Here is some feed back on the TZ24DA that I recently traded in for a TC-23. It was purchased with A 60" MMM. I was somewhat disappointed with the tractor. I had expected NH to do a little more field-testing on the tractor before its release. Don’t get me wrong; I think with some moderate improvements, the tractor could do very well.
First, here is what I liked about the tractor:
· More than enough power for it’s designed applications
· Maintenance was fairly easy; the sealed bearings are a plus on the front end.
· The TZ series were well suited for large mowing
· Controls were well placed and operated well.
· A nice package for any homeowner with limited tractor experience
· The tractor handled well, and was very stable
· Parts are easily accessible and fairly reasonable in cost.
· The fuel cap was easily accessible
· The front and rear axles where beefy and well built
· Fit and finish were good

Here is what I did not like about the tractor:
· The seat never did fit me well. When it was extended all the way back, it hit the toolbox, which I had to remove. The first seat hit the seat belt supports and started tearing the seat. It took some modification to make the second seat work. After 80 hours, the rear steel body panel that supported the seat began to fatigue and crack. When service ordered a replacement panel under warranty, I noticed the panel had not been changed/improved. The service manager told me that NH had a new plate under the panel for support in place of the flimsy narrow metal pieces under the seat mounts below the body panel. The seat and its mounting was my biggest concern and problem I had with the tractor.
· I thought the basic mower deck and gearbox were of good quality. However, I was very disappointed with the wheel axles in design. They seemed very under-designed for their application. I did not think they were large enough and there were no grease zerks for the wheels, a very bad design.
· I thought the deck scalped grass too easily. I did check the deck set up and adjusted it to specs. I was experimenting with a larger anti-scalp roller (the roller underneath the deck) before I traded in the tractor.
· I thought the main pivot for raising and lowering the deck looked a little undersized. It also had no zerks for lubrication, and I thought it might prematurely wear.
· I never could adjust the creep out of the hydrostatic transmission.
· I put an extra spring in the equipment lift linkage. The hydraulics would often stick in the relieve cycle when the deck was lifted all the way up.
· I often hit and bent the ignition key with my knee due to its location.
· I would like to see more legroom. At 6’2”, it was a little tight operating the tractor.

Over all, I could have been ok with the tractor and worked through all the issues other than the seat problems. I have doubts that the upgraded plate to support the steel panel will be a solution. However, I had not seen the part, since it is on back order. The seat combined with the other problems convinced me to trade in for a TC model.

I think one problem NH has had recently is under-designing the seats in the compact and sub-compact tractor lines. There are a lot of guys like me who buy their compact tractors who are 6 feet plus and 225 pounds (or bigger). We need adequate legroom and seats that will support us without problems. Are you listening, NH?

I am somewhat concerned about the standardization of parts that CNH is doing. I hope that the filters and parts are built for the most severe duty they will see.

One thing that I have noticed at NH dealerships is the lack of NH implements for their compact tractors. Besides the mid-mount mower decks, brush mowers, backhoes, and FELs, customers are looking for posthole diggers, rototillers, box scrapers, rear finish mowers, wood splitters, and perhaps snow blowers. They would need to be competitive, but I bet there are many package deals NH dealers are missing. It might mean the difference of a sale to Deer or Kubota dealers if they have the entire package available. NH should consider discounts for package deals as they do for FELs when purchased with a new tractor.

Based on how pleased I have been with my 1530, the TC-23 should work well as a mowing rig with a quick release FEL for my wife. My wife and I have been pleased with our dealer and with NH in their willingness to work with us in resolving problems and their customer curtesy. That is why we are purchasing our 5th NH tractor in December of 2005.

Date Purchased: 6/2004
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$10795
Pros: Good power, nice fit and finish, easy to work on, and lots of implements available
Cons: I have had real issues with the seat not fitting well and the body panal that The seat did not fit my large 225# body frame well an
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