A few questions about the TC18

[songhunter]

I have found a TC18 I am interested in, but I would like to ask a few questions to all ya'll out there in tractor-land. Any help and advice will be appreciated.

1) is the TC18 assembled in Georgia, or is it completely build in Japan?
2) on the three point hitch, is it necessary to turn the pins on cat 1 implements toward the inside to be able to tighten the sway links?

I've done a search on the threads on TBN. Any additional info would be appreciated!

 

[songhunter]

One more question. Is the rear axle/transmission made of cast iron or aluminum?

I'll hush now and listen.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I've got a TC24D so my answers are predicated on that.

It is my understanding that the Class I tractors are assembled in Georgia with parts that mostly come from Japan.

It is my understanding that the majority of the components such as the frame, 3pt, etc are interchangeable from a TC18 to a TC21 to a TC24, that being said, I have my pins on my implements facing OUT and I can adjust the sway bars, however, under some conditions there might be an advantage to facing the pins in, I just have not found that to be an issue.

I have no idea what the rear end is made of, heck I don't even know the sex of my tractor, perhaps if I turn it over and look between the wheels I can get an idea?

Seriously I don't know that it matters. With the science of metalurgy being as advanced as it is, a quality casting using thinner wall high strength metal can be stronger than a lower grade much heavier casting. Japan is known for some pretty high quality metals, both steel and aluminum. If you want to compare their metalurgy to the Chinese, then I think there are some serious issues trying to make a reasonable comparison. Even the Koreans, who have some quality tractors, are generally behind the Japanese in metal quality, consequently you see Korean tractors being heavier using thicker metal. And there is nothing wrong with that, it is just that different variations of the same metals have different strenght to weight properties. As for an arguement of aluminum versus steel or cast iron or whatever, I know of no real advantage from one to the next as it practically applies to a CUT axel/rear end/etc.

 

[shoppintractors]

Is this a new TC 18? At one time there frames where different until the 12LA loader caught up with the 18, 21 & 24.

Don

 

[songhunter]

This is a 2002 model, it is new, at a dealer, and has 3 hours on it.

 

[shoppintractors]

Bob,

I would like to commend you on the moderation of your remarks concerning Korean steel. I would like to make one comment regarding the steel issue.

<font color="blue"> Even the Koreans, who have some quality tractors, are generally behind the Japanese in metal quality, consequently you see Korean tractors being heavier using thicker metal. </font>

"Behind" is a very subjective word. I think the Korean approach is "different " then the Japanese, but not necessarily "behind." Looking at some of the Korean tractors that are 1-2 years old and comparing them to the Korean tractors of 5-6 years ago, the improvement in quality, fit and finish is quite apparent. In many instances weight on a tractor is beneficial, even desired if your focus is on dirt work or field work. The one instance I can think of, where weight can be a deterrent, is if the tractor is primarily a grass mowing machine, because of the dirt compaction factor. Weight = Traction.

To songhunter: To my knowledge the New Holland rear ends are cast iron. B-series Kubota's are aluminum. Are you getting a loader? I'm not sure of the change over date for the TC 18 to accommodate the 12LA loader, ask the dealer. At one time, I thought the small framed TC's were made in Japan and the larger framed TC's(II & III's) were assembled in Georgia. Maybe that has changed now.

Don

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Don, my wording was careful and deliberate regarding the metalurgical prowness of the Korean steel industry versus the Japanese steel industry. I absolutely stand by what I said. The fact that the 2 countries respective steel industries are a decade apart does not mean the tractors of one nation or better or worse than the tractors of another nation. But they are somewhat different. You will notice that my wording specifically refered to metal quality, and that I stated that the Koreans have some quality tractors. I guess it is sort of like Swiss versus Japanese wrist watches, both keep time, both are accurate, one costs a lot more and the price is based on design, brand, and level of complications (something very important to watch collectors).

Regarding weight, I totally agree that light weight mowing machines are better than heaviers ones. And generally speaking, I'd like more weight on a field tractor (within reason) that is using ground engaging equipment. The reason most small CUTs are 4 wheel drive is so that they get similar tractor to larger/heavier 2 wheel drive machines. I'm sure I have the quotation wrong, but it goes something like this: a 4 wheel drive tractor of any give weight is equal to a 2 wheel drive that weighs 50% more. I don't know if it is true or not, but it seem pretty reasonable based on my backside's experiences.

 

[songhunter]

I'm not planning on a FEL right now. I plan to use the tractor mostly for mowing as a replacement for the Bolens G152 I have now.

Along with being new, this tractor would give me 4 wheel drive and a ROPS, plus I can use all the implements I have now.

It seems like a pretty good deal. Thanks for the help! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Inspector507]

songhunter,
I have a TC18 with MMM and FEL. Doesn't matter where it was assembled, most of is made by Shibaura who has been making tractors for years.
I have all my implement pins facing out, like they should be, no problems at all. The TC18 is great for mowing. What size deck/mower are you considering? MMM or RFM?
It doesn't matter what the Koreans do with their castings......the TC18 is Japanese /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif , a very quality product

 

[shoppintractors]

<font color="blue"> I'm not planning on a FEL right now </font>

Best to check the price of the FEL with purchase of the tractor. TBN'ers have found it to be more expensive to add a front end loader at a later date. Sometimes dealers get a discount from the factory when selling a loader with the tractor.

Don