Buying Advice Help with Tractor purchase - newbie

[jeff9366]

Can the TN75s take the same 3 pt implements as all these other tractors?

Three Point Hitches are produced to a standard, worldwide. There are various sizes, such as Category 0, Category 1 and Category 2, etc. with the latter having the heaviest components, but within each "category" the hitch is standardized. Category 1 is the most common Three Point Hitch.

 

[gladehound]

I've got a Kioti DK50SE with HST and cab, and I like it a lot. I don't know anything about the NH TN75 except that it is quite a bit more tractor than the DK50 (about 1,000 - 1,500 pounds heavier).

The loader specs are about the same on both of them, which is really surprising that the NH doesn't lift more....

I also have a similar size Kioti with the same loader as the DKXXSE series. It is indeed a strong loader for that size tractor. In fact, I would guess that it exceeds it's rated capacities. However, you have to consider that you can only use the full loader capacity if you have a lot of added weight in the back (I'd consider 1000 lbs tire fill and 1000 lbs on the 3pt the minimum, 2000 on the 3pt better). I would guess that the NH being a much heavier and longer tractor to start with would be more stable lifting any given weight and also has more structure to deal with the stresses of lifting heavy stuff and pushing over trees. Don't get me wrong, the DKXXSE and DSXX10 series Kioti tractors are very stable compared to some of the shorter large frame CUTS in the same class, but I'm sure there is a big improvement in stability going to a 75 hp utility tractor.

 

[keg99]

Keep in mind, the TN75 has a top mounted exhaust pipe. Looks like the Kioti exhausts down below. If you are doing a lot of work in the woods, expect that top monuted exhaust pipe to get whacked. Otherwise, looking like the TN75 is a real good choice.

 

[gladehound]

Keep in mind, the TN75 has a top mounted exhaust pipe. Looks like the Kioti exhausts down below. If you are doing a lot of work in the woods, expect that top monuted exhaust pipe to get whacked. Otherwise, looking like the TN75 is a real good choice.

If doing a lot of woods work, you'll want some protection for that cab on the TN75 anyway. A set of bars that go from the front grill guard to the cab roof would do a lot to protect both the exhaust and the front windshield with the added benefit that it makes it easier to get under branches because they will just ride up and over the bars and cab.

 

[sd455dan]

Keep in mind, the TN75 has a top mounted exhaust pipe. Looks like the Kioti exhausts down below. If you are doing a lot of work in the woods, expect that top monuted exhaust pipe to get whacked. Otherwise, looking like the TN75 is a real good choice.

Could always add some sort of protection for the exhaust- that's what we did after ripping off the muffler on the Rhino never had a damaged exhaust since.
agree with the poster who said some cab protection would be a good idea to.


With the hot summers we have had and doing a lot of mowing and work in the woods been very happy to have a vertical exhaust - JMO and may be alone on this, but top exhaust is less likely to start a fire

 

[TripleR]

If doing a lot of woods work, you'll want some protection for that cab on the TN75 anyway. A set of bars that go from the front grill guard to the cab roof would do a lot to protect both the exhaust and the front windshield with the added benefit that it makes it easier to get under branches because they will just ride up and over the bars and cab.

This works well.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I also have a similar size Kioti with the same loader as the DKXXSE series. It is indeed a strong loader for that size tractor. In fact, I would guess that it exceeds it's rated capacities. However, you have to consider that you can only use the full loader capacity if you have a lot of added weight in the back (I'd consider 1000 lbs tire fill and 1000 lbs on the 3pt the minimum, 2000 on the 3pt better). I would guess that the NH being a much heavier and longer tractor to start with would be more stable lifting any given weight and also has more structure to deal with the stresses of lifting heavy stuff and pushing over trees. Don't get me wrong, the DKXXSE and DSXX10 series Kioti tractors are very stable compared to some of the shorter large frame CUTS in the same class, but I'm sure there is a big improvement in stability going to a 75 hp utility tractor.

I agree with your thoughts. The TN 75 is just more tractor plain and simple. But it's also got a Cat II 3 point hitch, so implements for it will cost more. But the OP could buy a couple of implements for the $6,000 - $7,000 savings versus the DK50SE and the L4240.

There are times I wish I had more tractor than my DK50SE, even on my paltry little 30 acres. But there are other times the DK50 is just right. When I need something smaller, I've got the BX23.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Hey Pappy- The Kioti DK50SE with HST & Kubota L4240 HST are also at the top of my list (rear lift, loader lift, hydraulic flow, remotes). Each of these on Ebay are ~$19.5K, plus ~$2 - $3K to ship to Idaho (both with ~650 hrs).

The TN75s has quick attach bucket, 2 rear remotes, heated/ac cab, telescopic 3pt links, etc. with 930 hrs. But as you say, is heavy and will drink more fuel. Rear lift is huge - more like someone pulling large farm equipment. The guy claims he can sell it to me for $15.5 delivered.

