35D or 40D?

Hightech · Sep 8, 2001

Hello Forum, I've been reading posts for a while and finally decided to join in and ask a question or two, or three, etc.
I've been a year saving $$ and deciding which compact I want to spend my hard earned money on. I've narrowed it down to the TC 35D or TC 40D (no SS). I'm wondering if the extra $1600 (as quoted) for the 40 is worth it. Of you who have used them, can you tell a big difference in the extra 5HP? I'll be getting it set up with 16la loader, 758 backhoe, and a box blade to do most of the work I will ask of it. So, is the extra 5HP the way to go or not? Thanks for all the input.

jinman · Sep 9, 2001

Danny, I would say the TC40D is NOT worth $1,600 over the TC35D. You will need all the extra power you can get to run your backhoe and FEL, but not for that price. I do think the extra 5 hp is significant, but you need to talk your dealer down to $500 to $700 difference. Let him think you are going to buy orange instead and see if he can be convinced to give you a more reasonable price. Good luck!

JimI

drtractor · Sep 9, 2001

Hightech:

My advice would be to compare the TC40D to the TC45D, not the 35. The reason is the backhoe. I have a 35 (gear) and it does quite well with a blade and FEL but using a backhoe is quite a different load.

I realise that this is going the other way but given your needs, I think it would suit you better.

As far as pricing, I agree that a $750 to $1000 spread would be equitable (35D to 40D).

Good luck,
drtractor

Duckhunter · Sep 9, 2001

I can't speak to the 35D but can comment on the 40D. I feel the 40 is the best choice because the price difference is minimal considering you get a 4 cyl vs a 3 cyl. NH does not post torque specs, but I would guess the extra cylinder helps in this area. I am trading up from a TC40D to the TC45D to get even 5 more HP on the same size tractor. (Shipped from the factory on 9/5/01, can't wait.) I feel you should go for all the power you can get until the size of the tractor is too big, especially with Hydro.
By the way, I think not buying the Supersteer option is a mistake. Correct me if I am wrong, but I have never talked to or seen a post by anyone who has a tractor with Supersteer who would give it up. On the other hand, I have seen many comments by people who do not have it or only did a test drive advise againt buying it. I have owned it and am buying it again. It is absolutely the best feature on the tractor. I have owned an Orange B1800, Orange 2550, Blue 1720, and now a TC40D. This 45D is the last one I intend on buying.
Just my opinion, hope it helps.

Duckhunter · Sep 9, 2001

I know I am going to start something here, but I noticed you were considering a NH 758 Backhoe. I bought a Woods 9000 with a self contained pump on my dealers advise. The dealer ordered it painted blue to match the tractor and claimed it was a heavier piece of equipment. I do not know much about the 758 but know my Woods is a workhorse. Consider looking it over and comparing price etc.

Anonymous Poster · Sep 9, 2001

I really didn't study your post to see your specific application, but I can tell you that 5 HP on a diesel is generally big stuff. It's something like 25 HP on a car. A little more torque goes a long way on a tractor.

I'm already studying mine to see if there's room for a little Garrett turbo charger on my TC29. <grinnin' like a possum>

Good luck!

Hightech · Sep 9, 2001

Thanks Guys,
All good advise. I figured I'd get it here. I guess the 35D is out. The 40D is in.(as for now) Just have to haggle a bit more. I want the future option of using the mid PTO. If NH ends up putting that on the 45D by the time I buy, I'll probably move on up to it. The dealer did mention the Woods backhoe. I'll take a look at it. And as for Super Steer, given the terrain here, the closest dealer doesn't even order them in. They said our hills, SS, and loaders do not agree too often. Too easy to turn over? At least that's what they told me. One thing is that I still have some time to decide all this.
Again,Thanks
Danny

Anonymous Poster · Sep 9, 2001

the ss on these tractors is very stable your dealer just wants to sell you what he can get easiest ss steers are harder to get but worth the wait

Duckhunter · Sep 10, 2001

I agree with Rickyl25. I have 16 acres od some tough hills and ditches. NO stability problems with my Supersteer. Like any tractor, you have to be careful. I think mine has gotten me out of tough situations that standard steering would not have. I know it's a lot of money, but for me it's the last tractor I am going to buy. My dealer has always tried to sell what he has in stock or knows he can transfer in. Wait on what you want. They do not order extras so they can quote lower prices on units in stock. Once the word gets out on how good it is, they will learn.
The 40 has plenty of power if the mid PTO is a must. The extra cylinder is the biggest bonus.
Ken

djradz · Sep 13, 2001

I have a 40D and can't imagine needing anything more for any kind of project short of pulling a 4-bottom plow, and in that case the tires/wheels probably can't get enough traction anyway. Previously I had a 1720 and only on a few occasions did I wish I had more, so I bought the 40D. Probably not entirely necessary, but what a beautiful machine. I'm not sure of the difference in price to go to the 45, but if it's much, I wouldn't do it. What you'll find, as many have posted elsewhere, is that the limiting factor in all these is the transmission high pressure relief, which is set the same for all three tractors. All the lift and pump specs are the same as well between the 40D and 45D, so your not gaining anything there. Lastly, unless you are planning on doing a tremendous amount of mowing, in really tight quarters, (which a tractor the size of these is not well suited for anyway) what do you need Supersteer for? It does certainly add some manuverability, but I think if you test drive a regular 40D you'll be impressed how sharp a turn it can make without Supersteer. If you get it and turn that sharp, at least on lawn, likely the sod will be flying anyways. My advice, keep it simple. Hope this helps. By the way, the dealer's cost differential between the 35D and 40D tractors is something on the order of $1,200, so you'll probably have difficulty in getting it down much under that, but hey, it's certainly worth a try.