Buying Advice Advice for a novice

[LoneCowboy]

I made a different post, TN60 vs TC55 that might help in this discussion with actual facts. I mean, I know it's the internet and all, but I figured a few figures couldn't help anyone make their decision.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/nh-buying-pricing/93557-tc55-vs-tn60.html#post1058255

 

[JGAUD]

Hi Fred,

A good rule of thumb for buying a tractor is buy the biggest you can afford for your future needs, not just for what you need at the time you're buying. I recommend a factory cab for your tractor. I have a TN65D with a factory cab and I was taking down an old building. I stirred up a hornet's nest that was under the building and they swarmed around the tractor. That cab saved me. Just thought I'd share that experience for your consideration.
Good Luck Fred.

 

[Soundguy]

Yes.. that does change things... the 6' mower is great for 1-2 ac. Probably don't want any mor ethan that.. otherwise it gets hard to turn.. etc.

Soundguy

Hello All again, thank you so much for your replies.

I should clarify some things. Yes, the property is 120 acres. However, about 50-60% of it is currently used for cattle and we will not be doing anything with it. The rest is broken up into small paddocks and 1 larger pasture. Currently I only anticipate mowing the small paddocks which are 1-2 acres.

Does that change things? I think i'll be doing a lot less mowing then what I made it out to be. Most tasks will be around the barn, working on the driveway and the rings.

I love the idea of a bigger tractor and i think at this point we're going to be limited to one. Is the TN that much bigger than the TC's? Are they built that much better?

Can't wait til I can head to the dealer again to play.

Thanks for all your input.

 

[Soundguy]

JGAUD brings up a good point too. That's why a big and a small tractor are sometimes usefull on a large acerage. the small tractor takes care of the small paddock stuff.. and later on when you work the large acerage, the big tractor comes in handy.

If you only have money for one right now.. the good CUT may be the one to get.. and later on.. pick up a older used AG or UTILITY tractor for pennies on the dollar. when you start needing a big tractor.

Soundguy

 

[mjarrels]

My question is... are you planning on getting married before buying this farm? Big bag of worms being openned if you don't.

mark

 

[hambaloney]

My question is... are you planning on getting married before buying this farm? Big bag of worms being openned if you don't.

mark

Yes, sir.

 

[hambaloney]

Hi again,

I've had an opportunity to go play with a number of tractors of different colors. This past weekend I sat on a JD 4520, JD 5105, Kubota L3830, Kubota M5040, a NH TN70A, a Landini 6860, Mahindra 4530, and finally a Mahindra 6000. I say, I liked most of what I saw, but every tractor had it's goods and bads.

I enjoyed the JD's, in particular the 5105. It's a little basic compared to the others, but it really felt like a stout machine. I like the way the gear shifting is configured on it as well.

The Kubotas are very well built machines but the L3830 felt really tiny. I like the M5040 particularly the hydraulic shuttle. Very cool for loader work.

At your suggestion I took a look at the next step up from NH, the TN70A (they didnt have any 60's on the lot). Much beefier machine for sure. And it's considerably longer than the TC55DA, but I didn't have any issues navigating around the lot. This didn't have the loader mounted so I was unable to play with that.

The Landini is a work horse but wasn't much fun to drive. All the controls are center floor mounted so getting in and out are a pain.

The two Mahindra's are also nice machines, but I wasn't particularly impressed with the dealer and was basically rushed out the door at closing time. Perhaps I'll go back for a longer period, but unlikely.

Needless to say I'm still decisionless. However, I have discussed the backhoe with the misses and we've concluded that it's not a necessity now (if ever) so we're only looking for a tractor w/ FEL right now.

On that note, pricing updates as follows:

JD 4520 w/ 400CX FEL $27,100
JD 5105 Waiting on price
Kubota L3830 w/ LA723 FEL $20,500
Kubota M5040 w/ LA1153 FEL $27,200
NH TN60A w/ 810TL FEL $30,250
NH TN70A w/ 810TL FEL $29,000 ***

Ok, few notes and questions.

The NH TN70A is priced at $29,000 off the lot w/ 20hrs. and was used in a demo. That's cheaper than a TN60A! As a refresher: the TC55DA w/ 18LA FEL is $26,500.

I'm concerned about the various QuickAttach systems these tractors use. The John Deere's use a bar and pin type system, seems to only work with JD attachments. Kubota uses the skidsteer style system. And the new NH loaders use some european style system that is incompatible with skidsteer. I realize it's great for business to use proprietary mounts but what a pain.

I'm really liking the TN70A. It's a big beefy machine. I personally don't think it's too big, certainly not too much bigger than the TC55DA but the misses seems to think it's too big for our needs. And I think the price is pretty darn good. Any thoughts? I also consdered just buying the tractor and picking up a used 32LA. Or is the new 800 series where they are all going?

