TC45DA thoughts

[LoneCowboy]

So, (skid steer vs compact thread in owning/operating), went off to play with a TC45DA today. The wife drove it around the other day and really liked it, she feels the TN75DA is too big for her. (and it is too big for a lot of our smaller jobs), but man is that cab great. Makes just a massive difference in how productive you can be all day.

So, just putzed around the yard there and run the bucket and played with some things.
The bucket hydraulics are very fast and the bucket is good sized (manure removal) and that boomer loader is sweet the way you can see over it and it gets pretty high. The hydrostatic drive makes it very fast to turn and move around, etc. The cab is pretty good, you can see all around with good protection. The turtle/rabbit on the loader joystick is brilliant and right to hand. The ergos are very good.

It doesn't have a speedometer though, this is a real problem for doing fertilizer/seeding/spraying (you need a steady speed to put down so much per acre. You can set the cruise of course, but you have no idea how fast you are going each time. That's a concern.
That hydrostatic whine is annoying, perhaps you get used to it?
The compacts are so much more expensive to run than a utility. Oil changes every 100 hours? fluids every 300? ugh, what a pain (and expense),

but it turns on a dime,

Thoughts? I've searched and read all the older threads.
Who has one?
What do you think?

 

[FULLPULL]

I had a TC40D with no cab it was a strong tractor for the size. If you get the TC45da it would be even better because of the power differance. We have a Case 430 skid steer it has alot of power and has a cab option if you want it.
With a tooth cuting edge it will do more loader work in tight places . The Case skid steer compared to my TC55 is close to the same as far as loader work imo because you get so much more material in the bucket of the tc55.
Sims cabs offer a cab for the tc55 after market.Its a rough comparison but each have there place and i can do more with a tractor in most places. If you want to add a backhoe the skid steer is easy to deal with . The power of the TC55DA to the TC40D is no contest as far as pto operation the turbo makes alot of differance. This is what i have to offer .

 

[FULLPULL]

I should add you could get a mid pto for the TC45DA for a belley mower and such. The book also gives you the approx speeds for each gear.

 

[MadDogDriver]

Brian,

NH now has cab versions for the TC40DA & TC45DA. You could use a GPS for your application calculations. The big rigs have all those toys, but us little boys have to use what we can get.

You're correct about the compact tractors, more comfort features than austere ag tractors or utilities (although my uncle's big JD's have all the bells & whistles on them including Satellite data link / GPS, pretty Stars War like).

My 40 is almost the same as the 45 you're looking at (5hp basically only diff). Love it! The HST whine goes away for the most part with warm temps, proper servicing & decent RPMs. Some have switched to F200 which also quiets down the whine, especially in the cold.

Edit: Check with your dealer about cab compatibility with mid mount attachments. I know that's a problem with a cab on my 40, not only for MMMs but the BH subframe install for my Woods BH-90X.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Now that GPS idea is a darn good idea.
darn good
GPS's are cheap
You are not helping my wallet, but that's an excellent idea.

 

[FULLPULL]

150 bucks for a garman that is a good idea. I will have to admit the 45 is more moveable on the trailer .Does it have super steer?

 

[MadDogDriver]

150 bucks for a garman that is a good idea. I will have to admit the 45 is more moveable on the trailer .Does it have super steer?

Yes, Supersteer and sensitrak too.

quote from NH website:

The unique Sensitrak™ system automatically engages FWD only when it's needed for better traction. Sensitrak senses tractive conditions and automatically shifts into front-wheel drive when extra traction is required. When extra traction is not needed, the tractor FWD disengages and operates in two-wheel drive.

Sensitrak eliminates scuffing of turf in mowing applications, especially in turning, reduces wear and tear on front tires, and as a result, decreases driveline wrap-up and increases the life of driveline components. Sensitrak also lets you use FWD full time when the job demands it. You don't have to think about when you need to shift into four wheel drive. The tractor decides for you. "Sensitrak: Set it and forget it."

unquote

Tractors with SuperSteer have different FEL's than the non supersteer ones. They're longer to accomodate for the steering. Also, it takes a little learning curve to work the FEL in close with supersteer. Not a biggie, but catches your attention at first since the bucket will go in the opposite direction initially as you turn slightly because the front axle turns as well. A neighbor of mine has one and initially didn't like it, but is used to it now and has no problems working in close with the FEL.

 

[FULLPULL]

I had a strait axle on my tc40d it worked fine when you lock in and out you had to work with it a bit. I did like the tractor i thought i needed more hp for my application so i traded up . It takes a bigger truck to move the tc55 i got by with a 1/2 ton with my 40. The hydro whine was neet to me it didnt bother me at all . The TC55 will go almost 20 mph on the road in foward or reverse. Kinda fast for reverse .

