Buying Advice New Holland Workmaster - Anyone got an opinion?

[flyswatterbanjo]

After all was said and done, I ended up with NH Workmaster 55 with 615 loader/bucket, Woods 5 ' Brush Bull, Woods 7' rear blade, loaded tires and chains all for just under $30k. They delivered the set-up about 2 weeks ago and I've been busy grading a few logging roads and moving a mountain of horse manure.

It'll be June before I need to do any real brush cutting.

While a bigger tractor certainly would have made more sense if I were focusing entirely on haying, with the variety of work I'm doing here (more of it in the woods than in the fields) the Workmaster 55 was the right fit. My property is almost entirely on steep slopes (old Vermont hill farm...) so a slightly smaller tractor was the best choice.

I could not be happier with the Workmaster. Simple operation, plenty of power (so far) and a price I could not beat. The dealer where I got the machine has been in business since 1929... that alone made my decision a lot easier!

 

[MR PLOW]

I'm solidly on the fence now between the the NH workmaster 55 and the JD 5055E. But it going to be a at least a few weeks till I'm ready financially to do anything tractor wise.

Bigfoot62 said
"IMHO, economy tractors are fine for people that don't really need or use a tractor.

You are already 'hogging 20 acres and plan to put an additional 20 acres into hay production. I think that you would be well served to set your sights a little higher."

Thing is, I am not a farmer... But I do own 750 acres of mostly wooded clean and green that needs to be maintained. My tractor will be used for log skidding (a lot of log skidding), mowing/brush hogging, cleaning drainage ditches, planting small deer feeder crops, various other small jobs that pop up and maybe some haying on down the road...

And like Flyswatterbanjo I have some very steep slops and tight places I need to get in and out of. Places you really would not want risk taking larger more expensive tractors!

 

[flyswatterbanjo]

I'm solidly on the fence now between the the NH workmaster 55 and the JD 5055E. But it going to be a at least a few weeks till I'm ready financially to do anything tractor wise.

Bigfoot62 said
"IMHO, economy tractors are fine for people that don't really need or use a tractor.

You are already 'hogging 20 acres and plan to put an additional 20 acres into hay production. I think that you would be well served to set your sights a little higher."

Thing is, I am not a farmer... But I do own 750 acres of mostly wooded clean and green that needs to be maintained. My tractor will be used for log skidding (a lot of log skidding), mowing/brush hogging, cleaning drainage ditches, planting small deer feeder crops, various other small jobs that pop up and maybe some haying on down the road...

And like Flyswatterbanjo I have some very steep slops and tight places I need to get in and out of. Places you really would not want risk taking larger more expensive tractors!

I looked at the JD too and for my money, the New Holland offered more. Having no brand allegiance to call my own, it really looked like I was paying more for green paint when all I wanted was a solid tractor, honest dealer and good service down the road (literally: the NW dealer is 8 miles from my front door!).

Good luck!

 

[Bigfoot62]

I'm solidly on the fence now between the the NH workmaster 55 and the JD 5055E. But it going to be a at least a few weeks till I'm ready financially to do anything tractor wise.

Bigfoot62 said
"IMHO, economy tractors are fine for people that don't really need or use a tractor.

You are already 'hogging 20 acres and plan to put an additional 20 acres into hay production. I think that you would be well served to set your sights a little higher."

Thing is, I am not a farmer... But I do own 750 acres of mostly wooded clean and green that needs to be maintained. My tractor will be used for log skidding (a lot of log skidding), mowing/brush hogging, cleaning drainage ditches, planting small deer feeder crops, various other small jobs that pop up and maybe some haying on down the road...

And like Flyswatterbanjo I have some very steep slops and tight places I need to get in and out of. Places you really would not want risk taking larger more expensive tractors!

I hope that what I said was helpful. It was meant to be. My "opinion" (and you did ask for opinions) was not intended to be offensive. Perhaps I should clarify.
I'm not a professional farmer either, but I do spend a lot of time in a tractor seat. For example, each cutting, it takes two days for me to mow my 60 acres of hay meadows, plus another couple of days to rake, bale, and move it into the barn. It also takes about two days, twice each year, to rennovate the hay meadows.
I would guess that most people use a tractor less than 50 hours per year. I have three tractors and I average a combined total of 250-350 hours per year. (over the past seven months, I've logged more than 120 hours, just on the new 5085) If you are going to spend multiple hours operating that tractor, then I cannot express how much difference it will make. Again, I would say that economy tractors are fine for people that don't really use them. If you'll never spend the whole day on your tractor, then it might not matter to you.
JMHO

Now, as my old pastor would say, "That and 50 cents will get you a half a cup of coffee in some places."

