2000 New Holland TC45D
Model Year: 2000
Build Qual: I was not very happy with some key quality items. First was a FEL joystick that broke repeatedly. 2nd was welds on the HST pedals that were inferior and broke. 3rd was a leaky battery and ruined radiator, HST cooler plumbing, and battery shelf before 50 hr of service. 4th was rust under the operator's platform. Features: The operator station has brakes on the left with HST pedals on the right and no clutch needed. The sloping hood gives superior visibility. The HST Rabbit/Turtle switch innovation is excellent. Fuel tank in rear, up to 3 hydraulic remotes, and one of the first tractors to have extendable lower links round out the list. Performance: This rating relates to usabilty as well as power. I cannot imagine any tractor being easier to operate. I don't think it's possible and that rates 5 stars. The only issue I have is that NH did not build an HST transmission that can handle all the power of the 45 hp engine. This takes one star away and makes it a 4 star rating. Value: I looked at Masseys, John Deeres, Kiotis, Mahindras, and Kubotas to compare with my TC45D. The NH had all the features I wanted for the most competitive price. The closest 2nd was the Kubota L4610 which was priced over $2900 more than the TC45D. I purchased my tractor in Jan 2001 to correspond with a special NH $500 discount offered during the Fort Worth Stock Show. I was surprised that the dealer beat my lowest expected price by several hundred dollars. Reliability: Until NH fixed the joystick design, battery leaking problems, and beefed up the HST pedals, this tractor was not reliable as it came to me. It is now very reliable, but anyone buying one of these early machines should expect to have problems until they modify their tractors as I did. Dealer: I'm very happy with my dealer and particularly his service manager. I was treated very well during my purchase and any warranty claim or repair was handled completely to my satisfaction. The only thing that keeps me from giving my dealer 5 stars is that they have lagged behind in use of the internet.
Pros: The most innovation and performance for the dollar spent.
Cons: Lack of attention to detail on early models. Late entry into the Internet.