The last one I'm looking at is a TYM T450 with 2 rear remotes (including the center & draft cylinders), quick attach, low hours for $17.2K

That sounds like a good deal on the NH. Keep in mind that it has a Cat II 3 point hitch, and Cat II implements will be more expensive than the Cat I implements that fit the DK50 and L4240, but the savings on the tractor will pay for some implements.

Also, the L4240 is a great tractor and has the high-low in each range and the throttle that is linked to the HST pedal, which are great features that I'd love to have. But it's not quite as powerful as the DK50. The L4740 is a better head-to-head comparison to the DK50.

You might look into U-Ship to see what it would cost to have the tractor delivered that way. $2k - $3k sounds extraordinarily expensive.

Finally, the great thing about all 3 of these tractors is that they are all Tier III or Interim Tier IV, which means no DPF or emissions nonsense to worry about.

 

[sd455dan]

That sounds like a good deal on the NH. Keep in mind that it has a Cat II 3 point hitch, and Cat II implements will be more expensive than the Cat I implements that fit the DK50 and L4240, but the savings on the tractor will pay for some implements.

Also, the L4240 is a great tractor and has the high-low in each range and the throttle that is linked to the HST pedal, which are great features that I'd love to have. But it's not quite as powerful as the DK50. The L4740 is a better head-to-head comparison to the DK50.

You might look into U-Ship to see what it would cost to have the tractor delivered that way. $2k - $3k sounds extraordinarily expensive.

Finally, the great thing about all 3 of these tractors is that they are all Tier III or Interim Tier IV, which means no DPF or emissions nonsense to worry about.

Unless i am missing something -there is no reason that cat 1 implements cannot be used with the TN75.

My 55 hp rhino is also cat 2 and I just use the sleeves inside the 3 point arms for my cat 1 implements and readjust my sway control chains.

If the concern is the actual PTO most larger cat 2 capable tractors have both the standard 6 spline 540 shaft and also a fine spline 1000 rpm shaft for the heavier duty implements.

Also this from one of the NH TN75 reviews here on TBN (REVIEWER'S ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

Pros: Handles both cat one and two equipment.
Cons: None.
Type of User: Homeowner 50-100 Acres

Obviously have to be a little more careful with the implements with the extra power and weight of the New Holland

 

[kminnick]

Nice looking rig TripleR. I love the grapple and box scraper with hyd. rippers. I've been looking so much my head is spinning. Maybe I should just buy implements for my UniMog...

Seriously, when I got the invoice from the escrow company for the TN75S, it looked fishy. It wasn't from J.P.Morgan (at least the IP address wasn't). Seriously, does everything have to be a scam out there?

 

[sd455dan]

This works well.

Nice mod- I like it! If we end up with a cab tractor some day- will probably add some protection like yours

 

[kminnick]

So, I did some more looking and came up with this list:
Kioti DK50SE w/hst - $19.5
Kub L4240 hst - $19.5
Kub M4900 (900 hrs, shuttle) $17K
Kub L4150 (little rough, needs tires) $13.5
TYM T450 (shuttle, 650 hrs, hyd center & draft, Kubota engine) $17.1K
Kub L5450 (new clutch & 226 hrs?) $21K

I really would like to stay south of $20K delivered. Maybe I should save a little longer, eh? Thoughts?

 

[sd455dan]

To bad on the NH, that sure (seemed) like a screaming deal... Guess it really was to good to be true.

The Kub L5450 with a new clutch sounds odd with those low hours...


Anyway Good luck on your search
buying good used equipment has been some of the best money I have spent.

 

[buickanddeere]

To handle snow. Tire chains and a snowblower will be required . Unless you reside in some location where the snow melts between storms.
Pushing snow into heaps just makes the snow drift back in deeper and sooner.
As for forestry work. All a farm tractor is good for is cleanup after the industrial equipment is finished .
Forestry work will smash , ding and gouge your tractor. Small sticks and limbs will poke up into every linkage, hose, electrical wiring, grill and cover . Sooner or later a valve stem will be torn off . Just had that happen here just by cleaning up after pruning apple trees . Sure glad it was windshield washer fluid spraying out instead of calcium chloride .

 

[noller9]

Yes I have knocked some trees over with a 32 horse Kubota by digging parallel trenches on both sides of the tree and then pushing it over like a hinge. pretty scary biz if you know what I mean

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

So, I did some more looking and came up with this list:
Kioti DK50SE w/hst - $19.5
Kub L4240 hst - $19.5
Kub M4900 (900 hrs, shuttle) $17K
Kub L4150 (little rough, needs tires) $13.5
TYM T450 (shuttle, 650 hrs, hyd center & draft, Kubota engine) $17.1K
Kub L5450 (new clutch & 226 hrs?) $21K

I really would like to stay south of $20K delivered. Maybe I should save a little longer, eh? Thoughts?

I agree with sd455dan on the L5450 sounding odd with a new clutch after only 226 hours.

