One or two questions (actually three)...

ecologyman · May 25, 2005

I'm a new guy here so bear with me...
We just bought eleven acres of sloped pasture in NE PA which we plan to build on soon, but right now we live in New Jersey and I only need to mow it. I don't have a tractor yet but am currently looking. My previous experience was with an old International I had on a thirteen acre horse farm with my ex. She still has the farm, the horses, and, unfortunately, the International. I sure miss that tractor.
Anyways I have a few questions that I hope someone here can help me with as I am sure you folks are a whole lot more experienced - and probably smarter - than I am.

1. My local New Holland dealer has a NH 3430 for sale with a Sims cab and a big old brush hog. It has about 400 hours on it, runs like a champ, and appears to have been kept inside (no rust, etc.). It was used to mow a landfill right behind the dealership (insert New Jersey joke here). He is asking $8000.00. I've looked all over the place on-line and cannot find any information on a 3430. Does this sound high, low, or about right? Does anyone have experience with this particular Ford?

2. I've also been looking at TC30's. What would be a fair price for a FWD gear model with a FEL and brush hog (probably 60")? Is that enough tractor for my eleven acres?

3. No matter what I end up with I'll have to trailer it up to mountainous Pennsylvania and back to sea-level New Jersey- 190 miles each way - until I can get it into a shed up there. I'll need to do this two or three times before I'll have something built. This is really stupid but what kind of trailering set-up will I need? I moved the old International in a horse trailer I pulled with a full-size Bronco. but I have neither the trailer nor the Bronco anymore.

Finally, I apologize for being so long-winded.

jinman · May 25, 2005

I think the 3430 is about 40 hp and is 8 speed. The last year manufactured (I believe) was '94 or '95. You didn't say if this tractor was 2wd or 4wd, but if it's 2wd and has a rotary cutter, it's a steal at $8000. With only 400 hours, I'd expect to see the price upwards of $10,000. An average of less than 40 hours per year means this tractor has been rarely used.

EDIT: I just found some info that shows the tractor was at least manufactured up 'til 2000, so it may not be as old as I indicated. It also weighs about 5000 lb. You better plan on about a 10,000 lb gvw trailer with brakes and a 3/4 ton pickup for hauling on a consistent basis. Once or twice you might get by with a half-ton pickup, but you will probably wish you had the 3/4 ton.

Soundguy · May 25, 2005

I concur with jinman. The weight, along with a 6' mower and a standard 16' tandem axle trailer will put you right at that magic 7000# number that most full size 1/2 ton trucks and 16' trailers are rated at. With fuel, etc.. you may actually be a bit over. Like Jinman said. Occasional hauling, or short trips.. probably nothing to worry about.. but i wouldn't make it a habit to trailer at that close to the edge.

I grabbed this info off the web.. looks fairly accutrate.. year range may not be accurate.. but gives you an idea.

Also.. wow.. 400hrs.. that things just now getting the rings seated...

Soundguy

Years Made: 1990-1998
Horsepower - PTO: 40
Horsepower - Engine: 46
Horsepower - Drawbar: 40
Engine - Make: FORD
Engine - Fuel: DIESEL
Engine - Cyl(s) - CID: 3/192
Transmission - Standard: CM
Optional: SHUTTLE
Forward / Reverse Standard: 8/2
Forward / Reverse Optional: 8/8
MFWD - Standard / Optional: OPT
Tires Standard - Front: 6.00-16
Tires Standard - Rear: 13.6X28
Wheelbase - Inches: 84.5
PTO Type: IND
3pt Hitch Cat I:
Hitch Lift: 3080
Hydraulics - Type: OPEN
Hydraulics - Cap: 48.3
Hydraulics - Flow: 8.0
Hydraulics - Standard Outlets: OPT
Cooling Capacity: 11
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.3
Cab Standard:
Weight: 4478
New Price: $19,748.00

Ryno1 · May 25, 2005

jinman and soundguy answered your question on the 3430, so I'll try and give you some info on the TC30. Yes it will do your 11 acres. I use mine on 40 acres, about 15 is pasture. Now I don't try and cut all the pasture every week but it gets the job done. I used to mow with a D17 and 6' cutter. I really think I can mow in less time because the TC30 seems to pull faster then the D17.. Second around here you can usually buy a new TC30, fwd, 3x9 tranny, 5 brushcutter, fel, industrial tires, and 16' trailer for $16,000 give or take $500. I pull mine behind a 2003 Dodge quad cab 4wd with no problems.

ecologyman · May 26, 2005

Thank you for all the information. Maybe I can rent a truck/trailer combination as I will only need it on occasion. Now if I could just decide between a new TC30 and a slightly-used 3430...

Soundguy · May 26, 2005

Go for what you percieve as overall value. That value could be the "new" machine with warranty.. plus the fact that it is way lighter.. and won't have a problem behind your truck. or you can view the value in an already depreciated 'newish' workhorse larger tractor.. getting more # and HP per $. Harder to haul, though not impossible. No warranty.. but overall.. lots more tractor.

tough choice. Good luck

Soundguy

have_blue · May 26, 2005

ecologyman,

I don't know what size that "big old brush hog" is, but if all 11 acres need mowing at once, you will need one! My guess is there will be times when you can't make it up to PA very often to mow your land, and the weeds will get way ahead of you. Well, a TC33 will only pull a 5 footer, (and slowly at that in the heavy stuff) so it's a long, grueling job in the heat of summer. The larger tractor will probably pull a 7 footer with authority, which will make a huge difference.

Soundguy · May 27, 2005

I was thinking a tc-33 would pull a 6' cutter. my NH dealer told me my EX-NH 1920 would pull a 6' cutter.. should be same hp... though I think the1920 is heavier.

Can't say for sure.. just what dealer said. I had a 5' cutter already anyway.. due to my old fords.. so didn't matter much to me.

opinions on this?

Soundguy

have_blue · May 27, 2005

Soundguy,

Yea, I suppose the TC33 will pull a 6 footer, but I guess painfully slow in heavy weeds and grass. I had a TC29 and 5 footer, and when I let the weeds get ahead of me, was it ever a pain! The 33 would pull a 5 footer with authority, and be a great, versatile little tractor if he's only mowing 1/2 of his property, but perish the thought of mowing an overgrown 11 acres. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I bet that bigger tractor would knock it out in about half the time.

SteveInMD · May 27, 2005

I agree...my 33 pulls my 5 footer with authority - up a steep hill in tall grass at a pretty good clip. However for 11 acres of mowing I think I'd want a 6 footer and a slightly larger machine. A 33 would do it, but I think you would be operating at its upper end.