Help with decision..

Typhoon · Jun 15, 2003

Hello! This is my first post here. Im very impressed with this site, there is a ton of information here. Anyways, on to my question. I just purchased 48 acres. 20 of it is woods, and most of the other 28 is going to be farmed (alfalfa). I will not be the one farming it. However, my wife and I are going to build a home there next year, and there will be alot of upkeep on the property.. i.e. mowing around 2 fairly large ponds, mowing up and down the 1/4 mile driveway, mowing a 3 acre lawn, dragging logs from the woods, etc. By doing some research, I have chosen a brand of tractor that I want, but I am not yet sure what I can get for what im wanting to spend. I am sure I want a New Holland, and from what I know, I think I need something in the 25-35hp range. I also want hydro and diesel, as well as 4x4. I am wanting to spend about 12k all said and done. What models am I looking at here? Probably no way I can get into a TC33D for that right? Also I dont need a loader, just a finishing mower. Thanks!
-Brad

Anonymous Poster · Jun 15, 2003

Looks like you've been doing your homework. I agree with your decision to go blue. (You'll know why when you look at my sig /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

In the price range and configuration you quoted you can probably get into a TC30HST without a loader. For a couple thou more you can get the TC33D.

PM me and I'll give you the prices I got for both units with and without FEL

thcri · Jun 15, 2003

Brad,

Welcome to TBN. If you got some time fill out your profile so we know abouts where your from. Big reason is pricing changes so much from area to area. As far as getting a TC33D for 12k you will be pushing it some. The best price I have seen here for the TC33D is around 15K. You might get yourself closer with the TC30 and Hydro option. Otherwise you might look around some and see if you could get a 33 used. Sounds to me like you do have some time since you won't be building until next year.

murph

Pacesetter300 · Jun 15, 2003

Based on your criteria, I think you're looking at a TC30. I just wouldn't be so quick to rule out the FEL. I always knew I wanted one, but still never realized how many uses I would have put it to.
Pacesetter

40Kchicks · Jun 15, 2003

Typhoon,
I've read it several times here before but you really should get the front end loader. You will not believe the things you will be able to use if for. Having a loader is like having a crew of workers. It greatly increases your output while decreasing your personal effort. Your wife will love it too. Otherwise the tractor will just be your fancy mower.

Sorry I don't mean to tell anyone what to do it's just that my wife and I have used and enjoyed the loader so much I can't imagine not having one on that large of property.

Eric

Bird · Jun 15, 2003

( I dont need a loader )

You certainly know your needs better than I do, but sorta like the other guys have said, I'd sure bet money that you'll change your mind before you've had a tractor very long (and I usually won't gamble on anything but a sure thing). /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

( Also I dont need a loader )

Yes you do, and a brush hog, and forks, and a post hole digger, and a cultivator, and a box blade, and etc., etc. You just don't know it yet.

Seriously, as others have said, the FEL is so handy you will almost certainly end up getting one sooner or later. Sooner is much better than later with FELs as they are cheaper as tractor/loader packages.

You'll also want a box blade right away. They are extremely useful, plus it helps to balance that FEL too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SnowRidge

ipwanab · Jun 16, 2003

The tractor suggestions all sound reasonable, but pay particular attention to the posters advising upfront purchase of FEl. I did not and now have FEL envy. My wife turns an unpleasant shade of purple when I speak of FEL now. You may want to consider (before it happens) how much money it will cost to have both shoulders rotators repaired before you do not get FEL. DAMHIK

RedDog · Jun 16, 2003

Brad,

I agree with others around here,,,,, get a loader!!

I wouldn't even consider getting a new tractor without a loader. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RedDog Kioti DK65

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

I agree with the posters suggesting you consider a FEL now. You'll be amazed at the things you can use one for once you have it. It's ultimately your decision but you should take a hard look at it as you can get a much better deal now than later.

tdenny · Jun 16, 2003

Typhoon,

I have to chime in with the others and strongly recommend you consider getting a loader. I can't tell you how many threads I've read where people didn't think they needed or wanted a loader and were so sorry later. This weekend, for example, I did some landscaping in my yard and I decided to put a 400 pound rock in my new flower bed. The rock looks great and it would have been impossible to move without the FEL. Even after I was able to get it in the approximate spot where I wanted it I was able to use the bucket to make some nice little minor adjustments to get it situated perfectly. So instead of just telling you to get a loader I will put some other reasons why we all think you really want it. Others have even more uses.