I'd be torn between the DK50SE and the Kubota L4240. The Kioti is a little more tractor, but the L4240 has the fancy transmission that would be handy. Ask whether the L4240 has any rear remotes on it. They will be expensive to add (probably around $1,000). The DK50SE had one set of remotes standard and, hopefully, whoever bought it had another set or two installed. I've got 2 sets on mine and wish I had 3.

I'd reject the others because of the shuttle shift transmission. Also, I thought the TYM used a Perkins diesel engine, not a Kubota engine, but I could be wrong. And there's nothing wrong with a Perkins diesel, which are great engines.

 

[gladehound]

To handle snow. Tire chains and a snowblower will be required . Unless you reside in some location where the snow melts between storms.
Pushing snow into heaps just makes the snow drift back in deeper and sooner.
As for forestry work. All a farm tractor is good for is cleanup after the industrial equipment is finished .
Forestry work will smash , ding and gouge your tractor. Small sticks and limbs will poke up into every linkage, hose, electrical wiring, grill and cover . Sooner or later a valve stem will be torn off . Just had that happen here just by cleaning up after pruning apple trees . Sure glad it was windshield washer fluid spraying out instead of calcium chloride .

All depends on where you live I guess. Here in the east our snow is generally so heavy that you can make all the piles you want and never worry about drifting even if the snow doesn't melt all winter. Especially if you live in the woods! And I did all my woods clearing with a little 19 hp CUT. It could push over trees up to a foot in diameter after a good rain storm. Not going to get anything done fast with that set up but the areas you want to clear have smaller trees and you fab up a good FOPS on the tractor it can work. I never had any problem. Did have 6 trees fall on the tractor. But that was never a problem, just makes them easier to move. Here's the little 19 hp tractor in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWbpLat51JQ

 

[kminnick]

I agree with sd455dan on the L5450 sounding odd with a new clutch after only 226 hours.

I'd be torn between the DK50SE and the Kubota L4240. The Kioti is a little more tractor, but the L4240 has the fancy transmission that would be handy. Ask whether the L4240 has any rear remotes on it. They will be expensive to add (probably around $1,000). The DK50SE had one set of remotes standard and, hopefully, whoever bought it had another set or two installed. I've got 2 sets on mine and wish I had 3.

I'd reject the others because of the shuttle shift transmission. Also, I thought the TYM used a Perkins diesel engine, not a Kubota engine, but I could be wrong. And there's nothing wrong with a Perkins diesel, which are great engines.

The TYM uses the same engine as the Kubota L4240 (V2203). I believe this model's running gear is the same as the Mahindra 4110 (that's what I'm told).

The Kioti has 2 remotes with the cylinders for center & draft control (!). The L4240 has 1 remote.

Found a Kubota L4330 w/HST & 1 remote. Like the L4240, but not quite as fancy HST (no 'dual-range).

Lastly, I got a quote on a real (i.e. no scam) New Holland TN75 (canopy, Hyd shuttle, 2 remotes, Quick att bucket) delivered for $19K


Is the HST really worth $3 - $5K more?

 

[kminnick]

All depends on where you live I guess. Here in the east our snow is generally so heavy that you can make all the piles you want and never worry about drifting even if the snow doesn't melt all winter. Especially if you live in the woods! And I did all my woods clearing with a little 19 hp CUT. It could push over trees up to a foot in diameter after a good rain storm. Not going to get anything done fast with that set up but the areas you want to clear have smaller trees and you fab up a good FOPS on the tractor it can work. I never had any problem. Did have 6 trees fall on the tractor. But that was never a problem, just makes them easier to move. Here's the little 19 hp tractor in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWbpLat51JQ

Good points from both of you. My neighbor has a CAT 34.5 excavator that I used to run 700' + for power/water lines. It weighs ~11K pounds and has tracks. If you push high enough and in wet enough soil, it's amazing what you can remove. He rents it to me (delivered) for $30/hr. At that rate, it's not worth it to me to buy a BH for my tractor. It is amazing to me to see what a well-designed machine can do with the right weight (it's only 40 HP if I remember right).

Maybe for real 'clearing', I can rent a dozer.

I can see where a grapple will be one of my first implements...

 

[w1ebb]

Many years ago as a teenager, I worked in a large distribution center driving a Caterpillar TC30 forklift. I was offered the choice of gear or hydrostat. I chose the hydrostat. A week later I traded it for the gear forklift. To me, the hst was awkward. It always rolled some, and since I had to catch and lift loaded pallets of product off of buggies moving on a track that circled the warehouse, I was spilling stuff or knocking the buggies off the track. Not good.
On my gear tractor, with what I do, I can set the throttle, put it in the proper gear, let off the clutch, and get comfortable. Unless the hst tractor has a cruise control type apparatus, your foot always has to be on that pedal. I may be wrong about that last part, but it is something to think about.

Good fortune!

Scott