Buying Advice Advice for a novice

[LoneCowboy]

I made a different post, TN60 vs TC55 that might help in this discussion with actual facts. I mean, I know it's the internet and all, but I figured a few figures couldn't help anyone make their decision.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/nh-buying-pricing/93557-tc55-vs-tn60.html#post1058255

 

[JGAUD]

Hi Fred,

A good rule of thumb for buying a tractor is buy the biggest you can afford for your future needs, not just for what you need at the time you're buying. I recommend a factory cab for your tractor. I have a TN65D with a factory cab and I was taking down an old building. I stirred up a hornet's nest that was under the building and they swarmed around the tractor. That cab saved me. Just thought I'd share that experience for your consideration.
Good Luck Fred.

 

[Soundguy]

Yes.. that does change things... the 6' mower is great for 1-2 ac. Probably don't want any mor ethan that.. otherwise it gets hard to turn.. etc.

Soundguy

Hello All again, thank you so much for your replies.

I should clarify some things. Yes, the property is 120 acres. However, about 50-60% of it is currently used for cattle and we will not be doing anything with it. The rest is broken up into small paddocks and 1 larger pasture. Currently I only anticipate mowing the small paddocks which are 1-2 acres.

Does that change things? I think i'll be doing a lot less mowing then what I made it out to be. Most tasks will be around the barn, working on the driveway and the rings.

I love the idea of a bigger tractor and i think at this point we're going to be limited to one. Is the TN that much bigger than the TC's? Are they built that much better?

Can't wait til I can head to the dealer again to play.

Thanks for all your input.

 

[Soundguy]

JGAUD brings up a good point too. That's why a big and a small tractor are sometimes usefull on a large acerage. the small tractor takes care of the small paddock stuff.. and later on when you work the large acerage, the big tractor comes in handy.

If you only have money for one right now.. the good CUT may be the one to get.. and later on.. pick up a older used AG or UTILITY tractor for pennies on the dollar. when you start needing a big tractor.

Soundguy

 

[mjarrels]

My question is... are you planning on getting married before buying this farm? Big bag of worms being openned if you don't.

mark

 

[hambaloney]

My question is... are you planning on getting married before buying this farm? Big bag of worms being openned if you don't.

mark

Yes, sir.

 

[hambaloney]

Hi again,

I've had an opportunity to go play with a number of tractors of different colors. This past weekend I sat on a JD 4520, JD 5105, Kubota L3830, Kubota M5040, a NH TN70A, a Landini 6860, Mahindra 4530, and finally a Mahindra 6000. I say, I liked most of what I saw, but every tractor had it's goods and bads.

I enjoyed the JD's, in particular the 5105. It's a little basic compared to the others, but it really felt like a stout machine. I like the way the gear shifting is configured on it as well.

The Kubotas are very well built machines but the L3830 felt really tiny. I like the M5040 particularly the hydraulic shuttle. Very cool for loader work.

At your suggestion I took a look at the next step up from NH, the TN70A (they didnt have any 60's on the lot). Much beefier machine for sure. And it's considerably longer than the TC55DA, but I didn't have any issues navigating around the lot. This didn't have the loader mounted so I was unable to play with that.

The Landini is a work horse but wasn't much fun to drive. All the controls are center floor mounted so getting in and out are a pain.

The two Mahindra's are also nice machines, but I wasn't particularly impressed with the dealer and was basically rushed out the door at closing time. Perhaps I'll go back for a longer period, but unlikely.

Needless to say I'm still decisionless. However, I have discussed the backhoe with the misses and we've concluded that it's not a necessity now (if ever) so we're only looking for a tractor w/ FEL right now.

On that note, pricing updates as follows:

JD 4520 w/ 400CX FEL $27,100
JD 5105 Waiting on price
Kubota L3830 w/ LA723 FEL $20,500
Kubota M5040 w/ LA1153 FEL $27,200
NH TN60A w/ 810TL FEL $30,250
NH TN70A w/ 810TL FEL $29,000 ***

Ok, few notes and questions.

The NH TN70A is priced at $29,000 off the lot w/ 20hrs. and was used in a demo. That's cheaper than a TN60A! As a refresher: the TC55DA w/ 18LA FEL is $26,500.

I'm concerned about the various QuickAttach systems these tractors use. The John Deere's use a bar and pin type system, seems to only work with JD attachments. Kubota uses the skidsteer style system. And the new NH loaders use some european style system that is incompatible with skidsteer. I realize it's great for business to use proprietary mounts but what a pain.

I'm really liking the TN70A. It's a big beefy machine. I personally don't think it's too big, certainly not too much bigger than the TC55DA but the misses seems to think it's too big for our needs. And I think the price is pretty darn good. Any thoughts? I also consdered just buying the tractor and picking up a used 32LA. Or is the new 800 series where they are all going?

Again, I appreciate any questions, comments, flames. I get grief for being a slow decision maker from the misses, but we'll make this decision someday.

