DO NOT BUY TC40/45

[Soundguy]

From what I've read it -does- look like he is having similar failures over and over again.. thus.. a dealer issue..

Soundguy

Oh boy, this is hilarious. I am continually amused at how everybody is so quick to lay out blame, contrary to the evidence.

What are you guys going to say next, the dealer should be predicting Brian's next failures and fix them before they happen?

I am done with this.........I hope it all works out well for you, Brian. NH will help you out, no worries.

Brian

 

[Soundguy]

Wow.. my jaw almost dropped when I read LC's message and hit the line where the new one broke.. glad it was just a plug in issue!!

Good luck LC!!!

Soundguy

 

[MikePA]

Go read the post!!!!!!!!!!!...............

Go read my post where I quoted Brian saying it WAS a dealer problem.

The issue YOU fail to grasp is Brian has had MULTIPLE problems. Some which originated at the factory AND ones caused by his DEALER.

 

[jinman]

I have a TC40 hydro with a factory cab, I drove mine up a hill in high range (empty) and it too slowed down to aprox 5 mph(it pulled the engine down and started smoking some black smoke), I am concerned that there is something wrong with it like yours.

I may be able to give you some comparative info that could be helpful. I'm attaching a picture of a small hill on my property that I cannot climb with my tractor in high range (rabbit or turtle) if I have the loader on (empty) and my boxblade on the rear. If I have the loader off and a mower on the rear, I can just barely climb this hill in high-turtle if I feather the pedal just right to get the most torque to the rear wheels. The engine may smoke out the exhaust because it is normal for a diesel to smoke a little under load.

I can climb this hill in either low rabbit or turtle without a problem, even with the loader on and a scoop full of dirt. I have other hills that are steeper and require low-turtle if the bucket is full, but those are really "suicide" hills. I have twice found hills (in my pond) where I could not climb them in low-turtle with a full bucket (double-full of wet mud) because the wheels would spin even with the rear differential locked.

Now, some folks may say that I just posted this picture to show off wroughtn_harv's handywork or an excuse to show the Texas flag. They are probably at least partially correct. I'm guilty of doin' that a lot.

 

[Cobra-R]

I may be able to give you some comparative info that could be helpful. I'm attaching a picture of a small hill on my property that I cannot climb with my tractor in high range (rabbit or turtle) if I have the loader on (empty) and my boxblade on the rear. If I have the loader off and a mower on the rear, I can just barely climb this hill in high-turtle if I feather the pedal just right to get the most torque to the rear wheels. The engine may smoke out the exhaust because it is normal for a diesel to smoke a little under load.

I can climb this hill in either low rabbit or turtle without a problem, even with the loader on and a scoop full of dirt. I have other hills that are steeper and require low-turtle if the bucket is full, but those are really "suicide" hills. I have twice found hills (in my pond) where I could not climb them in low-turtle with a full bucket (double-full of wet mud) because the wheels would spin even with the rear differential locked.

Now, some folks may say that I just posted this picture to show off wroughtn_harv's handywork or an excuse to show the Texas flag. They are probably at least partially correct. I'm guilty of doin' that a lot.

Thanks Jim. I tried it on a road, and although not as steep, it was very long incline, the tractor continued to slow down more and more. I clicked it to turtle and the engine immediately recoverd and the tractor held it's speed firmly. I had the loader and a aerator on the tractor with tha a/c running on high. Sounds like there is nothing to worry about, thanks again.

Brian

 

[dynasim]

Jim,

In 10,000 years, there are going to be archeologist wondering about the tractor-centric society that was found in north-texas. There is going to be some head scratching going on.

Chris

 

[Harold_J]

I may be able to give you some comparative info that could be helpful. I'm attaching a picture of a small hill on my property that I cannot climb with my tractor in high range (rabbit or turtle) if I have the loader on (empty) and my boxblade on the rear. If I have the loader off and a mower on the rear, I can just barely climb this hill in high-turtle if I feather the pedal just right to get the most torque to the rear wheels. The engine may smoke out the exhaust because it is normal for a diesel to smoke a little under load.

I can climb this hill in either low rabbit or turtle without a problem, even with the loader on and a scoop full of dirt. I have other hills that are steeper and require low-turtle if the bucket is full, but those are really "suicide" hills. I have twice found hills (in my pond) where I could not climb them in low-turtle with a full bucket (double-full of wet mud) because the wheels would spin even with the rear differential locked.

Jinman, I'm reading this with interest because I see you own both a NHTC45D and a Ford Jubilee. I also have two tractors similar to the Jubilee, a Ford 2000 4-cyl and an MF TO-35. These are all around the same HP, weight, wheelbase.

I've recently been considering if a newer machine like a TC45 could do the same tasks and maybe a little more than the 2000 or MF35. Again all the specs on the bigger TC's seem similar to these older tractors as far as weight, HP, etc. I use a John Deere 616 rotary cutter which is a 6' medium duty type, I believe the predecesor to the M6. I really don't like running this cutter on the 2000 and usually put it on a larger 70HP White. The 2000 just doesn't seem to have enough power. I don't mow any brush, but sometimes 5-10 acres of high weeds or mature rye which stand 4-5 ft tall.

