decisions.. 33 hp 38hp 70 hp?

Soundguy · Aug 1, 2007

I was heading out to look at a couple ford 5000's today ( 2900$ - 4500$ ).. and happened to pass a tc33 gear trans with 7xx hours onit at a dealers site.. with a price tag of 6500$ on it....

The price -Really- made me considder this little thing.

Anyone got one that wants to comment?

I had also had my eye on a couple 3000's inthe area... hmmmmmmm

Soundguy

jimg · Aug 1, 2007

I think you get a lot more tractor for the $$ w/ the 3000/5000. Guess it all depends on what you're looking for in your purchase.

Soundguy · Aug 1, 2007

I like antiques...and was just out 'casually' looking at the 5000's.. I already have a 5000 and a 7610s.. so I'm not in 'need' of a large tractor.. though when i do see cheap hp I do think about increasing my 'herd'.

I've been wanting to find a smallish tractor to do small chores. Something a tad more updated than my 50's era fords. While my 660 and 850 are nice.. both have laoders on them.. and kinda 'kill' them for other uses where a small cut would be nice..like mowing.. etc. I've been mowing with my 8n.. but sometimes I need more than 27 hp.. or I would like a live clutch.. etc.

That's why i was thinking about a later model 3 cyl 2000 or 3000.. even a 3600.. soemthing still int he cut range.. small.. reliable.. and with plenty of power for a 5' mower.. and either a live/2stage clutch.. or independent pto.. etc.

Then when i saw that tc33.. well.. it fits the bill too.. As much as I like antiques.. there is something to be said about a 'new' tractor as well..

Soundguy

tnau664 · Aug 2, 2007

Then when i saw that tc33.. well.. it fits the bill too.. As much as I like antiques.. there is something to be said about a 'new' tractor as well..

Seems to be two totally different areas. Are you looking for somehting to work on or work with. I had a WD45 and a John Deere 420, but I bought a new Massey. Now when I go out to get a job done, I know the tractor will still be running when I finish.

My 2 cents.
Terry

jimg · Aug 2, 2007

The 3000 is hard to beat in that its somewhat meatier than the 33 and perhaps easier/cheaper to fix. Its also a true utility tractor where the 33 isn't. Then again its not going to fit in some of the spaces or go places the 33 will either. (That 33 is a 4wd isnt it?) Ive driven a 3000 a good bit and would prefer it over the 33 (which Ive never driven) b/c of what I said above unless the spaces were real tight or I needed 4wd. If youre concerned about modern the 3000 was made right up into the 70s.

It also seems the 3000 would fit into your collection a bit better.

schmism · Aug 2, 2007

you sound like a gear kinda guy.... but comon everyone....we need to be honest about what works best for little "chores" around the hobbyfarm..... Hydrostat...

for mowing, FEL work.... manuvering and hauling stuff in tight spaces....

IF your not doing heavy draft work with it (and why would you with your other choices of tractors)

if I was going to upgrade to a "modern" tractor... i ceartianly would hold out for a HST....

(now a rare 4wd version of a 3000

might be something id have to snatch up)

Soundguy · Aug 2, 2007

Uh.. I'm not sure i follow. My antiques run just fine.. I've had less repair work onmy 75' 5000 than on my 2002 7610s ...

Soundguy

tnau664 said:
Seems to be two totally different areas. Are you looking for somehting to work on or work with. Terry

Soundguy · Aug 2, 2007

Yes.. the 33 was (is ) 4wd.. and yes.. it is quite a bit smaller footprint than a 3000

I have pancake flat land.. and no low or wet areas.. thus all my tractors now are 2wd. i did have a 4wd NH 1920 a while back.. but traded up to get 2wd and more hp..

And yes.. some of the features on the late thousand series ( 1975 ) are virtually identical to current production models.

I got a 3000 to go look at today.. saw it in the paper last night...

This year seems like a good one for tractors for ssale.. last couple years been 'dry'..

Thanks for the ideas.

Soundguy

jimg said:
The 3000 is hard to beat in that its somewhat meatier than the 33 and perhaps easier/cheaper to fix. Its also a true utility tractor where the 33 isn't. Then again its not going to fit in some of the spaces or go places the 33 will either. (That 33 is a 4wd isnt it?) Ive driven a 3000 a good bit and would prefer it over the 33 (which Ive never driven) b/c of what I said above unless the spaces were real tight or I needed 4wd. If youre concerned about modern the 3000 was made right up into the 70s. It also seems the 3000 would fit into your collection a bit better.

Soundguy · Aug 2, 2007

Yep.. I'm a gear guy.. however I'm not 'anti' hydro either. if one came along at the right price when i needed it.. I'd deffinately look it over.

Nice pic of the 3000 4wd.. though the 'donor' site doesn't seem to like the link of it..

Soundguy

schmism said:
you sound like a gear kinda guy.... but comon everyone....we need to be honest about what works best for little "chores" around the hobbyfarm..... Hydrostat...

for mowing, FEL work.... manuvering and hauling stuff in tight spaces....

IF your not doing heavy draft work with it (and why would you with your other choices of tractors)

if I was going to upgrade to a "modern" tractor... i ceartianly would hold out for a HST....

(now a rare 4wd version of a 3000 might be something id have to snatch up)

Bob_Young · Aug 2, 2007

For purely selfish reasons, I vote for the gear TC33, Soundguy. You've already got most of the bases covered with your 'old iron' and are one of TBN's recognized authorities on such. However, in the name of broadening your horizons, the little Boomer would make a great choice. Another 3000 or 5000 would be more of the same old same old. What more could be said.

I, for one, would like to hear your informed opinions on how a modern CUT compares to the "CUTs" of yester year. Will your experiences show a real improvement in productivity with a modern CUT or will it be one of cosmetics and ergonomics? Has construction and design improved over time or slid backward? Can a lightweight FWD do as much as a heavy 2WD? These and other questions wait to be answered by your prolific pen....errr....keyboard

. I remember enjoying your posts when you got your first FEL. As I recall, they read like someone just discovering fire

However, HST is just a bridge too far. For comparing old with new, both should be gear; otherwise it's apples to oranges. Save Hydro for the next installment of the Soundguy chronicles.
Bob