TC45DA Build Date

[Elk Horn Lake]

I will be taking delivery of a TC45DA this week; the NH dealer assures me that the tractor was built after Jan 1, 2007. Does anyone know where the build date is located?

 

[DocHeb]

Why does it matter?

 

[rayh76]

Could matter...if you could buy a 2006 tractor for $20,000 or could buy an identical 2007 tractor with same hours for $20,000, which would you choose? Resale.

 

[Elk Horn Lake]

Doc Heb aka Chris - you should be more than qualified to answer this question. Buy the way has the tractor come in yet?

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

It really does not matter. Tractors are not cars. You could have a 2005 and a 2007 sitting side by side... if they each have 200 hours on them... they are each worth the same amount.

 

[Kendall69]

You could have a 2005 and a 2007 sitting side by side... if they each have 200 hours on them... they are each worth the same amount...

WOW!!, that is great info for resale, thanks.

 

[DocHeb]

Buy the way has the tractor come in yet?

Why, yes it did - four and 1/2 years ago. I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.

It may seem silly to condider people you've never met as friends, but the experiences here have led to me consider many of the TBN members just that - long distance friends.

What Neil Messick stated is correct, there really is no "year" for tractors, just model numbers and hours. Of course, condition will play a role.

Welcome to TBN.

 

[Elk Horn Lake]

I greatly appreciate everyone’s input and I completely understand Chris & Messick Farm equipment’s point.
My mindset comes from the automotive industry. Over the life of a product (any product) there are numerous changes that enhance quality, craftsmanship, warranty and cost. Although most consumers may not recognize the engineering changes, but the fact is the manufacture is improving the product. In my opinion it is in the best interest of the buyer to purchase the latest version of any product. In addition most tractors are stored outside in the elements (at the manufacture/ dealer); it is very probable to purchase a tractor that has been sitting outside on a lot 8 to 14 months.
I would ask the question, if you were to purchase a new tractor; do you purchase the tractor that has been built recently (2007) or the tractor that is 12 months exposed to the elements?

Once Again,
Thx

 

[rayh76]

I greatly appreciate everyone’s input and I completely understand Chris & Messick Farm equipment’s point.
My mindset comes from the automotive industry. Over the life of a product (any product) there are numerous changes that enhance quality, craftsmanship, warranty and cost. Although most consumers may not recognize the engineering changes, but the fact is the manufacture is improving the product. In my opinion it is in the best interest of the buyer to purchase the latest version of any product. In addition most tractors are stored outside in the elements (at the manufacture/ dealer); it is very probable to purchase a tractor that has been sitting outside on a lot 8 to 14 months.
I would ask the question, if you were to purchase a new tractor; do you purchase the tractor that has been built recently (2007) or the tractor that is 12 months exposed to the elements?

Once Again,
Thx

I agree 100%. Most people purchasing a CUT these days aren't farmers. They do care about the year for the reasons you stated above. I purchased a 2005 model not too long ago NEW off the lot. Drawbacks? Old oil and fluids. Battery is old. Paint is fading slightly. I didn't get the automatic 4wd option. Probably some other things as well but I did get a good price. Like I previously said, if there were 2 exact models with only one a newer year, same price, which one would you buy? The gentlemen didn't answer that question when they stated that "year" didn't matter.

 

[jinman]

I disagree with you on your premise of continuous improvement. I think there may be several suppliers of similar parts and the quality of the parts may vary within a single model. I also think that manufacturers always look at how to build something for less while maintaining their price or increasing it. The remote hydraulic valve kits on the Boomers is a prime example.

Nevertheless, I understand your question and I can think of a couple of ways to approximate the age of a tractor on a dealer's lot since that is your question. There are several folks here who have just bought brand new tractors with cabs. Ask them their serial numbers and then compare them to the tractors on the lot. If they are close, then you probably have a recent tractor.

Also, on my tractor when I removed a tire, the wheel had a date stamp on it. The dealer won't let you remove a tire, but if you look at enough parts and tags, you might see a date somewhere.

I guess you could ask the dealer to show you shipping documents, but that might cause conflict if he has already said the tractor was manufactured in 2007.

You could always watch for a tractor to come in on a truck at the dealer and then rush in to buy it.

I agree absolutely with everyone who has said there is no "official year" to a tractor. If I wanted a certain model and the price was right, I'd be sitting on the seat of my new tractor and not be worried for an instant. What's to say that you get that 2007 tractor and in 2008 they make major changes. Are you suddenly going to hate your "old" model tractor? Not me....