Thanks for all your help,

Fred

 

[kozak]

At your suggestion I took a look at the next step up from NH, the TN70A (they didnt have any 60's on the lot). Much beefier machine for sure. And it's considerably longer than the TC55DA, but I didn't have any issues navigating around the lot. This didn't have the loader mounted so I was unable to play with that.


Needless to say I'm still decisionless. However, I have discussed the backhoe with the misses and we've concluded that it's not a necessity now (if ever) so we're only looking for a tractor w/ FEL right now.

NH TN70A w/ 810TL FEL $29,000 ***

Ok, few notes and questions.

The NH TN70A is priced at $29,000 off the lot w/ 20hrs. and was used in a demo. That's cheaper than a TN60A! As a refresher: the TC55DA w/ 18LA FEL is $26,500.

I'm really liking the TN70A. It's a big beefy machine. I personally don't think it's too big, certainly not too much bigger than the TC55DA but the misses seems to think it's too big for our needs. And I think the price is pretty darn good. Any thoughts? I also consdered just buying the tractor and picking up a used 32LA. Or is the new 800 series where they are all going?

Again, I appreciate any questions, comments, flames. I get grief for being a slow decision maker from the misses, but we'll make this decision someday.

Thanks for all your help,

Fred

Fred,

Did some comparing between the two machines (TC55DA vs. TN70A).

Will definitely get a weight / traction / torque advantage on the TN70A.

TN70A also has a nice 500 Lb. PTO lift advantage.

A bit surprised that there is only a 250 Lb advantage on FEL lift for TN70A. (270TL for 55DA vs. 810TL for 70A) Could not find specs on 18LA loader but would think they would be similar to 270TL. The major advantage that the 55DA would have when comparing FEL's would be the much better visibility due to curved booms. This is a big plus. You really need to actually try out the loader on the TN70A (different Dealer ?) & then try the TC55DA with loader again to appreciate the difference.

There's no doubt that the TN70A is more tractor then the TC55DA & I would be one of the first to recommend as much tractor as you could buy....but.....for the tasks you have described in earlier posts, and the amount of property you will actually be taking care of, the TC55DA seems to be a perfect fit. Future implements would be cheaper. Would not leave as deep a footprint in wet conditions. More maneuverable. You indicated that you test drove the TN70A without loader & it was considerably longer than the TC55DA. In that case, you really need to get on a TN70A with loader & see if your still comfortable with the size. The TN70A is classed more as an agricultural tractor. If your going to do alot of field / pasture work in the future then the TN70A is it. Otherwise the TC55DA IMHO would definitely fit the bill.

Was that TN70A price ($29,000) for a FWD machine ??

From a price standpoint ($29,000 vs. $26,500) the TN70A seems to be a much better buy if it is indeed a FWD machine. On the flip side, from one of your earlier posts, you could get the TC55DA c/w FEL & BH for $32,400 & be able to do some of those drainage projects you were talking about.

Definitely a tough decision & one that you are correctly taking your time making.

Good Luck & Have Fun Exploring, Examining, Scrutinizing every detail before you make your purchase.

Vic

 

[1bush2hog]

hambaloney -

Tis a fun time indeed shopping for a new tractor. Congratulations to you and the future Mrs. and also on the acreage.

If you will be located in SW Va. I would highly suggest FWD on whatever you purchase. Also, with that much acreage you will probably find uses for a tractor that you may not even imagine at this stage.

Go with a larger utility tractor if you do not foresee adding another tractor for awhile. Also, look at the different options on all the tractors and compare before you buy. If you go with a TN, I would suggest getting one with the power shuttle option, FWD, FEL, and cab if you really think you will need it. Get enough extra remotes installed at time of purchase to cover most everything you will want to add now and down the road. It is easier and less expensive to negotiate the FEL, extra remotes, and loaded tires before your purchase. If you add these later it will cost you more in time, or down time, and money.

If you go bigger, consider at least a 7ft cutter and rear implements to cover your tracks.

Good Luck on your purchase.

 

[Ford850]

I did my own research, looking at the 45's up through the 75's, and settled on the 55 for my needs. While the larger tractors seem better at point, I realized a few drawbacks that Kozak noted:
-cat2 3PH looks nice and heavy duty. But it will twist the heck out of my current implements. Heavier and larger cat2 implements are more expensive and overkill for my needs.
-Heavy duty frame and size add more weight than I need, creating a mess in my soft areas.
-Slightly smaller size of the 55 was easier to manuever most of the time.
While these same differences could be positives for some owners, they would work against my needs most of the time. I soon realized there is no perfect tractor for me. I had to decide on one that would work best for me, most of the time. And then I can "coulda woulda shoulda" those other times when I need that heavy beast to drag a large oak out of the woods.
Half the fun is getting there.

 

[Doc_Bob]

The NH TN70A is priced at $29,000 off the lot w/ 20hrs. and was used in a demo. That's cheaper than a TN60A! As a refresher: the TC55DA w/ 18LA FEL is $26,500.


