Harold_J said:
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.