I use mine to:

1) Completely replace my wheelbarrow.
2) Push over fence posts that need replacing and carrying the concrete to where I need to put the new one in.
3) Carrying every tool I need with me when I'm working away from the house and shop.
4) Move thousands of rocks out of the way.
5) Leveling the gravel driveway (before pavement and box blade arrived).
6) Pushing over small trees.
7) Put bark/mulch in all the flower beds (20 yards takes about an hour to move).
8) etc, etc, etc.

Hope this helps. If you are buying a new tractor and are financing with some of those great deals out there now - get the loader you'll never regret it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

rockyridgefarm · Jun 16, 2003

loader bin berry berry gud to me! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

thcri · Jun 16, 2003

TD,

Don't you use your FEL in helping your wife out at all. That was one of the reasons I was able to get the loader. She has these da** heavy pots that I even hated putting in a wheel borrow. She thinks my loader is sexy!!!

Add movng flower pots,
Add taking salt bags to the back of the house to make it easier for her to put in the softner /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Picking up things to move and even clean under
A very expensive wheel borrow that never quits and is easier on your back

Gosh the list goes on forever.

murph

buck1 · Jun 16, 2003

I felt the same way about the loader before I bought one...I've never regretted it. I first thought $3600 was a little expensive for an implement but it's now worth its weight in gold to me. My farm is about the same size as yours and about the same distribution of open/wooded. I opted for the Kubota L3710 and have used the loader about as much as I have the bushhog. Just another opinion and you know what they say about those /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

tdenny · Jun 16, 2003

Murph,

As always you make a good point. Yes my loader makes the boss really happy - especially when she doesn't have to hear me moan and groan about my sore back anymore. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

thcri · Jun 16, 2003

TD,

You still have to wine some and fake the back hurting. Like when moving flower pots you know you can get hurt just sliding them into your bucket. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I just love the backrubs my wife gives me when I am hurting. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

murph

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2003

Fine choice new holland, get the loader, you are building or having it built? either way a loader will pay for itself 10 times over during home constuction, cleanup, landscaping,additional projects etc...
I bought four weeks ago a tc-30 fwd (9x3) nh-7308fel, loaded r-4 tires $14,050
hydro $1000 more
delivered 741 miles to my home $600
both local new holland dealers wanted $16000 plus tax
best price I've seen for a tc-30 hydro $11800
I would not go much smaller than a tc-30(or any 30hp compact) because the hydro only has 24hp at the pto, (9x3) has 25.5hp at the pto and that's going to be needed for the rotary cutter, tiller, and post hole digger. Have a great time

Typhoon · Jun 18, 2003

Well, I cannot say how much I appreciate everyones response. Fact is, talking to someone at a dealership doesnt help at all because they want to sell anything to you! But from all of you, it means the world!! Fact is, after reading the responses, im getting a loader no doubt. And from the way you all talk, I will be very happy I did. I am going to look into the TC30D Hydro with New Holland loader. Is the new holland loader the one you recommend or is there another one that may work but a little cheaper? Thanks so much for all the help.!!
-Brad

Anonymous Poster · Jun 18, 2003

I'm new here but before you take a look at loaders be sure you get or print a copy of all the specs you can get.

I almost bought my TC-33D with the Bush Hog 246 loader until Mosey and some of the other guys here opened my eyes.

Having that said, I recommend the New Holland loader whole heartedly. Search the threads here for loaders and I'm sure you'll see that most of the recommendations are for a OEM solution.

I can only speak from personal experience but my dealer quoted me a good bit higher price for the NH loader but with a bit of pressure from me he let me have it for only a couple hundred more than the other brand.

Good luck on your hunt.