New to me 2001 TC33D w/ 7308 FEL

[Bassdogs]

Have owned 3 older 50's and 60's Ford gas tractors and after burning up my last one [601 Workmaster] while bush hogging, I decided it was time to get off of gas and move up to a not so late model. Found the 33D for sale and picked it up last week. Have used it now for about 6 hours and it running and working fine with just a few minor issues. No history available on the tractor from the seller so I'm on my own to figure things out. So far the only thing that stopped me was a faulty fuel gauge that show 1/4 when it crapped out. Lucky to be able to dump in a couple gallons and get it refired without priming. Other things I've documented: yellow PTO light [rear I think] is lit on the dash and the PTO is not engaged. Can't get lite to go out. Decals on the speed range and left side levers gone but plan on just marking w a sharpy until I have it all straight. Blinker and lite on the ROP work but nothing from the rear red lites on the back of the tractor. Cant figure out how to remove the engine cover to access the engine compartment and check the fluid levels. I am a gentleman farmer [wrong I don't farm] with about 30+ acres of which I hog about 12 acres and maintain 1/4 mile driveway and many trails thru brushy / wooded areas. The tractor will get very light use by most standards but don't want my low hours [tractor came to me with 1061 hours] use to cause me to overlook maintanence needs.

Seems that NH manuals are not available via download? Is it worth buying a paper owners manual for the tractor and the FEL?

 

[LarryD]

The owners manuals have very useful information in them and even though I've owned my tractor for 10 years I still refer to them. They are pretty reasonable on e-bay.

The factory manual has wiring diagrams in the back which you may need to find out where the previous owner bypassed the PTO safety circuit. The tractor wouldn't start otherwise. There is a thread at the top of this forum that discusses some known electrical faults with the 33D that I would recommend reading. Very simple fixes to the factory wiring.

Messicks has some exploded parts diagrams that make a pretty good trouble shooting tool, like a poor mans shop manual. I found the attached service tips sheet there many years ago. Your side panels are only held in place with rubber grommets, two at the bottom and one on top by the firewall. Just pull up and out gently, not very difficult.

The rear red light are just turn signals, no brake lights. I couldn't say if mine work or not, I don't road the tractor.

So welcome to the forum and bring your questions, there are lots of very knowledgeable people here.

 

[MikePA]

I have a 2001 TC25D and it does not have turn signals, just the orange flashers on the ROPS and red lights that come on with the headlights. The hood has a lever, bottom, front that slides to the driver's left to unlock the hood. Messicks has a lot of parts, including decals. You do not need to remove the side panels to check fluids, just raise the hood. The transmission dip stick is in the back, top, center, behind the top link. I have all the manuals, but the Operators Manual is what I use the most.

P.S.
The same manuals cover the TC25D, TC29D and TC33D.

 

[Bassdogs]

Thanks for the comments. Will get the manual probably from ebay. Hooked up my 1970's Ford bushhog that came with my F2000. Had it rebuilt a few years ago and it functions well. Just need to have some welding to reinforce a couple of the corners. Anyway it was a struggle to get it connected and the top turnbuckle adjusted to fit the 33D. Hogged a 2 acre lot that I closed on last week. All good with the bushhog, ran the tractor at about 2600 rpms in mid range. The rear pto works fine but the dash lite stays on even when the pto is NOT engaged. If the pto safety switch has been bypassed, would that allow the tractor to start with the pto engaged? Seems like it would have been easier to just fix the switch rather than bypass it. Will check out the hood release in the morning. Just couldn't see anything obvious when I looked before. Headlites work but the tail lites on the rear fender don't could be just burned bulbs, haven't check yet. Not a priority because my only "on road" will be the 200 yards on a rural road to refuel.

Only issue I had when hogging, was the 3 point lift was touchy. Jumped right up but wanted to drop all the way when I tried to adjust to the mowing height. Real twitchy when I tried to dial it in. Just a bump and it would jump up or drop to low. Once I got it set where I wanted it, it stayed at the right height. Any ideas?

 

[LarryD]

There is a control valve just beneath the seat. Rabbit/turtle symbols. This adjusts the flow rate of the TPH.
Mine is still pretty tight however, small movements get the results I need.
You could try to start yours with the PTO lever engaged to see if it's just the light or a bypass. The switch for the PTO is just under the platform beneath your left foot. Two wires connected with bullet terminations.

Does yours have the turn signals? Mike said his doesn't but mine definitely does. I wonder if it was a year thing or model thing. Always curious.

 

[thcri]

I have a 2001 TC29D it does not have the turn signals. I just the dealer adjust my 3 point hitch. I tried and failed. No matter what I did I couldn't get it to stop moving around.

 

[Bassdogs]

couldnt find any turn signals on my 2001. Suspect they are just tail lights. The yellow and red lights on the ROP work in case I need something while heading to the gas [fuel] station.

Will take a look for the adjust on the 3 pt hitch control and see if I can help it.

 

[Halftrack]

Here is a copy of the page from the manual concerning the adjustment of the 3 pt hitch linkage. I have posted it before but it has been a while. Hope it helps.

 

[Bassdogs]

Thanks, I'm not the most mechanical person so plan on inviting a friend who is to stop over and between the two of us will take a swing at it.

 

[WM75Guy]

Welcome to TBN. :welcome: Enjoy your NH. The owners manual is a great resource for fluid amounts and the electrical diagrams. I just had to replace the fuel gauge sending unit on my Boomer 8N for the same reason. The sending unit for the TC33D is about $77 plus the gasket plus shipping from Messick's. Most local dealers will have to order one and they will charge you the shipping and tax. It is held in place by 5 screws, easy to access and change.