Reading some of the opinions in this current thread it makes me wonder whether a TC would be up to this job; opinions seem to differ. What do you (or others) think? Does the TC seem more powerful than the old tractor? Would I have to stay away from the hydro and/or go with the TC55 or 2420? I think I'd like to be able to maintain at least 3+ mph mowing the bigger weeds/rye on level ground without straining the tractor. It may come down to having the local dealer letting me demo one.

 

[Dougster]

UPDATE At this point, it appears NH has stepped up.

Very impressive what NH was willing to do for you Brian. Let's hope it's all good luck from here on out!

Dougster

 

[Soundguy]

The 2000 4cyl was nothing more than an upgraded 601.. IE.. the same 134ci red tiger engine that debuted in the NAA in 53. It will run a 6' hog about as well as an 8n runs a 5' hog. This is.. 'pretty' good in average conditions.. assuming a average or better engine. If you are in extreme conditions.. the 8XX/4000 series is a better choice for an older tractor.

70 hp is a bit wastefull for a 6' mower... My ford 5000 ( 67 pto hp / 70 net flywheel hp) runs a 10' mower just fine...

Soundguy

I've recently been considering if a newer machine like a TC45 could do the same tasks and maybe a little more than the 2000 or MF35. Again all the specs on the bigger TC's seem similar to these older tractors as far as weight, HP, etc. I use a John Deere 616 rotary cutter which is a 6' medium duty type, I believe the predecesor to the M6. I really don't like running this cutter on the 2000 and usually put it on a larger 70HP White. The 2000 just doesn't seem to have enough power. I don't mow any brush, but sometimes 5-10 acres of high weeds or mature rye which stand 4-5 ft tall.

Reading some of the opinions in this current thread it makes me wonder whether a TC would be up to this job; opinions seem to differ. What do you (or others) think? Does the TC seem more powerful than the old tractor? Would I have to stay away from the hydro and/or go with the TC55 or 2420? I think I'd like to be able to maintain at least 3+ mph mowing the bigger weeds/rye on level ground without straining the tractor. It may come down to having the local dealer letting me demo one.

 

[jimg]

Hi Brian
Sounds like once you got NH in the game resolution was quick. Thats a good reflection on NH...once they were aware of the problems they did what it took to get you in a working tractor.

Your 75 is still working well?

 

[LoneCowboy]

Yeah, If i'd quit contaminating the fuel, it would be running problem free.
Appears to be fixed now
Going to get a workout this week, so we shall see.
Cross your fingers
I"m TIRED of working for free.

 

[jinman]

Reading some of the opinions in this current thread it makes me wonder whether a TC would be up to this job; opinions seem to differ. What do you (or others) think? Does the TC seem more powerful than the old tractor? Would I have to stay away from the hydro and/or go with the TC55 or 2420? I think I'd like to be able to maintain at least 3+ mph mowing the bigger weeds/rye on level ground without straining the tractor. It may come down to having the local dealer letting me demo one.

Before I try to answer Harold's question, I want to congratulate Brian on his negotiations for a new tractor and also congratulate NH on attempting to do the right thing. I hope this all comes to resolution in a satisfactory manner. Too bad they can't replace all the grey hair and make up for the grief Brian has gone through after buying two new tractors.

Harold, I think that a TC40 or especially the TC45 will run that 6' cutter very well. I actually think you could go larger on the TC45, but 6' seems to be a very common size because it will just cover the rear wheel width. I'm in complete agreement with Soundguy and anyone else who says these tractors should handle a 6' cutter in most every condition of weeds, grass, and brush. I believe 32-36 PTO hp is much higher than your Ford or Massey.

My old Jubilee use to really strain sometimes with a 5' cutter in high grass and weeds. I used to love to watch the governor kick in and the exhaust belch smoke as the engine tried to supply all the power the mower needed. Many times, I'd have to do a partial overlap, less than the full mower's width, to maintain the engine's rpm.

With my TC45D, when I hear the engine start to load up, the next thing I'll hear is the shearbolt going. If the 5' cutter gets in a situation where it pulls the engine down, the shearbolt can't handle the torque. Most of the times I'd hear that is if the cutter bottoms out on a high spot or I'm cutting thick heavy brush and hit something bigger. But as soon as the engine starts to bog, I know I have a chore to do at the cutter. The shearbolt just can't take it. If I had a 6' cutter and a slipclutch, that would be ideal.

So I think I can surely make a recommendation to you about the TC40/45 being a good choice for a 6' cutter. You will not have a nickel's worth of difference at the PTO between the HST and gear models. The only difference is in the pulling power of the two transmissions. For that, I'd sure recommend that demo unit from the dealer if you can swing it.

Also, a cab with AC is okay if you really have a limited use for the tractor like only using it for mowing. I just think an AC pulls too much of the engine's power. This is all just my personal opinion and since I have never operated one with a cab, it's really just a guess.