 

[notmuch69]

It seems like people are spoiled these days. I remember using a Ford 801 and an Allis Chalmers WD for 80 acres of hay farming, logging, and everything else on the farm. Now it seems like people need 100+ HP, cab, AC, and 4wd to do the same thing. Seems like a lot of money wasted.
The Workmasters seem like a good idea.
One question I do have is where the rear end on the Workmasters and TT series came from, with the planetary drive or whatever it's called. Ford never had those in the past.

 

[chumly2071]

I've spent some time on the old TT series and a little on the new workmasters. I personally wouldn't buy one for myself if I was in the market. I'd spend a little extra and step up a series or two and get into the T or TD (or whatever CNH has renamed them to for this model year). just my preference after some seat time.

 

[tractor71]

You and I are in the exact same predicament and I mean to the T!!! I was looking at Boomer 50's when I started explaining to the salesman what all I wanted to do and the amount of acreage I have. And his reply was you need more tractor than a CUT.

He also suggested the workmaster 55. Your and my needs for a tractor are exactly the same. I test drove the WM 55 and the Boomer 8n and they are both sweet machines.

Quoted me 28,196.00 OTD for the WM 55 with Rimgaurd fluid in tires and 615 quick attach louder w/ 72' bucket.

And 33,337.00 for the 8n with 250tc 72" quick attach bucket and rimguard fluid filed tires.

I should add I also briefly looked at a JD 5055E. I can get a much better deal on this tractor as around here JD is king. I have three different JD dealers within a 20 mile radius compared to the one New holland dealer. AND THE JD SEEMS TO SPEC OUT MUCH BETTER!!! But **** am I the only one who thinks that damned green and yellow is the most offensive and ugly color combo in the world! I'm serious I just can't get past it. If i bought a JD I would have to repaint it some other color.

I just signed the papers on Workmaster 55 4x4 FEL QD Bucket, Grill guard and Water/Antifreeze in tires $24,644.00 no other fees except Insurance.
Central,NC

 

[foreman Etexas]

Co-worker just bought a workmaster 55 and has had nothing but trouble been in the shop 3 different times and has under 60hrs. Electrical issues wouldnt ever start,had to brake tractor in half to replace main seal,and 4x4 whinning really loud still in shop havent heard whats wrong yet. I paid 2000 more for my kubota m5040 it has only 92hrs but no issues yet to date,the m5140 is the newer model.

 

[JD3520Turbo]

I went and drove a WM 55 with a Westendorf TA26 loader on it. The loader, in my opinion was to large for this tractor. It responded very slow, like there was not enough volume moving through the tractor. Also, in reverse, the planetarys were very loud. I tried another one there just to make sure it was not just the tractor, and they both did the same thing. The shuttle worked as you would think it should and the engine was smooth as silk. However, coming from a JD3520 ehydro, I realized that I have been spoiled by certain features, like a suspension seat that absorbs shock and helps you up, and a fit and finish that is better than the WM. I realize the WM is a value priced machine to reach a specific market, but I am not sure that is my market.

It probably would have been much better with a NH loader in it that is made for it's capabilities. I think that I need to look at the T40420 or a PowerStart 4.75. That might be more of what I am expecting.

 

[tractor71]

I went and drove a WM 55 with a Westendorf TA26 loader on it. The loader, in my opinion was to large for this tractor. It responded very slow, like there was not enough volume moving through the tractor. Also, in reverse, the planetarys were very loud. I tried another one there just to make sure it was not just the tractor, and they both did the same thing. The shuttle worked as you would think it should and the engine was smooth as silk. However, coming from a JD3520 ehydro, I realized that I have been spoiled by certain features, like a suspension seat that absorbs shock and helps you up, and a fit and finish that is better than the WM. I realize the WM is a value priced machine to reach a specific market, but I am not sure that is my market.

It probably would have been much better with a NH loader in it that is made for it's capabilities. I think that I need to look at the T40420 or a PowerStart 4.75. That might be more of what I am expecting.

