TC33D v. TC35D v. Kubota L3130

Backlash · May 21, 2003

It seems the more I find out, the more I'm confused. I am preparing to buy a new unit w/ FEL. I have about 5.5 acres, will use initially for some moderate to heavy clearing, general FEL work, and 9" auger. General use will be for bushhogging and boxblading 1/2 mile gravel drive. The prices I have been quoted are as follows:

TC33D HST, SS, w/ 7308 FEL, HD bucket= $17,100.00

TC35D HST, w/ 16LA loader (HD bucket)= $18,700.00
(add $1,000.00 for above w/ SS, 17LA)

Kubota L3130 w/ 723(?) HD bucket, HST= $17,300.00

I have narrowed it down to these choices, but am wondering if I need the TC35D--but it seems to have significantly more capabilities than the TC35D. Are there any differences I need to know about other than power, size, or info in the literature? Would SS be worth it for the added $1k? I am afraid my eyes are getting too big for my needs. I am adding the Kubota in case there are any strong feelings out there that I have'nt considered, but the TC's seem to be my favorites. Again, thanks in advance for your tips.

I have also posted this on the NH forum and the Kubota Forum

frank_f15 · May 21, 2003

seeing how u favor the tc"s then that is what you should get! have u driven both the NH AND the kubota? i would think that you might want to go with the tc33 , the 35 will give u a few more hp, and some more mass& weight, sometimes the added weight and size can be a hinderence. but if u are partial to the tc35 and the $$$$ don't bother you then get that one, CAUSE YOU AIN;T GOING TO BE HAPPY OTHERWISE

thcri · May 21, 2003

Ernie,

I tried posting this in your post under Kubota but that thread was locked. Go back and read icat's post then this one.

I go along with icat. The 33 will give you everything you want. I have the New Holland TC29D with Super-steer. I liked the ergonomics of the New Holland and felt the most comfortable with it. I tried Kubota and John Deere.

As for your question about Super-Steer. If you are going to do a lot of finish mowing with a MMM then it is worth the extra bucks. If your going to do mostly loader work then I would not get it unless your loader work is in really tight places.

As for the hydro-static being mentioned as Kubota having the best. That is only a persons opinion. I felt the New Holland to be much smoother than the others. You may find different and that is why icat said, get out there and drive them. Go with the one you feel comfortable with and the dealer that you think is going to give you the best service after the sale.

murph

jinman · May 22, 2003

Ernie, the 16LA loader alone is worth the extra $1,600 in my opinion. It has double the lift capacity of the 7308 and is a breeze to take off and put on. Add to that the 3PH lift capacity of the 35D, brake and hydro pedals on opposite sides, bigger/heavier frame, four range HST, and capability for 3 remote hydraulic sets and you have all the reason to buy the Class III Boomer if it isn't too big for you. At the danger of invoking the wrath of all Class II Boomer owners, I'd say I can't imagine why you would not spend just $1,600 more for almost twice the tractor. Of course, if it is too big, you gotta go for less and the 33D might just be the right fit for you.

JATO_RaT · May 22, 2003

That sure was my thought too Jim! Sure seems like a whole lot more tractor for just a little more. Rat

John_Mc · May 22, 2003

( That sure was my thought too Jim! Sure seems like a whole lot more tractor for just a little more. Rat )

Expect that the TC33D had SuperSteer, and the TC35D did not. So the "apples to apples" comparison would be closer to $2600 difference in price.

I looked hard at the TC35D (actually more at the TC40D to get the 4 cyl engine) before I settled on the TC33D. The main factor was wanting the smaller frame to fit onto some of my tighter trails in the woods. If it were not for that, I'd have gone for the TC40D.

One thought... If he can wait for the 2004 model year to come out, he'd be able to get the 14LA loader (supposedly due out this fall?) and pick up some extra loader capacity for the TC33D.

John Mc

JATO_RaT · May 22, 2003

Good point John, I missed that. The TC33D was one I considered prior to getting my current tractor. The loader simply had not kept up with those from other manufactuers. The TC 33D is a nice machine and I did not want to offend anyone owning one. I recently went through much the same decision process as so many others here after trading down from my Kubota L48. I was looking at the TC 33 and TC 35. Seemed like 2 very different tractors. I think once the TC 33 gets fitted with the new loader, it will be very competitive. Rat...

thcri · May 22, 2003

To me I guess the question is how much mowing are you going to do versus how much loader work. In the original post he stated general loader work. I have been very happy with my 7308 on my TC29D and it has done everything I have asked it to do. I realise the LA series loader is much nicer and has better specs but I would be concerned with the TC35D and it's weight for mowing. If he does a lot of loader work then I would wait for the LA series or go for the TC35 with the LA available right now. Again the original post does not state how much finish mowing will be done.

I am not real familiar with Kubota but maybe he should take a second look at it and how it compares with the New Hollands as far as weight and feel. What about the ole relationship with the dealer also. I know the original post favored the New Holland.

just some more thoughts

murph

JATO_RaT · May 22, 2003

It may also depend on what kind of grass is being cut. I don't have a NH brochure with me anymore, after I got my tractor a couple weeks ago, I had a lot of cleaning out to do with the plethora of brochures from the various manufactuers. Does the TC 35 have bigger tires. Would R3's be OK? The loader on the TC 33 certainly should work well for most general work. It's one of those things that is always hard to decide on. When another model has the updated loader vs the old style, human nature being what it is, it's hard to resist the temptation of the "new stuff" The L30's from Kubota certainly do this to you. While we can offer advice to anyone with our well intended opinions, no matter what is eventually decided on, we will probably agree it will in all likelyhood work quite well for the perspective owner. Go to the dealer and get their take, my Kubota/JD dealer was a fantastic help in helping me decide. I really valued his opinion. The smaller size of my new tractor has really been a bonus. Rat...

Backlash · May 23, 2003

Guys, I really appreciate your insights. As for finish mowing, I already have a rider w/ 54" cut, so I am not really looking at a new tractor from that perspective- but would probably move that way if I did get the TC33D.

The loader issue is really what is throwing a wrench in my thought process- if the LA loader was available for the TC33D, I would not hesitate to get that unit. Are there any other loaders that would give me more performance for a similar price?

Also, where I will be clearing has some hills- would that make a difference between the 33 & 35?

Thanks again for yall's help.