Again, I appreciate any questions, comments, flames. I get grief for being a slow decision maker from the misses, but we'll make this decision someday.

Thanks for all your help,

Fred

 

[kozak]

At your suggestion I took a look at the next step up from NH, the TN70A (they didnt have any 60's on the lot). Much beefier machine for sure. And it's considerably longer than the TC55DA, but I didn't have any issues navigating around the lot. This didn't have the loader mounted so I was unable to play with that.


Needless to say I'm still decisionless. However, I have discussed the backhoe with the misses and we've concluded that it's not a necessity now (if ever) so we're only looking for a tractor w/ FEL right now.

NH TN70A w/ 810TL FEL $29,000 ***

Ok, few notes and questions.

The NH TN70A is priced at $29,000 off the lot w/ 20hrs. and was used in a demo. That's cheaper than a TN60A! As a refresher: the TC55DA w/ 18LA FEL is $26,500.

I'm really liking the TN70A. It's a big beefy machine. I personally don't think it's too big, certainly not too much bigger than the TC55DA but the misses seems to think it's too big for our needs. And I think the price is pretty darn good. Any thoughts? I also consdered just buying the tractor and picking up a used 32LA. Or is the new 800 series where they are all going?

Again, I appreciate any questions, comments, flames. I get grief for being a slow decision maker from the misses, but we'll make this decision someday.

Thanks for all your help,

Fred

Fred,

Did some comparing between the two machines (TC55DA vs. TN70A).

Will definitely get a weight / traction / torque advantage on the TN70A.

TN70A also has a nice 500 Lb. PTO lift advantage.

A bit surprised that there is only a 250 Lb advantage on FEL lift for TN70A. (270TL for 55DA vs. 810TL for 70A) Could not find specs on 18LA loader but would think they would be similar to 270TL. The major advantage that the 55DA would have when comparing FEL's would be the much better visibility due to curved booms. This is a big plus. You really need to actually try out the loader on the TN70A (different Dealer ?) & then try the TC55DA with loader again to appreciate the difference.

There's no doubt that the TN70A is more tractor then the TC55DA & I would be one of the first to recommend as much tractor as you could buy....but.....for the tasks you have described in earlier posts, and the amount of property you will actually be taking care of, the TC55DA seems to be a perfect fit. Future implements would be cheaper. Would not leave as deep a footprint in wet conditions. More maneuverable. You indicated that you test drove the TN70A without loader & it was considerably longer than the TC55DA. In that case, you really need to get on a TN70A with loader & see if your still comfortable with the size. The TN70A is classed more as an agricultural tractor. If your going to do alot of field / pasture work in the future then the TN70A is it. Otherwise the TC55DA IMHO would definitely fit the bill.

Was that TN70A price ($29,000) for a FWD machine ??

From a price standpoint ($29,000 vs. $26,500) the TN70A seems to be a much better buy if it is indeed a FWD machine. On the flip side, from one of your earlier posts, you could get the TC55DA c/w FEL & BH for $32,400 & be able to do some of those drainage projects you were talking about.

Definitely a tough decision & one that you are correctly taking your time making.

Good Luck & Have Fun Exploring, Examining, Scrutinizing every detail before you make your purchase.

Vic

 

[1bush2hog]

hambaloney -

Tis a fun time indeed shopping for a new tractor. Congratulations to you and the future Mrs. and also on the acreage.

If you will be located in SW Va. I would highly suggest FWD on whatever you purchase. Also, with that much acreage you will probably find uses for a tractor that you may not even imagine at this stage.

Go with a larger utility tractor if you do not foresee adding another tractor for awhile. Also, look at the different options on all the tractors and compare before you buy. If you go with a TN, I would suggest getting one with the power shuttle option, FWD, FEL, and cab if you really think you will need it. Get enough extra remotes installed at time of purchase to cover most everything you will want to add now and down the road. It is easier and less expensive to negotiate the FEL, extra remotes, and loaded tires before your purchase. If you add these later it will cost you more in time, or down time, and money.

If you go bigger, consider at least a 7ft cutter and rear implements to cover your tracks.

Good Luck on your purchase.

 

[Ford850]

I did my own research, looking at the 45's up through the 75's, and settled on the 55 for my needs. While the larger tractors seem better at point, I realized a few drawbacks that Kozak noted:
-cat2 3PH looks nice and heavy duty. But it will twist the heck out of my current implements. Heavier and larger cat2 implements are more expensive and overkill for my needs.
-Heavy duty frame and size add more weight than I need, creating a mess in my soft areas.
-Slightly smaller size of the 55 was easier to manuever most of the time.
While these same differences could be positives for some owners, they would work against my needs most of the time. I soon realized there is no perfect tractor for me. I had to decide on one that would work best for me, most of the time. And then I can "coulda woulda shoulda" those other times when I need that heavy beast to drag a large oak out of the woods.
Half the fun is getting there.