 

[dynasim]

I love the fact that you can move the loader bucket 3 inches left or right by turning the steering wheel on supersteer models. That is a VERY useful feature for close in work, and the movement becomes natural as you get used to it.

I move equipment with my TC45D(and use pto and hyraulic devices), as well as future plans to do custom tilling and mowing, and can't imagine a better set of features on a tractor for my needs. It has just the right amount of moderately dandy things(HST, Joyful Joystick, rabbit/turtle, nice seat, twin HST pedals, and no clutch) without the excessively dandy things(computer controlled speed and power).

Even better, it has been debugged, thanks to many contributions from people on this board, no doubt.

Chris

 

[jinman]

The compacts are so much more expensive to run than a utility. Oil changes every 100 hours? fluids every 300? ugh, what a pain (and expense),

but it turns on a dime,

Thoughts? I've searched and read all the older threads.
Who has one?
What do you think?

Brian, I'm not sure I agree with your statement that compacts are more expensive to operate. I'd have to compare expenses over a long period of time to make that statement, but I concede that it might be true. I've had my TC45D since February of 2001 and it has around 2000 hours on it. So, I think I'm qualified to give you some longterm owner feedback.

100 hours between oil changes is basically the same or a little longer than you would do on an automobile. If you drive a car for 100 hours and average 45 mph, that's 4,500 miles. Many of us like to change oil at 3,000 miles in our vehicles when they don't work as hard as our tractors. Since the TC45DA will only have a 5.5 quart oil change, I don't think 100 hours is excessive. What's the time on the TN? How much oil? Filter price?

300 hours is a general guidline on transmission fluid/hydraulic fluid change. I think that is a good thing to do when the tractor is new, but I'd have the oil analyzed on a "working" tractor to see if I could not push those hours beyond 400. You might find a filter change does the trick at 300 with a full oil and filter change at 500 hours. In all fairness though, NH recommends 300 hours and that's the number you have to use.

The whine from the transmission still irritates me at times, but for the most part I don't hear it or I ignore it. It's pretty much a non-issue with me. Everything you said about the loader and the ergonomics is true. The tractor has the perfect layout in my opinion with the exception of losing rear vision because of the fuel tank (and added toolbox in my case). The raised platform tractors all do not allow turning in the seat and making adjustments like the old straddle-the-running-gear tractors did.

If you are not going to need the extra 5 hp at the PTO then I would go with the TC40DA. The design of the relief valve in the transmission ensures that the TC40DA and TC35DA have the same pulling power as the TC45DA. I guess you could make the argument that the engine will not have to work as hard to do that pulling, but breaking a 10 lb test fishing line takes the same amount of pull from a 100 lb kid or a 250 lb man. That's the best analogy I can come up with. The 135 cu in. engine in the TC45DA will not be working very hard for any task you give it.

The 16LA loader is great. Last night I dug a 4 ft deep hole in the ground to bury an animal and did not have to dig much of a downramp. I think I could easily dig 3 ft deep from level ground. The loader has enough strength and reach to really get down there. It also is easy to remove and install.

With the ability to add lots of implements and up to three rear remotes, the Class III Boomers all can be real workers. The HST models are super to operate because of their ease and simplicity of well-thought-out controls. My choice would be the TC40DA over the TC45DA if I had to make the purchase based on what I know about the transmission. The amount of PTO work you do will make that decision for you.

 

[Oleozz]

Now that GPS idea is a darn good idea.
darn good
GPS's are cheap
You are not helping my wallet, but that's an excellent idea.

I use a handheld Garmin GPS 12 to do my sprayer work and it does a good job. I match the tractor speed with the RPM's and gear of the tractor and then adjust my rate of spray with a flip of the switch.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Brian, I'm not sure I agree with your statement that compacts are more expensive to operate. I'd have to compare expenses over a long period of time to make that statement, but I concede that it might be true. I've had my TC45D since February of 2001 and it has around 2000 hours on it. So, I think I'm qualified to give you some longterm owner feedback.

100 hours between oil changes is basically the same or a little longer than you would do on an automobile. If you drive a car for 100 hours and average 45 mph, that's 4,500 miles. Many of us like to change oil at 3,000 miles in our vehicles when they don't work as hard as our tractors. Since the TC45DA will only have a 5.5 quart oil change, I don't think 100 hours is excessive. What's the time on the TN? How much oil? Filter price?

300 hours is a general guidline on transmission fluid/hydraulic fluid change. I think that is a good thing to do when the tractor is new, but I'd have the oil analyzed on a "working" tractor to see if I could not push those hours beyond 400. You might find a filter change does the trick at 300 with a full oil and filter change at 500 hours. In all fairness though, NH recommends 300 hours and that's the number you have to use.

