Used NH TC35 or new Kubota

[tgicountryboy]

I just bought 10 acres (8 fescue, 2 yard, creek in back) and am looking for a good tractor. I also have about a 300 foot gravel drive. I found a used NH TC35 with 822 hours. It looks to be in great shape. I have also been looking at Kubota L3400. Both HST. Anyone have any ideas about which one would suit my needs better. The used NH TC35 (2001) is going for $15.5. The new Kubota has been quoted to me for $18K (plus sales tax). I am also wondering if both of these would be "too much tractor" (if there is such a thing) and I shouldn't stick to L2800. I would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Builder]

Ignoring brands for a moment and just going by price alone, I'd go with a new model at 18 over a used one at 15.5, especially since the new one will come with a significantly valuable new tractor warranty and 0% financing.

 

[daTeacha]

Agreed, more or less. However, is there any equipment with the NH? What will you need for what you want to do, and what will it cost. The NH should be in excellent shape with that number of hours and you probably wouldn't have problems with it. The new tractor warranty is nice, but I seriously wonder how many people have had to make use of it.

I suggest you try driving each one just as if you were comparing two new machines. The NH probably has more comfort/convenience features over the Kubota. Just how important they are is a totally personal decision.

The Kubota is essentially bulletproof, but practically all the newer CUTs are. I wouldn't worry about either one breaking unless the NH has been abused. Still, if anvil like reliability was your top priority and both machines were new and priced the same, I would suggest the Kubota just because of reputation and potential resale. I just wrote up a deal trading my B7100 for about $300 more than I paid for it 7 years ago. And that was an A-plan purchase -- my cost on the new tractor is dealer cost -- so the dealer was giving a straight price on the little 'bota. Would a similar price happen with an old Ford? I don't know.

 

[Builder]

True. We need to know if the NH comes with more equipment than the K.

What if the previous owner of the NH didn't perform scheduled maintenance, abused the machine? What if it has been vandalized, flooded, or crashed & repaired and the seller doesn't disclose? Many times these issues can be well disguised and don't show up until after you buy. As an owner/operator of many pieces of equipment like this, I can tell you first hand you'd be shocked at the way some used equipment is abused in ways that never show up till later. I have been through this many times.

If the Kub. price difference was considerably greater, I'd say the used equip is worth the gamble, in this case, the new piece isn't that much more.

 

[SWB]

I would say that either tractor would be right for your acreage and the L2800 might be a little too small. You should try driving both because for many of us the NH would be far more comfortable than the K. On the other hand, if you think the K is comfortable enough, than if you can get the 0%/36 month financing that I think is available for the new K, than it is hard to beat a new tractor with a warranty.

 

[wushaw]

The L2800/3400 is the same frame size with the engine putting out more HP on the 3400 so if your on the fence as to weather which one of these would be best...always go with more HP when all other factors are the same.

 

[bigtater]

I'm taking it that the tc35 already has a loader on it?

 

[SnoFalls]

0%/36month financing not available for L models ...

 

[N80]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 0%/36month financing not available for L models ... )</font>

Wow! That is a shame becasue that is exactly why I gave up on used tractors and bought my L4400 new. The dealer told me at the time that they made very little money on the gear drive L series. I guess with 0% they just couldn't make enough on these basic tractors.

 

[Builder]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 0%/36month financing not available for L models ... )</font>

But 0%/24 months financing IS available.