Ok I looked for 2 months a bought a Workmaster55 4X4 FEL. My loader is a 615 NH. I think the workmanship on the NH is good. Cat 2 heavy hitch in the rear. The simply design was a plus (WHY DO I NEED DIGITAL DASH?). And another thing what idiot thought it was a good idea to make a tractor with plastic fenders and hood? The Workmaster has steel and it is heavier than the Kubota. This is my opinion and the price was a plus.
At the end of the day the month payment was less than $50 a month difference in every tractor I looked at. The New Holland was the best tractor for me and the dealer is great. :thumbsup:

 

[boydb49]

hey I bought a newholland work master 45 this thing is quite upsetting the loader has bent with 54 hours on it I was plowing snow hit a small rock 6 inch rock the loader bent right at the plate that hooks the top of arm and the arm to bucket after 7 weeks they replaced it I got the loader back and move a couple of board piles then picked up a couple of rocks one rolled foward i went over it to roll back 'grant it I had forks on" the hydrulic rams folded in on dump side So i sent the rams back they will not cover under warrenty the loaders are junk the tractor is ok as of now But I am afraid to use this thing, what will break next ? my John deere never had this problem I DONT ABUSE MY STUFF I JUST USE IT THIS IS A PILE OF JUNK !!!!! maybee a ANSUNG LOADER would help I WILL ONLY BUY JOHN DEERE AGAIN The JOHN DEERE LASTED 6 YEARS no problems JOHN DEERE said they dont want to even take as trade this is only 8 months old $26,000 down the drain DONT BUY BUYER BEWARE!! I have driven tractors all my life so Im no rooky

 

[hog987]

I have the workmaster 75 tractor and have been happy with it. I use it a lot. Only had it 14 months and pushing 1000 hours already. Use it for a haying and cattle operation. Put up over 2000 round bales with it last year. 5'x5' bales.

 

[Harry in Ky]

If you look below the paint, you see the 45 and 55 are a Japanese design more in line with the TC series. The 65 and 75 are carryovers of the Fiat design used in the TT, probably still assembled in Mexico. They are totally different tractors, the only thing in common is the color.

 

[jdbnh]

If you look below the paint, you see the 45 and 55 are a Japanese design more in line with the TC series. The 65 and 75 are carryovers of the Fiat design used in the TT, probably still assembled in Mexico. They are totally different tractors, the only thing in common is the color.

no sir not even close. all the tractors are still made in India. nothing in the line of work master is made in Mexico. only the loaders for the boomers, TS6 series, and the new compact cab tractors are made in Mexico. The only real change in the Work master series from the TT-A series is the shuttle shift tranny in the 45 adn 55, draft control on the 55, and the standard equipment rear remote on all of them........the 65 and 75 do have a different motor from years past. a lot better.

 

[Harry in Ky]

So what's your point? The 65 and 75 are based on the TT, the 45 and 55 are not. The country of actual manufacture is one thing, the design the tracor is based upon is another. A quick examination of the parts breakdown shows there is no commonality between the engine, drivetrain, or hydraulic system of the 55 and 65 models.

 

[jdbnh]

So what's your point? The 65 and 75 are based on the TT, the 45 and 55 are not. The country of actual manufacture is one thing, the design the tracor is based upon is another. A quick examination of the parts breakdown shows there is no commonality between the engine, drivetrain, or hydraulic system of the 55 and 65 models.

i never said there was anything in common about the 55 and 65 model other than the standard equipment they come with....one rear remote, draft control, etc. The 65 and 75 will be getting the 8x8 shuttle by the end of the year to match the 45 and 55. the old TT series that was made in mexico years back had the TT55 and TT75 and that was it. they resembled the old TD-D series more than they did or do the old TT-A or the now workmaster. I actually have a TT75 on the yard and it looks nothing like a work master or TT-A.........when they stopped making them in Mexico and switched to India, that's when it became the TTA series and had the TT-A 45, 60, and 75. fast forward to now, and we have the WorkMAster 45,55,65, and 75. the 45 and 55 bascially the same tractor. they take the same loader, are close to the same in size, but the 55 has a few more features and is a little heavier......the 65 and 75 are the same for the most part with the same loader and the 75 being a little heavier than the 65........

 

[Robert_in_NY]

i never said there was anything in common about the 55 and 65 model other than the standard equipment they come with....one rear remote, draft control, etc. The 65 and 75 will be getting the 8x8 shuttle by the end of the year to match the 45 and 55. the old TT series that was made in mexico years back had the TT55 and TT75 and that was it. they resembled the old TD-D series more than they did or do the old TT-A or the now workmaster. I actually have a TT75 on the yard and it looks nothing like a work master or TT-A.........when they stopped making them in Mexico and switched to India, that's when it became the TTA series and had the TT-A 45, 60, and 75. fast forward to now, and we have the WorkMAster 45,55,65, and 75. the 45 and 55 bascially the same tractor. they take the same loader, are close to the same in size, but the 55 has a few more features and is a little heavier......the 65 and 75 are the same for the most part with the same loader and the 75 being a little heavier than the 65........

What is different between the 45 and 55? I have a Farmall 45A 2wd and am contemplating buying a 55A 4wd to compliment it for my farm. If I do I was going to change my post pounder mount from the 45 to the 55 and that attaches to the mounting points on the side and underneath the mid section (where the loader would attach). Are the mounting holes in the same location or are there variations as if there are variations then it will eliminate that idea.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

hey I bought a newholland work master 45 this thing is quite upsetting the loader has bent with 54 hours on it I was plowing snow hit a small rock 6 inch rock the loader bent right at the plate that hooks the top of arm and the arm to bucket after 7 weeks they replaced it I got the loader back and move a couple of board piles then picked up a couple of rocks one rolled foward i went over it to roll back 'grant it I had forks on" the hydrulic rams folded in on dump side So i sent the rams back they will not cover under warrenty the loaders are junk the tractor is ok as of now But I am afraid to use this thing, what will break next ? my John deere never had this problem I DONT ABUSE MY STUFF I JUST USE IT THIS IS A PILE OF JUNK !!!!! maybee a ANSUNG LOADER would help I WILL ONLY BUY JOHN DEERE AGAIN The JOHN DEERE LASTED 6 YEARS no problems JOHN DEERE said they dont want to even take as trade this is only 8 months old $26,000 down the drain DONT BUY BUYER BEWARE!! I have driven tractors all my life so Im no rooky

I'm sorry your having problems with your loader. Is it a New Holland loader or aftermarket?

I have the Case-IH version of your tractor but its 2wd without a loader and so far I have been very impressed with it. For the price I paid and what I got I am very happy, so happy in fact I am looking to buy a second one.

 

[jdbnh]

What is different between the 45 and 55? I have a Farmall 45A 2wd and am contemplating buying a 55A 4wd to compliment it for my farm. If I do I was going to change my post pounder mount from the 45 to the 55 and that attaches to the mounting points on the side and underneath the mid section (where the loader would attach). Are the mounting holes in the same location or are there variations as if there are variations then it will eliminate that idea.

assuming the case is exactly the same, the difference is of course 10 horse power, the 55 has draft control on the 3 point, weighs a little more, other than that they are the same. so yes they should be no different. the 65 adn 75 would be the different ones. they are bigger and have different frames.

 

[downslope]

i never said there was anything in common about the 55 and 65 model other than the standard equipment they come with....one rear remote, draft control, etc. The 65 and 75 will be getting the 8x8 shuttle by the end of the year to match the 45 and 55. the old TT series that was made in mexico years back had the TT55 and TT75 and that was it. they resembled the old TD-D series more than they did or do the old TT-A or the now workmaster. I actually have a TT75 on the yard and it looks nothing like a work master or TT-A.........when they stopped making them in Mexico and switched to India, that's when it became the TTA series and had the TT-A 45, 60, and 75. fast forward to now, and we have the WorkMAster 45,55,65, and 75. the 45 and 55 bascially the same tractor. they take the same loader, are close to the same in size, but the 55 has a few more features and is a little heavier......the 65 and 75 are the same for the most part with the same loader and the 75 being a little heavier than the 65........

I thought when I looked at a Workmaster 55 on dealer lot the front FWD axle had a tag made in Turkey. Is the tractor actually manufactured in India with axle from Turkey? I could be wrong it was a quick look, but that's what I seem to remember.

Also, a question about the TT versus Workmaster (45,55 models). The Workmasters have inboard planetary rear axle and wet brakes, is that correct? Did the TT's have the the same type of axles and brakes or were they the outboard spur type drive?