Buying a T233

[DonnieJames]

Hi all-

I am looking at a new T233 with loader. The dealer is quoting me $11,000, which I think is a good price. They do not stock the 273, but they do stock the 293. I have not gotten a price on it though.

I have read a lot of posts and it looks like most go with the T273. Any thoughts on the 233? Will I regret it later if I go with the 233? I am going to be doing a lot of gravel spreading and grading. I will also be looking to pick up a box scraper. Thanks.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

For ground enguagement work like you are planning on doing, the extra HP isn't a big deal.

 

[ramoffroader]

I looked at both machines. They are completely identical except a 4 horsepower difference. I bought the 233 because it had turf tires on it. I have about 130 hours on it with no complaints. I built a plow using a fisher 6 1/2 foot blade off a jeep and this tractor has no problem pushing it. I also have a four foot blower for the rear that works extemely well. Built a new home two years ago. This tractor did all the landscaping, built a driveway and moved alot of dirt. I dont think you will be disappointed with the 233. Good luck.

 

[TYMinColton]

I also considered a T233, but went with a 273 to match PTO hp to a 5' brush hog and rototiller that I already owned. I can't tell you whether the extra 4hp was absolutely necessary, but have found that the 273 has more than enough power to run both implements under load. With that said, if you're basically intending to use your tractor for blading, scraping, and FEL work it probably doesn't matter which T series tractor you choose. They'll both be great. I think when I was shopping I ended up paying ~$750 to "upgrade" from 23 to 27 hp.

Good luck with your decision. TYMs are great little tractors that work hard

 

[DonnieJames]

Thanks for the comments. I am going to look at it tomorrow. My plans are about the same as what you did, Ram.

Don

 

[DonnieJames]

Went and looked at it.

First the bad-
This is one of the tractors described in this thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/tym/114425-new-t233-t273-pricing-programs.html

It has 12 hours on it, but is sold as new with the full 5 year warranty. It has obviously sat outside for a long time. There is sun fading especially the black plastic around the controls and the label for the PTO contol is badly faded. There are a couple of spots of surface rust on the FEL. No scratches or dents.

The good-
Despite the cosmetic issues, I really like the machine. I also like the dealer who spent nearly an hour with me despite me arriving half an hour before he closed. Zero pressure. He told me to make sure this is the tractor I want because he expects it to last for 40 years. He's been in business for over 30 years.

Price is 11,000 plus tax. This includes delivery to me 85 miles one way. He told me he can't do better.

He will also sell me a 6' box scraper that is a lightly used rental for $400. I was concerned about the size, but he assures me that the tractor will be able to pull it with no problems.

Now, the decision.

 

[myyaz33]

Donnie,

Wanted to take a quick moment to share my opinion. I purchased a T273 last March and it was also one that had been sitting out a little faded etc... I have been pleased with it so far and have around 140hrs on it. Got the old style muffler replaced under warranty after it cracked, and other than that the hood latch needed a little adjustment all is well. I personally didn't worry about the faded paint because I know it will be left out more that inside. Also, the building I had it in got ruined in a storm so it sits outside full time now.

I think the 6ft box blade may be too large depending on what type of things you will be doing. I have a 5ft Cammond with hydraulic rippers and find when grading the gravel drive with a fair amount of material in the box I will spin out. Ag tires would help but then I would tear up the lawns I go on. $11k is darn near the best price I have seen. If memory serves correct $10,500 I saw one time last year. But $500 is not worth it (to me), if you have a good dealer close.

Good luck

 

[DonnieJames]

BOUGHT IT! I'll post pictures after it gets delivered. Thanks for the comments and help.

Don

 

[Mike5252]

I think you made a good move as well. I picked up a T273 in the spring of 2008 under this program (although they just gave me a 3 year warranty).

The TYM is a very well engineered/built tractor. Mine was delivered with a bad PTO switch and an old style muffler that was already cracked. You might check these two relatively minor things before you bring it home (Easier to have them fix before you take delivery).

Can't wait to see the pictures.

 

[DonnieJames]

Here are a couple pics-

This is shortly after delivery.

This is after mounting the 5' box scraper I bought at Tractor Supply and starting to get to work taking out hunks of sod with the scarifiers fully extended.

So far, a great little machine. I am able to knock down and rip out some pretty good sized pine trees. (I need to get that on video) Moved a lot of soil and ripped out a lot of sod.

One problem though. I ran over, in reverse, a fairly large diameter branch about 3 feet long. It kicked up and took out the spring that keeps the HST pedals in neutral. By the time I figured out what happened, I was a considerable distance away and could not find the spring. Called the dealer and he is ordering a new one, but, he told me that I could probably find one at the hardware store that would work just fine. Two trips to the hardware store (good thing it is only 5 minutes away) and I was able to get her back running like a champ in a couple of minutes. I'd be willing to bet I could run over that same branch 100 times with no problems, it just hit right on.

Anyway, I am very happy with it so far. I put about 6 hours on it over the first two days.