The whine from the transmission still irritates me at times, but for the most part I don't hear it or I ignore it. It's pretty much a non-issue with me. Everything you said about the loader and the ergonomics is true. The tractor has the perfect layout in my opinion with the exception of losing rear vision because of the fuel tank (and added toolbox in my case). The raised platform tractors all do not allow turning in the seat and making adjustments like the old straddle-the-running-gear tractors did.

If you are not going to need the extra 5 hp at the PTO then I would go with the TC40DA. The design of the relief valve in the transmission ensures that the TC40DA and TC35DA have the same pulling power as the TC45DA. I guess you could make the argument that the engine will not have to work as hard to do that pulling, but breaking a 10 lb test fishing line takes the same amount of pull from a 100 lb kid or a 250 lb man. That's the best analogy I can come up with. The 135 cu in. engine in the TC45DA will not be working very hard for any task you give it.

The 16LA loader is great. Last night I dug a 4 ft deep hole in the ground to bury an animal and did not have to dig much of a downramp. I think I could easily dig 3 ft deep from level ground. The loader has enough strength and reach to really get down there. It also is easy to remove and install.

With the ability to add lots of implements and up to three rear remotes, the Class III Boomers all can be real workers. The HST models are super to operate because of their ease and simplicity of well-thought-out controls. My choice would be the TC40DA over the TC45DA if I had to make the purchase based on what I know about the transmission. The amount of PTO work you do will make that decision for you.

thanks, very helpful post.
Appreciate the info.
we do mostly PTO work. And honestly, I'm keeping the MF 1433 (gear) so we'd probably use that for ground work (although it's lower HP).

What's the time on the TN? How much oil? Filter price?

For engine oil (after initial 50 hour break in) it's 300 hours, I think it's like 6 to 7 quarts.
for hydralic system, it's 1200 hours, filter every 600 IIRC.
BIG difference to the TC's (and the MF too)

 

[LoneCowboy]

Ok
last chance to talk me out of it, or I go buy it tomorrow morning.

Help my wallet, please

 

[FULLPULL]

It sounds like you made your choice .If i had mostly pto work thats the way i would go. And you can use a belly mower if you get the mid pto. The only thing a skid steer would have on this unit is getting close to post to hold the barns up .You can also get a different bucket to clean the barns out. Good luck with your choice.

 

[FULLPULL]

I think the fuel use will offset the oil changes my 40 sipped fuel after it broke in. We drove it to the other side of the county and back it used 3 gal of fuel. My wallet is tapped out the 55 took care of it for me.

 

[MadDogDriver]

Hey Brian sounds like you'll fighting your wife for seat time on the 45,

Make sure you get a Blue Spinner and don't forget that Garmin either

I don't think you'll regret the decision.

 

[Kubotasrking]

Ok
last chance to talk me out of it, or I go buy it tomorrow morning.

Help my wallet, please

I think the silence says it all... People are trying to help. The tractor you've selected is a great machine. When I was looking for a replacement, I too concluded NH was the machine for me. After receiving a lot of feedback from Jinman, Soundguy, Bird, and many others, I was convinced it was the best thing to to.

You will be amazed at what it can do compared to the older MF. I put front remotes on mine, a grapple bucket, and have cleared (including piling and burning the debris left by 400+ trees) 8-9 acres! Sometimes I wish it had a 6-way blade, but from a power to maneuverability standpoint, I've not been disappointed one time.

I noticed the post about sensitrak...some may like it, but it seems like a design flaw to me (maybe because I have broken the lever 2x... ). Maybe you can help clear it up for the rest of us when you get your new machine home.

Best of luck!

 

[FULLPULL]

Maddog did you say some mid mount implements wont work with the cab tractors in the 40 45 series? I dont want to tell him something wrong.

 

[MadDogDriver]

Maddog did you say some mid mount implements wont work with the cab tractors in the 40 45 series? I dont want to tell him something wrong.

I don't have a cab, but my dealer told me that the 40/45s with cabs do have some limitations that the non cab models don't . I think I said for him to check with his dealer to make sure. I know that the 40 w/ cab will not take a Woods BH90-X subframe mount. Now I'm not positive about what other limitations the cab imposes. I also know that my tractor can't take a MMM with my Woods subframe. I just wanted to make sure Brian checked with his dealer upfront about any possible limitations with the cab installed. It'd be a real surprise to find out after the fact.

I just read my earlier post....yea I sorta of said that about mid mounts, should've clarified it better. There may not be any NH limitations with NH parts. Just know I had some decisions to make when ordering my tractor, cause I was considering a cab , but wanted the BH90-X too and mid mount limitations played into it too.

Sometimes we don't foresee our options when ordering and that's why I suggested asking the dealer upfront.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Be sure to get what ever extras that you might need. Enough remotes, T"n"T
for that grader, there must be something else.

Good luck