TC30 Question

Bustos · Jun 1, 2005

First time tractor purchaser, have narrowed down search between NH TC30 and Kubota L2800. I only have 5 acres but mostly coastal grass. Could not get nice clean cut look with riding lawn mower! But anyway to my question I have some light road work (spreading gravel) to do. Will the NH TC 30 2wd with fel do the job? As I stated I only have 5 acres and it is pretty flat. Do I really need 4wd with a fel? What do you think guys? Thanks for your help.

Golfgar4 · Jun 1, 2005

Hello Bustos, and welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I think if you do some serious reading in the various forums, you're going to find that the vast majority of people will recommend 4wd over 2wd, especially when you have a FEL on the tractor. You'll find that steering can be awfully difficult with a loaded bucket with only 2wd, and having 4wd should help in digging power when using the FEL that way. You won't loose traction as quickly, and you'll be able to fill the bucket easier.

I'm sure some of the others will chime in with some "personal" experiences.

Oh, by the way. You might want to take a few minutes to fill out your profile so people will have a better idea of where you're located and what you might be using that tractor for. Just go up to My Home at the top of the page, page down until you see Main Configuration, then go to the right of Personal Preferences and click on Edit. Then just fill in the blanks.

Good luck with your decision. Remember, regardless of what you buy, you HAVE to post pictures when you get it. That's one of the rules!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

GATC35 · Jun 1, 2005

I think it would be a mistake not to get 4 WD. On my TC-35 when leveling ground with my box blade the rear tires will spin as the box gets full if I'm in 2WD. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

I just slide her into 4 WD and she keeps on pulling. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

pdub · Jun 1, 2005

I would also recommend 4WD over 2WD, especially since the price difference is only $1500 list, which will seem unsubstantial if you finance. Another reason to step up to 4WD on the TC30 is you get Live PTO versus transmission driven PTO, assuming you are looking at a 9x3. Live PTO allows tractor motion to be stopped without interrupting PTO operation.

I would also recommend the TC30 over the L2800 because the L2800 4WD gear has a trans driven PTO. Also, you get hydrostatic power steering versus integral power assist, 200# greater lift capacity at the 3-pt, dual element air cleaner versus a single element, and cast iron rear axle housings versus steel trumpet housings.

Yes, I am biased towards NH... but the above statements are indeed facts. In the few posts that I have listed I have been ridiculed for telling people one tractor is better than another.

Tex22 · Jun 1, 2005

I have a TC24DA which is a smaller frame than the TC30, though based on my experiance I would definately recommend the 4wd. With weight on the loader the back wheels can lose traction. Also, get the HST, you will not be sorry. The tractor I have been using for years is a 1940 Farmall and did not really think I needed HST. Boy am I glad I got it. What a difference. I can't imagine doing loader work or anything else without it.

RoyJackson · Jun 2, 2005

I'll also recommend the 4WD. These tractors are pretty light and can use all the traction they can get.
Also, 4WD will help on maintaining resale value.

jinman · Jun 2, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Will the NH TC 30 2wd with fel do the job? As I stated I only have 5 acres and it is pretty flat. Do I really need 4wd with a fel? What do you think guys? Thanks for your help. )</font>

Don't even consider buying a compact tractor with a FEL unless you also get 4WD. Putting a FEL on a large 2WD Ag tractor that weighs over 6000 lb is okay, but a 2WD TC30 is not going to have enough weight for a loader. Your rear wheel traction will be seriously degraded with only a tiny load in the FEL. If you go downhill, you may even find it's impossible to stop because you have no rear wheel traction and there are no front brakes on a 2WD tractor.

I've owned a 5000 lb tractor with 2WD and a loader. It was horrible anytime I got the bucket over half full. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Either of the tractors you mentioned will work fine. Just pick the one you feel most comfortable with and the dealer that best suits your needs.

thcri · Jun 2, 2005

I'll second the 4 wd. Also if you end up selling the TC30 a few years down the road for whatever reason the 2wd would be reallly tough to sell. Just get it, you won't be sorry.

murph

Bustos · Jun 2, 2005

Thanks guys for all the help! I was trying to save money but it seems like I would not have been happy with a 2wd! Back to the bargaining table with the dealer! Any suggestions for haggling with the dealer?