TN 75 questions

enfield · Feb 7, 2011

Not sure of the model # but what I'm looking at has clutchless reversing, 8x8, cab, FEL, FWA, SS, rear wiper, electronic dash, and 3 rear remotes. FEL must be an add-on because 2 rear remotes power it. Tires are good [Titan 16.9/11.2], always stored in a shed, no dents or broken stuff, 900 hours.

Tractor runs and handles very nicely. Asking $28,500.

Issues: there is no front PTO, but the front PTO idiot light stays lit; alternator idiot light next to it stays lit, too. Loader cycles OK but seems a lot slower than the Case IH, JD and Kubota loaders I've tried. Shelf under battery has a lot of rust on it. There is no remote switch for the 3ph out back.

Experience suggests that buying a machine with known electrical gremlins is not likely to lead to trouble-free ownership. Can anyone comment about the idiot light issues?

Does anyone know about adding a remote 3ph switch? I work alone 95% of the time, so easy implement changes are very important.

Tractor will be used for the usual mix of cattle farming chores: hay, bush hog, fence, firewood, land clearing, pushing snow. I live on 150 hilly, rocky acres, but will be haying and mowing on other farms as well. For the last 30 years a JD 2240 2wd has served well and will stay on the farm, but it is just not big enough for some of the future jobs as I phase back in to leasing other land.

All comments welcomed. TIA,

Enfield

bigbull338 · Feb 7, 2011

from what you say that tractor has to meny problems.id pass on it.an it could cost you time an money to get it fixed.

Jerry/MT · Feb 7, 2011

enfield said:
Not sure of the model # but what I'm looking at has clutchless reversing, 8x8, cab, FEL, FWA, SS, rear wiper, electronic dash, and 3 rear remotes. FEL must be an add-on because 2 rear remotes power it. Tires are good [Titan 16.9/11.2], always stored in a shed, no dents or broken stuff, 900 hours.

Tractor runs and handles very nicely. Asking $28,500.

Issues: there is no front PTO, but the front PTO idiot light stays lit; alternator idiot light next to it stays lit, too. Loader cycles OK but seems a lot slower than the Case IH, JD and Kubota loaders I've tried. Shelf under battery has a lot of rust on it. There is no remote switch for the 3ph out back.

Experience suggests that buying a machine with known electrical gremlins is not likely to lead to trouble-free ownership. Can anyone comment about the idiot light issues?

Does anyone know about adding a remote 3ph switch? I work alone 95% of the time, so easy implement changes are very important.

Tractor will be used for the usual mix of cattle farming chores: hay, bush hog, fence, firewood, land clearing, pushing snow. I live on 150 hilly, rocky acres, but will be haying and mowing on other farms as well. For the last 30 years a JD 2240 2wd has served well and will stay on the farm, but it is just not big enough for some of the future jobs as I phase back in to leasing other land.

All comments welcomed. TIA,

Enfield

That's a good price for a 900 hr machine was you describe with a loader. A mid-mount loader valve would be a better set up since it would free up a couple of remotes and the remote 3 pt switch would be nice, but it is what it is.

Slow hydraulics could be due to a plugged hydraulic filter. As far as the electronic gremlins go, they can be a PITA but someone like RickB or JBrink64maybe able to answer those questions better.

You are right to be cautious about this tractor but some footwork on your part plus help from some of the more knowledgeable forum members could still make this a a doable deal for you. Talk to a local dealer about an inspection of the tractor before you commit to buying it. It mght cost you something but it will be a small percentage of $28,500, you'll have a good idea about any major problems and it may give you some negotiating leverage on the price.

RickB · Feb 7, 2011

8x8 and Powershuttle tells me it is a fairly early TN. The 8x8 went by the wayside fairly early at least in the PowerShuttle version. No midmount valve also indicates an early production tractor. Up to 4 rear remotes can be installed without too much fuss if you have a joystick controlling the loader now. Alternator lamp lit likely means it isn't charging, although I know of one TN70D that has had that lamp lit for years due to a bad diode in the alternator. It charges fine and doesn't draw the battery while sitting, so the owner leaves it alone. Front PTO lamp lit could be faulty setup in the computer, or a sign that the computer may need to be replaced, could go either way or be something else entirely. Computer runs about $600 US and will need to be installed and calibrated by someone with the proper tools (dealer). All TN's have mechanical hitch and draft control, so the possibility of an external rocker switch is nil.

enfield · Feb 7, 2011

Thanks, RickB; it's easy to see how you earned your "elite" status.

Will reading a portable voltmeter at the battery tell me what I need to know about the alternator light? I'm guessing any value over 13.8 while running will be OK. What's the best way to detect static draw? On older cars, we always did this by measuring amps at the battery and then pulling fuses one by one.

Tranny and clutch are smooth with no grinding or hanging, so that seems OK.

My other concern has to do with ease of maintenance: hydraulic flushes and filters; front axle lube r&r; fuel pump & filter.

Enfield

RickB · Feb 8, 2011

The tests you describe will be adequate for charge and draw, compare battery voltage with engine running and not. Remember that two computers and possibly a radio will create some parasitic draw, total should not be over 20-40 milliamps.

Hydraulic flush should not be required unless there is undue contamination present. If that is the case, look for another tractor to buy. There are too many good ones out there to buy one that you know has problems. Basic service on a TN is simple, at least in my opinion.

smstonypoint · Feb 8, 2011

enfield said:
T

My other concern has to do with ease of maintenance: hydraulic flushes and filters; front axle lube r&r; fuel pump & filter.

Enfield

Messick's has some information on TN maintenance here.

New Holland : Farm Tractors

Steve

enfield · Feb 8, 2011

Thanks for the tips, guys. The Messick's site has good information and pix to show the location of filters and drains. It goes a long way to allay my suspicion that regular maintenance might be hindered by the low cab floor.

SM: the profile is familiar, but I can't quite recall the name. Care to ID your avatar?

Enfield

smstonypoint · Feb 8, 2011

enfield said:
SM: the profile is familiar, but I can't quite recall the name. Care to ID your avatar?

Enfield

Actually, that's me.

However, some have remarked that I bear an uncanny physical resemblance to Adam Smith. Unfortunately for me, the resemblance doesn't carry over to intellect -- he was a mental giant.

Steve