TC30 or TC24D

fctadam · Feb 9, 2004

I'm looking to make my first compact tractor purchase. I have run every type of equipment there is from large to small, but know nothing about the mechanics of them. I have no brand preference? It will be used for a landscaping small business, firewood, and other camp chores, digging out stumps, leveling etc.

I was wondering what you thought about the TC24D, in comparison to the TC 30. The 24D is priced higher but seems to have less muscle but more bells and whistles. I'm looking for more power, than fancy features. That's why I thought the TC30 was the way to go. Is the TC30 a tried and true four wheel drive with power going to all four wheels or is it just, front wheel drive? I'm a little confused what 4wd means. I want a real four wheel drive like a truck. Just want to make the right purchase. It's nice to see a package with manual transmission, over the hydrostatic. How does the TC30 stack up to the competition as far as attachments?

Also, Do you think a half/ton Z71 with a 5.3 (2001) engine will tow this effectively? It will not be towed daily, but the brunt of the work would be done at a camp, forty or so miles from my home, with some steep hills. My truck is rated to tow 10,000lbs, I believe. I'm not expecting it to tow 65 mph, but don't want any problems either.

Bob_Skurka · Feb 9, 2004

Based on what you stated, I think you might be better off with the increased power, no frills TC30 instead of the TC24D. The TC30 is a value tractor and gives lots of bang for the buck. The TC24D is a feature filled tractor that has a lot of power for a small size, but is not an equal to the TC30.

The TC30 comes with 4 wheel drive. I am not sure if it is offered with 2 wheel drive. I know it is NOT offered with ONLY front wheel drive.

As for attachements, pretty much all attachements are interchangable between brands if they hook on the rear end. The rear end of compact tractors have a 3 point hitch system, commonly refered to as a 3pt or 3pt hitch. The system was developed by Fergusion in the late 1094's or early 1950s and has been on virtually all tractor brands since the mid 1950's. It allows for rear blades, mowers, etc to be used from virtually any maker on virtually any tractor.

As for front end attachements, there is some specificity there. You can get Front End Loaders from New Holland, Great Bend, Buhler/Farm King and a few other brands, but typically most people stick with the factory FEL and order it installed when they buy their tractor. Factory FEL's typically have better specs and operate better than universal fit FEL units, which is why you see typically see factory FEL units on most tractors. Also, you can get front mounted snow blowers, power sweepers, etc. Again, most often those are from the factory.

So attachments for the front of most tractors are typically factory attachments. Attachments for the rear of the tractor are more typically available from DOZENS of different suppliers, and price and quality varies greatly from one to the next.

fctadam · Feb 9, 2004

Thanks for all the information. I was worried about the four wheel drive system. I keep seeing 4wd equal front wheel assist and wasn't sure exactly what that meant. I want a full all tires getting power four wheel drive tractor, and you say that is what it has. I have lots of snow in the winter and more mud in the spring up here in the Adirondacks.

Bob_Skurka · Feb 9, 2004

I think you'll find a locking differential on both tractors too. I've gotten my TC24D stuck in places it should not have gone, but simply pushing down on the locking differential lever and powering forward and driven the tractor out of some really tough places. I am pretty sure the TC30 has that as well.

I would also point out the TC30 to TC24D comparision is sort of an apples to oranges comparison because of power differences. For a more apples to apples comparision, the TC30 should be compared to the TC29D. Basically you are comparing comperable power engines with the TC30 to TC29D, but the 29 is the "full featured" machine and the 30 is the "basic workhorse" version. The 29 gives you more hydraulic capacity, tighter turning radius, and some whistles and bells.

A TC24D is a class smaller than the TC30 but with design features similar to the TC29D. In any case, most implements that can be used on a TC24D can be used on a TC30 and visa versa, the limitation is the size of some implements. I swap implements between a Kubota B2910 (30hp/Class II) and a TC24D (24hp/Class I) all the time.

jinman · Feb 9, 2004

I agree with Bob. From the work you describe, I'd go for the TC30. It's a lot of tractor for an affordable price. I also think you can trailer it behind your pickup without a problem. The TC30 also comes with a hydrostatic transmission, so what you need to do before long is test drive both tractors and see what you think. You might even tell your dealer you are "on-the-fence" on your decision and ask him to show you which features stand out on both tractors.

fctadam · Feb 9, 2004

Thanks for all the help..

So there is a 4 wheel drive for all four wheels to get power, and most have pedal for locking differential which makes both rear wheels have power. So you have a choice of both real wheels with power, and a full time four wheel drive?

I also got a price for the TC24D with a 12LA FEL for $14,600 and saw on the internet that the TC30 is in the same price bracket at $9,600 - 12,900 MSRP. That's why I linked the two together for price. The TC29D is a full 5,000 more on the MSRP. What price could I expect ball park for the TC30 in 9 X 3 manual transmission, with a front end loader?

Thanks again guys.

jimg · Feb 9, 2004

Yes, all 4 wheels drive. All of the compacts Im familiar w/ have a locking rear differential. The number of driving wheels is determined by whether 4wd and/or the diff lock is engaged or not engaged. It ranges from one rear wheel all the way to all 4.

I think the most expensive 'bell' is the hydro tranmission. Thats what they sell most of. The manual will certainly cost less. Really the hydro is mostly a nice convenience and not a necessity. It just makes operation easier.

Id be interested to hear what you wind up w/.

Inspector507 · Feb 9, 2004

I'm not so sure you're going to get all 4 wheels pulling. I've seen mine spin the front left and rear left at the same time. Both right tires just sat there. Step on the diff lock and it engaged the right REAR. The diff lock is NOT for the front at all.

fctadam · Feb 9, 2004

I will let you all know and appreciate the help.

My father had polio as a child and his right foot is very weak, so I thought the hydromatic transmission would be too hard for him to operate with his bad foot. (The back and fourth heal to tow action) The manual is as simple as putting it into gear with the left footed clutch pressed in and realizing it and pressing a gas pedal like a car with the right foot, correct? I know on some others I have operated once in gear the throttle could be adjusted with a knob on the dash board eliminating all foot work. I just want dad to be able to get on and play too.

RoyJackson · Feb 9, 2004

"The manual is as simple as putting it into gear with the left footed clutch pressed in and realizing it and pressing a gas pedal like a car with the right foot, correct? "

Most of the tractors do have some sort of hand throttle...and, yes, you could control it strictly by use of the hand throttle if you keep the tractor in a low enough range to ensure you can turn safely.
I'm a gear guy...both for the lower costs and probably greater durability. But there's a lot of advantages to hydro's if you expect to do loader work...also, all of the hydro's have live PTO whereas many of the gear tranny tractors don't, or use a dual stage clutch.
My little Deere is gear and a single stage clutch, but I can't say it's really impeded my work. Sometimes, when I'm moving snow or dirt I think that hydro or power reverser (only on bigger tractors to my knowledge) would be nice....but that little Deere is a tough machine...can't say I'd want anything else offhand.
So...suggest you and Dad go tractor shopping. Gives you both a chance to see how the machines operate and if that hydro pedal would really be a hindrance to your Dad.