 

[Dougster]

I"m TIRED of working for free.

I thought that was normal!?!

You mean we are actually supposed to make money???

Dougster

 

[Oleozz]

Also, a cab with AC is okay if you really have a limited use for the tractor like only using it for mowing. I just think an AC pulls too much of the engine's power. This is all just my personal opinion and since I have never operated one with a cab, it's really just a guess.

My cab tractor is 45/38 pto hp. and when I turn on the AC it will decrease the engine rpm's by about 100.

 

[Ford850]

Jinman, I'm reading this with interest because I see you own both a NHTC45D and a Ford Jubilee. I also have two tractors similar to the Jubilee, a Ford 2000 4-cyl and an MF TO-35. These are all around the same HP, weight, wheelbase.

I've recently been considering if a newer machine like a TC45 could do the same tasks and maybe a little more than the 2000 or MF35. Again all the specs on the bigger TC's seem similar to these older tractors as far as weight, HP, etc. I use a John Deere 616 rotary cutter which is a 6' medium duty type, I believe the predecesor to the M6. I really don't like running this cutter on the 2000 and usually put it on a larger 70HP White. The 2000 just doesn't seem to have enough power. I don't mow any brush, but sometimes 5-10 acres of high weeds or mature rye which stand 4-5 ft tall.

Reading some of the opinions in this current thread it makes me wonder whether a TC would be up to this job; opinions seem to differ. What do you (or others) think? Does the TC seem more powerful than the old tractor? Would I have to stay away from the hydro and/or go with the TC55 or 2420? I think I'd like to be able to maintain at least 3+ mph mowing the bigger weeds/rye on level ground without straining the tractor. It may come down to having the local dealer letting me demo one.

Harold J,
I have a Ford 850, and recenetly purchased a DX55 (red version of TC55), and I've also used my father's Jubilee for years. I hoped the DX55 would be a little stronger than the 850, and was surprised to find out it's a beast compared to the 850. The 45 should be relatively stronger than the 2000 in your case. As far as Hydo goes, it will depend on your needs. I like the gears on mine since I use it for plowing and heavy mowing, with minimal loader work. Both have their stengths.

 

[dynasim]

Jinman,

For the TC45 and TC40, the cab may not overload the system much, because, as you have pointed out, the HST will only consume about 35 HP before its internal pressure relief lifts, and the excess available HP is wasted unless one has a hog of a pto load.

My concern with a cab is the effect on fuel consumption. It is nice being able to run for several days just piddlin, without refueling. If ones business is sitting on the tractor, though, the extra 1$/hr fuel cost is probably worth it.

Chris

 

[LoneCowboy]

JUNK

The loaner, brand new TC45DA (no cab) has broken twice in 6 hours (3 jobs).
The first time, it was a plug in for the seat safety, which I managed to find and fix.
Today, with less than 50 feet to go, it just died.
couldn't even restart it.
A guy came out, got it to start (by starting it with the PTO on, which is exciting), then I had to load it and take it into the shop, so they could put the switch from my old one (which worries me to tears)
Obviously, it's not just that one that's a lemon.
Another afternoon wasted, and an additional 60 miles on the truck for zip.
Gotta mow a huge job (ok, for us) tomorrow, and taking both tractors. I have little faith it will make it thru all day.

 

[Dougster]

JUNK

Oh no!!! Say it ain't so. Brian - Whatever you end up with that works for you is what I'm going to buy for myself... because I'll know it's been tried and rigorously tested out by the best!

There has got to be a happy ending coming here...

Dougster

 

[horse7]

Yeah, If i'd quit contaminating the fuel, it would be running problem free.
Appears to be fixed now
Going to get a workout this week, so we shall see.
Cross your fingers
I"m TIRED of working for free.

Hope none of the contamination is reaching the tractor fuel tank. At least on modern diesel trucks, there always seems to be a couple of places before the main filter that can clog and next thing you know the engine is starving. Don't know about modern tractors (I'm fanatical about clean fuel, don't want to spend hours or days tracking down and fixing a fuel problem. Going to be enough problems as it is. For my truck, I won't even refuel if the tanker is there pumping in fuel and stirring up the crud at the bottom of the underground tanks. And don't get me going on farm tank jellyfish.).

 

[LoneCowboy]

Hope none of the contamination is reaching the tractor fuel tank. At least on modern diesel trucks, there always seems to be a couple of places before the main filter that can clog and next thing you know the engine is starving. Don't know about modern tractors (I'm fanatical about clean fuel, don't want to spend hours or days tracking down and fixing a fuel problem. Going to be enough problems as it is. For my truck, I won't even refuel if the tanker is there pumping in fuel and stirring up the crud at the bottom of the underground tanks. And don't get me going on farm tank jellyfish.).

Nope, it's a stupid design on the TN
goes tank, fuel line, main pump, filter, injection pump

stupid huh? I added a filter between the tank and the fuel line, but even on my MF (1/3 of the price) there's a big screen at the filler.