opinion TC30?

[RobertN]

I am getting ready to sell my existing tractor, a mid 80's B series 19hp Kubota. It is HST, 4wd, with a loader and a TnT I made.

A local dealer gets New Holland harvest returns. Went and looked yesterday. He had just sold a TC30 with Hydro tranny, 4wd, factory loader. He also had a TC29 gear tractor. The TC29 was more than the TC 30.

We're going to sell the Kubota to get something with a bigger loader, and more PTO HP. Right now I only have about 14 pto HP. Mowing at my Dad's 7.5 acres of heavy grass is a real chore. And, my wife uses a Kubota L3450 at work; she like the additional power, and larger loader.

I have bought implements from this guy before. He only gets a couple tractors at a time; Mom and Pop type shop. Nice to work with. He indicated he would get another TC30 soon.

Any thoughts on the TC30? We do not need most of the fancy features, but do want a Hydro tranny, power steering, and a larger bucket.

 

[Charles Billings]

RobertN, I purchased a TC45 DA tractor that had only been used to haul a wagon in an orchard. It was about 6 months old and had about 190 hours, and still had the balance of the 2-year warranty. I forget the exact dollar savings, but it was about $5000. I have been very happy with it. Originally, I was thinking about a TC30 size tractor. I am very glad that I went to 45 horse power, which really does everything that I need to do. If I had gone with the TC30 I believe that would have been too small, particularly when it comes to backhoe operation. I keep looking at the next platform--55-60 HP, but know my wife would give me a very hard time, and probably for good reason. Anyway, if I were starting from scratch again, I would not want anything smaller than 45HP. Your situation may be different, but I don't think you would be disappointed if you could find a harvest tractor in a somewhat larger size. Good luck, I am sure if you buy the TC30 that you will love that too.

 

[carpenter383]

I've used my neighbor's tc 30 quite a bit before I got my own tractor. It's a nice little tractor, it run a 5ft bush hog with ease. The part I don't like about it is the FEL dosen't have alot of power. I think it's rated around 800-1000? lbs of lift. If you get a heaping bucket of mud in it it won't lift it! It's a good all around tractor though, and he's put it through it's paces. It has'nt gave him any problems that weren't self inflicted. lol....I believe the hydrostat version is actually 33 hp

 

[jinman]

Robert, I believe the TC30 can only have a single remote valve added. That limits your TnT unless you do the job yourself with power beyond. I also think the total hydraulic flow is around 6 gpm if that matters. It has a separate 3.8 gpm power steering pump, so the 6 gpm doesn't get robbed for that. The weight of the 4wd tractor without the loader is a little over what an old Ford 8N would weigh. It has good 3ph lift power and the less powerful 110TL (7308) loader. You won't overload the tractor with that loader, but there have been some problems with a few tractors with backhoes. I'm guessing a backhoe is not in your plans.

I like the TC30 for its simplicity and the way the operator station is layed out with an easy view of the 3PH. You will have to deal with a hood in your way for loader work, but you're probably used to that with your current Kubota. The TC30 will give you nice power in a size that's easy to haul and simple to maintain.

 

[thclimer]

I really enjoy my TC33D hydro unit. I have a small backhoe for it as well as, 5ft bush hog, 5ft rear snow blower, 5ft rear finish mower. For my tasks it suites my needs, especially since I use it each week during the summer to cut the grass in my yard around the house and barns with its rear finish mower. A much larger tractor would be a little heavy on the lawn early in the spring when the ground gets mushy. I agree about the FEL, mine has a 60" bucket and on occasion if you fill it full of cement or mud it will not lift it, other less dense materials are not a problem.

I guess you have to look at your needs and evaluate what fits your requirements. For me, the 33D with its maneuverability and minimal weight was just what I needed. Other than the ignition switch and infamous starting circuit fuse blowing issues, I've upgraded the ignition switch and replaced the fuse with a self resetting circuit breaker; my TC33d has been trouble free.

 

[RobertN]

Basically, I am looking at moving from a low HP Kubota B series to something like a ~30hp Kubota L series. This TC30 appears to be similar in size and function to the basic Kubota L series.

The primary factor to get a different tractor is HP. the 14hp pto I have is just not enough. Secondary reason is a larger loader, and power steering. I could get a PS and more PTO hp from a TC24, or a Kubota B2710, but would still be limited to a smaller loader. Even PS I could add to my existing tractor, but it has a limited hydraulic flow to begin with.

The positives about my existing tractor, is 4wd with R4's, and HST tranny. And, TnT. That will go with the tractor; a larger tractor will require larger cylinders ect. And, short of the PTO HP, it has done me well for the last 10 years.

I really like Kubota, but also have always like the New Hollands. And, the New Holland guy is 10 minutes away, and has been very helpful in the past, at least for implements. Kubota is only 45 minutes away. I have a Massey dealer close by too, but all he has is new(am looking mostly used...).

Primary use is mowing my 5 acres, and my Dad's 7.5 acres. We're in California; we only need a late spring mowing. We do use the loader all the time though, moving stuff around, and in/out of garden area's.

The key is the PTO HP. And, as long as we get a different tractor, something with a bigger bucket.

I guess you have to look at your needs and evaluate what fits your requirements. For me, the 33D with its maneuverability and minimal weight was just what I needed.

 

[jinman]

Oops! Forgot to mention that cruise control on the TC30's HST is optional. You might get lucky and find a used one at your dealer with cruise already installed. However, if it isn't installed, at least a factory cruise is available. At any rate, you will almost double your PTO hp and that should put a smile on your face.

 

[scuvnut]

I had a TC33D before I moved up to my TC40DA (wanted a little more power and a cab). The TC33D is a very nice tractor - I ran a 72 inch rear snowblower and a 72 inch mower deck on it and it always ran great. Rarely ran into problems lifting with the FEL except if it was really wet dirt - so I dumped a little out and made an extra trip or so.