What I need vs. What I want

[mundamanu]

OK, so I am driving myself nuts. I need to accept that what I should get is what I need and not what I want. What I want is a TC55DA. What I need is something smaller, a TC40A.

I have already posted this, but just so that it is here in this message, what I currently will use the tractor for:

1) Pulling a loaded NH 130 Manure Spreader
2) Bush-hogging with a 72" Standard duty Woods rotary mower (By the way, the manual states it should not be operated with a tractor over 40hp -- do you think that is gross or pto? How seriously do I need to take that recommendation? Would a TC55DA tear it apart?)
3) Moving compost, sand, gravel, manure, etc.

The TBNers that responded to my original post, New Holland Product Counsellor, and my dealer all said that the TC40A would be plenty of tractor for these tasks.

Once I get a new tractor, I may start helping my neighbor make hay - mowing with a haybine, raking, and tedding, and moving loaded wagons around. Outside of pulling full wagons down hills, the TC40A is plenty of tractor for those tasks, so I don't see any reason to get a bigger tractor. Unless I want to start baling hay. However, if I want to start regularly making small square bales with a kicker-baler with a wagon behind it, then the TC55DA will also be too small (in terms of safety and the longevity of the tractor).

So, the way I see it is I should save the $4,000-$5,000 and get the TC40A instead of the TC55DA. Then if I ever do want to start making hay, I will already have half or more of the money for a new-to-me used ag tractor.

This is the right thing to do, right?

 

[PineRidge]

If you are convinced that you really need a TC55DA and can't justify the difference in cost why not look around a bit for a used 55DA?

I will say that I have a 40D and am thrilled with it for the chores at hand. I don't use it to bail hay though.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Five years from now, you will wish you had the 55DA.
Bob

 

[MtnViewRanch]

5 years, I doubt it, most likely less than 18 months.

Brian

 

[jinman]

If I were in your place, I'd buy a TC40DA now with the hydro for the "tons" of utility tasks it can do for you and save for that used ag tractor to do the big stuff later. I think you really have a handle on what you need. Buy the compact for the 80% and that used ag for the 20%. After all, you can never have too many tractors.

 

[PineRidge]

Five years from now, you will wish you had the 55DA.
Bob

Bob I can honestly say that in the 2-1/2 years since I purchased the TC-40D I've never felt the need for more HP. A cab in the dead of winter maybe but even that subsides when warmer weather arrives.

 

[mundamanu]

I think I agree with PineRidge and Jinman. The TC40 will be plenty of tractor for day-to-day chores. If I do want to get into hay, then I can get a used ag tractor.

I would much rather push the 40 to its limits every now and then than constantly run the 55 well below its limits.

Thank you for helping me decide.

Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

Once I get a new tractor, I may start helping my neighbor make hay - mowing with a haybine, raking, and tedding, and moving loaded wagons around. Outside of pulling full wagons down hills, the TC40A is plenty of tractor for those tasks,

My neighbor tried "haying" with his TC40. He stopped doing it. Told me the TC40 did not weigh enough.
Bob

 

[mundamanu]

Doc_Bob,

The TC40 is definitely too light to make (bale) hay. If you look at the list of haying tasks that I was talking about helping my neighbor with, none of them require a large tractor -- except for moving loaded wagons on hills, which I would avoid.

My neighbor's 7' haybine requires only 30 HP (he regularly runs it with a Ford 1910), and tedding and raking require little HP and no significant weight.

Bob

 

[Soundguy]

Yep.. around here.. you can buy 80-150 hp ag tractors from 4000-11000$

The hp rec was made probably in relation to tractor pto hp, and mower gearbox rating. If I had a much higher hp tractor.. and lower hp rated gearbox onmy mower.. I'd get a slip clutch and adjust it liberally.

Soundguy