NH quotes/first reactions

cmsedore · Mar 31, 2002

Short summary to date: Looking for a tractor after the Ford 1700 I was using gave it up. Really liked the Kubota L4610, but thought I should look around.

I stopped at a NH dealer today and had a nice chat with the VP of the dealership. He was quite helpful and after talking with me recommended a TC35D. He had one on the lot and I drove it. If the price is not unreasonable and I go NH, I would not hesitate to buy from him.

My reactions were these:
1) the engine had more vibration than I expected (at lower RPMs--smoothed out as you throttled up).
2) the hydrostatic transmission was quite nice, but seemed a little imprecise. Of course, this was my first time driving an hst, so some may have been me.
3) I _liked_ the DualPower--seems like a great idea.
4) I really liked the design more than I thought I would--the sloping front makes visibility better than the 1700 (which is very similar to the kubotas--flat front hood sticking out there).
5) turning radius is much better than the Ford 1700
6) I did not like the plastic (fiberglass?) hood/fenders/etc. I think they'd have been shredded if they'd been on the 1700--too many sticks/small trees get pulled up into the fender area when bush hogging. Maybe I'm not giving them enough credit.

I was quoted $22750 for the TC35D (R1), 16LA, 72" MMM (rear discharge). Breakdown was $3k for the loader and $2500 for the mower. He said I could upgrade to a 40D for $1300 and a 45D for $3000 (same package--R1, FEL, MMM RD). He also said that was his best price. This was before tax (7%). I also found a used 2001 TC45D at another dealer that, with a new loader, is offered for 20,500 (18 hours, 22 mo warranty remaining, and it has R4s instead of R1s). No supersteer on any of these (I'm not interested in SS). According to the dealer, the used one was traded in after the owner had it two months--he decided to swap for a gear transmission.

I've gotten a local quote for a L4610 for $23900 w/FEL. I hope to go out to the dealer this week and test drive one. I'm not too interested in anything smaller than the 4610 in Kubotas because of loader lift capacity. I might be persuaded to go a little smaller in the NH since the loaders are rated the same from the TC35 up.

Do these prices seem reasonable? Any comments on the "true difference" between a 35D and a 45D?

-Chris

Anonymous Poster · Apr 1, 2002

seems a little pricey for the tractor itself. I am shopping for similar and was quoted appprox. $15500 for 35d with ind. tires. also, $14,100 for the tc35. Will probably go with the 35 with deluxe 3 pt htch. for around 14,500 in NJ.Still uncertain to go with NH or Kubota. Like you I am leary of the plastic bumpers.

IndianaPaul · Apr 1, 2002

Chris:

I agree w/b1022d, price seems a little pricey for the tractor. I bought my TC45D w/R4s, 16la Loader w/72" HD bucket, 6' bushhog, 6' BH finishmower and 6' back blade was approx. and BH RTS 74 tiller was $25,000 2/01(and some have commented my price was a bit high). However, my dealer has been fantastic and other than my own occassional screw-ups, have had no complaints.

Paul

BeeBop · Apr 1, 2002

Hi Chris
I know the pain staking agony you're going through in selecting the right tractor. From the specs I've read the Kubota has the better FEL of the two tractors you're referring to w/a higher lift and higher capacities. W/the NH you're required to purchase a brush guard seperately but the Kubota has their's incorporated on their loader. I think you'll need to evaluate a 45D if you want a fair comparison to the 4610 Kubota. I have looked both machines over and the only real difference is color from this point of view. The only differences that count, I.e poor engineering will show up in years to come. I do believe that NH has set the standard of compact tractors for look and operator feel w/it's creature comforts. Happy hunting.

jinman · Apr 1, 2002

<font color=blue>I might be persuaded to go a little smaller in the NH since the loaders are rated the same from the TC35 up.</font color=blue>

Chris, unless you are sure you will never need the power, I'd say you should go with the maximum amount of HP you can afford. No one ever complains about too much power./w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif The size of all Class III Boomers is very similar, so power seems to be your only issue. If the dealer with the used TC45D is good, I'd go with it. The over-$3,000 difference for the Kubota is very significant. I also think the prices on the new TC35D and TC45D are high. The money you save by buying the slightly used tractor would pay your taxes and leave you with money left over to buy implements.

Mrwurm · Apr 1, 2002

Chris, I have noticed the same engine vibration issues on the smaller Boomers. At lower rpm's the whole machine shakes. As you increase rpm's it smooths out and goes away. I'm not sure if this would bother me.
Jerry

Mrwurm · Apr 1, 2002

OOPS, that was not an accurate statement. The tractor I was referring to was the TC30 and is technically not a Boomer.
Jerry

webbmeister · Apr 1, 2002

Hi Chris:

I'm with Jinman on this one. 18 hours is really nothing. The way I see it, You get a slightly used TC45D for $20,500. If you want the MMM, that is $2500 more for a total of $23,000 plus tax - or $250 more than the new 35D equipped the same way. That's also $2750 less than a new 45D with the same equipment. If you buy used, I think you ought to ask for your 50 hour service and transport to and from the dealer thrown in at no cost.

That said ... That new 35D price seems a little high ... you might want to shop around. Sounds as if you like the dealer though, so that needs to be in the equation too.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Jim

BKColeman · Apr 1, 2002

As far as the vibration is concerned, you may want to drive a TC40 or 45. They are both 4 cylinder engines instead of the 35's 3 cyl. I thought they felt smoother to me.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 2, 2002

Chris,

If your looking at the 35D you have to compare it to the L3410 from Kubota. Specs are very close between these two. However, you can get a L3710 for several hundred more and get the 4 cylinder. The differnece is you pay more for a FEL with Kubota but I beleive it is better quality. I am also shopping for similar size. Went to Kubota today and they have $1400 rebates for April. Was quoted $14000 for a L3410 with shuttle shift and ags. L3710 was $14700 with Shuttle shift and Ags. Dealer recommends L3410 for price. Lifting specs are same. Staying away from hydro because of loss of hp to pto.
Change my mind everyday. First NH,then Kubota. Think Im going Kubota because of all metal and all parts are made by Kubota. Also, most landscapers and farmers around here seem to have them.