My wife and I bought our TC-23 in December of 2006. Right now the tractor has about 100 hours on it. It is used 75% as a mowing rig and 25% as a utility rig with the loader. We have been very pleased with the tractor and it has given us no problems during our first season other than a parking brake sensor needing replacement.

I believe this tractor uses the TC-21 and 24 frame and bodywork with upgraded engines, now 23 and 26HP. Our TC-23 is very nimble and a great mowing machine with the NH 60” MMM. The deck cuts our 7 acres of pastures well. My neighbors call them the fairways. The deck has had some improvements when compared to the early 914A MMM that I currently still have on my 1530 with super steer. One word of advice on the deck-be sure to lock – tite all the bolts on the deck (or ask the dealer to when installing it). I had a bolt loosen and fall out from the gearbox early on. Mower decks work hard and have a lot of vibration. Just check them when you lube them every 10 hours or so. Our tractor has the hydrostatic transmission. If you are using your tractor primarily as a mowing rig, I would not consider a manual transmission. The transmission took a little getting used to when compared to the high torque of my 1530 but it worked out fine. Most of the time, we mow in high with moderate hills. When the tractor begins to work a little harder we use low. In 4WD, moderate hills would require low.

Our tractor came with the 12 LA loader and the NH brush guard since I have two new operators in training, my wife and son. The loader works well on the tractor and does a lot of work. Last week, I pushed some pretty large stumps around on the fire. I will say that taking it on and off is not easy due to the tight clearances with the loader and tractor. The brush guard is very well made and well worth the investment when you consider what a hood or light assembly could cost.

Use caution when operating this tractor on hilly or uneven ground. As with all tractors this size and wheelbase, they are turn over fairly easy if you are not careful. When using your loader, be sure to ballast your tractor properly. That would be my most important recommendation to new operators.

The TC-23 was bought for my wife, and she is enjoying it. I enjoy it when she has a good start on our 7 acres of mowing when I drive home. This is a good tractor for a 5-10 acre hobby farm and with moderate loader usage. It starts cold and hot very easily. It uses very little fuel when compared to my 1530. At $3.00 a gallon, it makes a big difference during the growing season. If you are primarily using your tractor for heavy loader usage or doing a lot of work on hills such as clearing or pulling logs, consider the next family of NH tractors such as the TC-34. When you consider purchasing a tractor, always consider application over price.

My only minor gripes regarding this tractor are the knee room and just fair seat as well as the fuel filter access during servicing. Overall, it is a nimble, well-built machine.

Date Purchased: 12/2005
Purchased: New
Price Paid: US$12250
Pros: Nimble, well built, great mowing machine
Cons: Poor fuel filter access, small operator's platform
Rating: