$300 more for supersteer

bluefish · Jun 29, 2003

I went to purchase a tc45d yesterday the dealer had several 45d's with supersteer, none without. Dealer gave me a price for both models and the difference was $300. I plan to use the tractor to bush hog 30 to 40 acres, front loader work, and digging with a backhoe that is part of the package I am purchasing. After reading all the posts here on the advantages and disadvantages of supersteer I went to the dealer thinking I didn't need it.
This is my first tractor. Am I crazy or is there anybody on this forum who would turn down supersteer for an additional $300

Thanks
David

Inspector507 · Jun 29, 2003

For $300..........go for it

DKinWA · Jun 29, 2003

I don't have supersteer on my TC40 and don't feel I need it, but $300 isn't much when you consider the whole package. If I was in your shoes, I'd probably go for it since I've never heard anyone complaining about having it.

bluefish · Jun 29, 2003

It's not the $300. I guess I was just wondering if the negatives of
supersteer prevented anyone from getting it.
If it was offered for free would anybody NOT get it?
Is there anyone who has it and wished they didn't get it?

Thanks
David

Anonymous Poster · Jun 29, 2003

David

For $300 more, I would definiitely get it. It is fantastic for mowing and the only problem that I have had with it is doing FEL work. Nothing major except it takes a little getting use to it. Just my 2 cents worth.
Be Safe
Prairie

John_Mc · Jun 29, 2003

I would pass on the supersteer for my uses. I do a fair amount of loader work, and didn't like the way it swings the opposite way initially when turning. I suppose I could get used to it, but it seemed like a problem when working close to structures. I also take my tractor down some narrow and winding trails with the FEL on. I actually had an easier time without the supersteer than with. Movement of the front end was much more predictable w/o supersteer, and I don't skin the trees as much with the FEL. (again, something I might get better at if I used supersteer for a while). I do a fair amount of brush hogging, but haven't had many problems getting a decent cut without supersteer when going around obstacles (but it's brush hogging, and I'm not too particular about the perfect cut).

John Mc

DocHeb · Jun 30, 2003

With 5 TC45D-SS in stock with the SS being discounted 66% (and none of the Non-SS on hand), I suspect it may be a while before you can get a non-supersteer model from this dealer. Also check on the availability of a FEL through your dealer (16A for non-SS, 17A for SS models). This may affect your decision.

TCowner · Jun 30, 2003

David, I have a TC40D with Supersteer with 230 hours. I plan on trading next Spring as the tractor will be two years old and I like a tractor with warranty protection. I agree with some of the posters here. Supersteer without the loader attached is a positive. But for me since I have the loader attached about 90% of the time I get frustrated. I've posted on this topic several times before and I usually conclude my comments that the positives outweigh the negatives. Again, without the loader attached I would choose Supersteer everytime. But with it attached I've gouged trees and nicked the corner of my shed. You can get into a tight spot where you aren't sure you can back out of without doing some damage. I admit I am getting better but there are times when I curse the thing. My sons do not like using it (with the loader) and have questioned my sanity because I traded a JD 4400 for the NewHolland. I may change my mind between now and next Spring but I believe I will trade for a non Supersteer tractor. The steering quirk (where it moves in the opposite direction of your steering) is magnified because the loader (17A) is about a foot longer than the 16A. Unfortunately, if you don't get the Supersteer you don't get the Sensitrac feature which automatically disengages the front wheel drive in tight turns. It saves on turf damage. So there is a trade-off for abandoning Supersteer. In the end I think it depends on your level of patience. I just get a little frustrated with it.

TCowner · Jun 30, 2003

David, I should have added one more comment to my previous post. This issue of Supersteer vs. non-Supersteer can only be decided by you on your property. I've preached on this issue many times before. You can't appreciate or not appreciate Supersteer unless you use one with a loader attached on your property. Five minutes around the dealer's lot won't show you much. If it were me (I didn't do this when I bought mine) I would ask to use the tractor for an hour at your place. You will notice the steering quirk and then can make a decision whether it will be a problem. I'm guessing you will still go with the Supersteer but at least you will rest knowing that you made an intelligent decsion and won't kick yourself later.