TC45D Purchase

Dobber · Dec 19, 2001

I just want to say I have been lurking here reading all the comments for some time, and want to say how great this site is! A lot of usefull information, and you can just about imagine a personality behind the posters on this site. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Now, I need some help with a TC45D purchase. I am wondering if this is a good price or not.

Price is $22,900 as equiped:
TC45D with hydro and 4x4
SuperSteer Axle with sensitrak clutch
R4 tires
17LA loader with quick attach cupplers
72 inch heavy duty bucket
rear remote
Front folding bumper guard
armrest kit for TC45D
Canopy
72 inch bolt on bucket cutting edge
Radio mounted on fender
rear work light

Woods RM990 90inch mower-$2750
Solid tires
aniscalp roller
chain guard

Woods 72 inch tiller- $1750.00

I have looked at both John Deere, Kubota, and New Holland, and tested them all. I just cant deal with the John Deere Dealer. His price for a 4700 hydro, loader, 4x4 and no other add ons is 24,000. The same equipped kubota L4610 as the TC45D is about 24,000.00.

My question is, is this a good price for the New Holland and is there any reason related to reliablity and performance that I should pay the extra for the Kubota.

Also, does any one have the woods 990 mower, and 72 inch tiller, and what do they think about them as far as reliablity and performance.

Any help appreciated. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

James

jinman · Dec 19, 2001

James, your price on the tractor is very good, even if it didn't have supersteer. I'm not sure about the other implements, but I'd be signing the paperwork on that tractor really quickly. A few months ago, someone posted about the same tractor for around $25k. Your dealer has really cut his margins close to be selling the TC45D for that price.

JimI

Dobber · Dec 19, 2001

I see from your profile that you have a TC45D, any regrets or problems with yours so far?

James

JohnInCA · Dec 19, 2001

That's a really great price, buy it!

jinman · Dec 20, 2001

The only major problem is I've only had 185 hours to operate it. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Actually, the deluxe joystick shaft keeps breaking on my tractor. I've broken two so far and I've come up with a solution that works better for me and is much more rugged. Also, check your battery if you buy one. If it is full to the top with fluid, drain a little off. In the hot summer heat, the battery may overflow if it is too full. I think you'd love a TC45D, so go buy it before your dealer figures out he made a mistake on the price. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

JimI

Dobber · Dec 20, 2001

Thanks for the info on the deluxe joystick shaft, and battery. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I think I will call him in the am, and seal the deal for the tractor.

Can I ask, what type of fix or solution you have taken to help resolve the deluxe joystick shaft from breaking so much? /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

James

jinman · Dec 20, 2001

Here is a photo of the broken joystick support. The problem is the weak point where the lower screw-hole is. What I did was to slide the broken piece back up into the joystick so that the top hole in the metal aligns to the bottom hole in the joystick. After putting in a single screw the broken piece protrudes out the bottom of the joystick, so I placed it along side the shaft and put two hose clamps tightly around it. I know this sounds like a "kludge" but it works really well and I've had no breakage with this method. At some point, I may try to weld some reinforcement, but until then. my method works. I don't have a photo, but maybe I can get one of the "fixed" joystick this weekend and post it.

JimI

TxSam · Dec 20, 2001

Dobber - Sounds like an excellent deal to me, I'm currently in the process of buying a TC35 and from what I have seen around for the 45D w/SS you are getting a good deal. So... when do you take delivery! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Sam - Tractorless in Big 'D' (But, not for long!/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif)

Dobber · Dec 20, 2001

I called and Lowell the owner's son were I got this deal from is out today, but will be back tommorrow, and they remembered me calling. I have not even visited this dealer, but I have a father-in-law who has and told me to call because he thought they were fair, and had a good service department. The dealership is about 65 miles from the house, but it was a lot better than I could do around home, and I visited them in person. I think the price is not bad at all for just calling them. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

Anybody have any of the woods attachments that I am getting, and what do they think about them?

I take it no serious problems with the TC45D other than what one very nice to post a picture blue owner has posted. 

Thanks for the picture it helped greatly.
James

p.s.

I think my wife is exicted about the blue "bubble" tractor as she calls it. I think my seat time may be on the lotto system, odds one in a million. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Wait a minute that's the name she probably will call it "bubbles" , poor tractor. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

rbargeron · Jan 6, 2002

James - I noticed your question about the Woods RM990.

I have one (now 4 yrs old) and I'm very happy with it. When I was shopping, the RM990 was the only finish mower I found with swing-back blades, which around my place is important.

Unless your place is REALLY smooth and flat, I would recommend getting front castors instead of the anti-scalp roller. This big platform needs to float and follow the land, not the tractor's rear axle.

Their brochue says 25 hp or more - but I found I needed at least 35 pto hp to drive it properly.

With normal greasing and blade sharpening/replacement the RM990 has been quite reliable - and I've worked it pretty hard bringing 25 acres of my own and neighboring fields up to semi-lawn quality. Woods blade prices are high - but Quicksilver offers them cheaper - I bought 24 for about 50% less than Woods list. The chain guards get in the way backing in to trim close to tree trunks, etc. - seems like the plates could be shorter.

I thought the RM990 was heavier-built than others I looked at - more commercial quality. The $2750 price is very good - think I paid that for mine 4 years ago, and thought it was cheap then - list was around $3500.

Hope this is useful - even if a little late.