The 35 has a larger frame, a wider stance, more 3PH lift capacity and more capacity on the FEL. It also comes with a really neat cup holder /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif. No question on the hydro - go for it! If you will be changing implements often the D series offers telescopic lift arms and easily adjustable stabilizers which will make hookups much easier. I don't know your age but I'm getting too old to be jerking stuff around trying to get it lined up. The price difference spread out over the life of the tractor is minimal and your workload will be easier. You know, maybe if I just listened to myself, I could make this decision for me!! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Racer · Aug 20, 2003

I dont know if I can take shopping for 6 months...That may kill me...lol. The more I look the more I get confused. I know everyone speaks about buying from a dealer you feel comfy with, but in reality, how much will go wrong with a new tractor? It looks like I can save about 8%(tax) by buying out of state. Thats $1200 on a $15000 deal. If something does go wrong, cant i get it serviced at any Authorized dealer?

I would like to buy locally, but price is an issue unfortunately. I wish I could afford to spend $20k.