This above price includes a TC-23DA tractor with hydrostatic transmission, turf tires, 60" 914A mmm, side discharge, 12 LA loader, and a brush guard.
What a nice surprise this tractor has been. It was purchased for my wife primarily to be used as a mowing unit but with the loader for some light chores. It is understandable to see why the TC-24 DA has been so popular over the years. The TC-23 and 26 replace the TC-21 and 24. It looks like these new tractors have the same running gear as the TC 21 and 24 series with updated engines.

Speaking of engines, the new 23HP is quite a jewel. It starts instantly and settles to a smooth idle when given about 10 extra seconds of glow heat after the glow light goes out. It is very smooth with very little vibration at operating speeds. The fuel usage is amazing and is probably saving us $25-30 per month compared to our 1530.

The tractor is very nimble and easy to operate. It is a great mowing machine for our 7 plus acres of mowing weekly. The 914A mower deck has quite a few improvements as compared to the 914A on my 1530, purchased in 1998. The hardware, and standard float kit for the deck are of good quality. The deck cuts very well and is well suited for the TC-23. We have a lot of uneven ground and the mower cuts it pretty effortlessly.

The loader fits the tractor well, but is a little tight mounting and dismounting from the tractor. We also purchased the tractor with the NH brush guard. It is well made and easy to fold forward when the hood is lifted. With my wife and son as operators-in-training, I thought it would be a good investment to protect those expensive lights and the hood. The lights work very well, by the way.

Maintenance has not been as easy on this tractor as in other NH tractors. The fuel filter is almost inaccesible with the loader frame in place. The hydostatic and hydraulic filters are tight, but reachable. My main gripes about the tactor are the very tight seating space and the just adequate seat and seat mount. There have been past threads about the seat in this forum for the TC-24DA. If the tool box was relocated, there would be an easy 4 to 5 more inches for the seat to move back. It would also be nice to have the fuel tank cap off to the side opposite the loader lever to make fueling easier instead of being in the middle of the hood. I use 5 gallon containers to fuel up.

The power is good for the mowing we do. I would not consider mowing with anything other than a hydrostatic transmission. If you are going to be doing serious loader work, I would suggest moving up to the TC-29 and 33 family (or the new 34). It always make sense to pick your tractor based on application, not price. As light as this tractor is, and equiped with the hydostatic transmission, I would rate it good for moderate duty with the loader. With the relatively short wheel base, this tractor is a bit more prone to tip over. Be sure to properly ballast the tractor when doing any loader work and new operators, be mindful of taking you turns slowly when you have a full loader.

The TC-23 DA has been a great tractor for our hobby farm. It fills a good nitch for those with 5-10 acre places and is a good choice for those wanting more tractor than a subcompact. The fun factor is high and the build quality is very good on this machine. Although there are a few things that are annoying, this tractor has a solid 5 star rating. This is our 5th NH tractor. We have stayed with NH due our great dealer and the approachability of the NH corporate staff. My dealings with them have always been excellent, and they have gone out of their way to work with me and solve issues. That is value that is not quite as obvious as just a well made machine.

Date Purchased: 12/2005
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$18000
Pros: Great engine, good fit and finish, and very nimble.
Cons: Not much leg room, seating area is tight for those of us 6' and larger
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