I'm really liking the TN70A. It's a big beefy machine. I personally don't think it's too big, certainly not too much bigger than the TC55DA but the misses seems to think it's too big for our needs. And I think the price is pretty darn good. Any thoughts?
Fred

The TN70A has a power shuttle? 20 hours? Same as new!
Wonderful machine.
Bob

 

[hambaloney]

The TN70A has a power shuttle? 20 hours? Same as new!
Wonderful machine.
Bob

Sadly, not power shuttle. It is a FWD machine though.

I'd like to take the Power Shuttle for a spin, I'll see if I can manage that. And possibly with a loader on.

Thanks!

 

[Z-Michigan]

I enjoyed the JD's, in particular the 5105. It's a little basic compared to the others, but it really felt like a stout machine. I like the way the gear shifting is configured on it as well.

The Kubotas are very well built machines but the L3830 felt really tiny. I like the M5040 particularly the hydraulic shuttle. Very cool for loader work.

I've narrowed my search to pretty much these two, and I agree with your comments: the 5105 seems like a really strongly built machine, while the M5040 has more features and is generally well polished. I'm still debating. You will find two very useful threads in the general buying/pricing forums, a recent one on 5105 vs. 5040, and one a few weeks old that I started "what tractor for 20 acre horse farm in Michigan" which has a lot of similar info.

I'm concerned about the various QuickAttach systems these tractors use. The John Deere's use a bar and pin type system, seems to only work with JD attachments. Kubota uses the skidsteer style system. And the new NH loaders use some european style system that is incompatible with skidsteer. I realize it's great for business to use proprietary mounts but what a pain.

The skidsteer style system is by far the most common and is easy to use. I don't think it is 100% secure, and if you look on the Kubota owning/operating forum you'll see two people who've had trouble with it (albeit on large farm tractors). Obviously it is secure enough that most people don't have problems with it. I think it will be easiest by far to find various attachments for the skidsteer system.

The JD system is, IMHO, equally easy to use, but it is proprietary to JD. Some aftermarket companies will make their buckets/attachments to fit it, others won't. There is a basic selection of stuff from JD. The one thing I see as a big advantage to the JD system is security - because it uses simple pins that get locked in place with circular clips, it is less likely to be loose without noticing or to loosen itself in use. So you aren't likely to have a bucket come off at one side and bend your loader into a pretzel. Not saying that happens much with the skidsteer system, but it appears to be possible (again from the Kubota forum).

I would avoid any quick-tach system other than these two, personally. Too exotic and too few options to fit it.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Sadly, not power shuttle. It is a FWD machine though.

I'd like to take the Power Shuttle for a spin, I'll see if I can manage that. And possibly with a loader on.

Thanks!

Try PS with a FEL. You will like it.
Bob

 

[CJ4]

Hambaloney,

Here's my input......If you're going to be doing the majority of your work on roads, paddocks, smaller areas, the TC55DA would be my choice.....I'm predudice because i own one.....I hear they're coming out with cabs later this year and i would really love to see you get one of those!! The pricing you had on the 55 with the backhoe was an extremely good deal....i purchased a backhoe for mine and wonder how i made it without it. I'm sure if your going to do alot of open field farming type work the 70 tractor would be your choice but it really doesn't sound like it to me. As far as gear vs. hydro it's personal preference.....My 55DA has EHSS and when you learn to use it correct you won't use the clutch alot.....(excuse me, inching pedal). I personally drove the hydro in the 45DA and my foot and leg didn't like it.....again, personal preference.......I really think the suggestions of trying the 70 with a loader on it in the tighter areas would be highly advisable. I can't say that I wouldn't try a TN60 but I just don't think for an all around tractor in most all around utility uses you can really beat the TC55DA. The only problem you will have is getting your wife off of it!!!!

 

[SOS]

120 acers! I'm a novice and just bought a NH 45a and love it on my 13 acers but with your size of lot, I would go with more HP. My father has about 280 hilly acers and recently bought his second tractor in 25 years... he went with a 65 or 70 hp tractor because of the ware just in dragging, digging, and carrying. He's not a farmer but does a lot of tinkering, road, ditch, and trail work and clearing the woods back as it trys to reclaim his property.

You may not need to go as high HP as he did as he expects the tractor to knock down trees, pull up monster stumps and the like -- his first tractor lasted 20 plus years and he's 81 now and still knocking the heck of things.

Good luck.

 

[TN75Jason]

HamBaloney Samwich,

A TC and a TN are quite different machines, but it can be hard to tell that from external appearances. If I can successfully attach a photo, it shows my TC40 and TN75 nose to nose (before loader was installed on TN). The physical dimensions are not much different. As one other person suggested, the most obvious visual clue is to look from the rear of the two tractors. Although the TN is much heavier and somewhat less nimble than a TC40, it is surprisingly manueverable.

Jason