Another JD3320 vs. NHTC33DA question

impnst8 · Jun 26, 2005

I'm brand new to the tractor world. I just bought a huge 3 acre property in NJ (I'm from New York City...3 acres is huge to me), and now feel that I need a tractor. I'm only planning on cutting some grass, plowing the driveway, and possibly digging holes where ever I see fit.

I jumped the gun, fell in love with the NH, and made a deal for a TC33DA w/SS, 15LA FEL, and 60" mmm. Out the door for $22,000. It's to be delivered next week, but I've not put any $$ down.

Then, I stoped at a JD dealership yesterday, and drove the 3320. Loved that as well. Both seem very well equipped to handle my 3 acre spread, but the JD seemed a little more refined. His first offer for the same set up as the NH, $22,800 out the door. I'm suspecting that he'll drop a few hundred.

The JD dealership is very close, NH isn't. Warrantees are identical, as is the financing..0%-3yrs. What's the difference in quality and reliability? I'm not that concerned with resale, as I plan on keeping my tractor for a very long time, but I question the difference there as well. Which ever I choose, it will have a very easy life.

Kubota is too Japanese.

HELP...which one?????

Dave

BlueToy1 · Jun 26, 2005

Both companies make great machines. The prices are close so pick the one you like the feel of the most. I don't think you'll go wrong with either.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 26, 2005

Honestly I love both of those tractors too!

But that aside, I really think that both of them are too large for 3 acres. Especially for mowing and doing the driveway. Why not compare the JD4115 and the NH TC24 or NH TC26? I think for the long run you'd probably be happier with a smaller tractor on 3 acres.

impnst8 · Jun 26, 2005

I began with the intention of buying a smaller machine, but of all the posts, and all the tractor advice I've received, everyone says to buy bigger than what you think you're going to need, as you never know what's down the road. Plus, I have to keep up with my new neighbors. I'll be darned if mine's not going to be bigger than theirs!

Bob_Skurka · Jun 26, 2005

<font color="red">
I'm brand new to the tractor world. I just bought a huge 3 acre . . .and now feel that I need a tractor . . . planning on cutting some grass, plowing the driveway, and possibly digging holes . . .

I began with the intention of buying a smaller machine, but of all the posts, and all the tractor advice I've received, everyone says to buy bigger than what you think you're going to need, as you never know what's down the road. </font>

OK, so you have a property size that is ideal for a Sub-CUT to maybe a small frame CUT but you are looking at mid-frame CUTs (cat 2 3pt hitches).

And you have jobs that are very well suited to a Sub-CUT to maybe a small frame CUT but you going to try to fit a larger tractor into those smaller jobs.

And you have tractor envy.

And you are following the advice of people who will gladly spend your money for you regardless of it if is the wise thing to do.

I understand all of that, but I really think you would be better off buying a smaller machine. Heck when I recommended the 4115 and the TC24 or TC26 I thought I was recommending a large machine for 3 acres! I think any dealer who really analysed and looked at your job list would probably aim you toward a JD2210 or a NH "TZ" class machine.

Now if you have vacant land adjacent to you, and you are planning on purchasing that land, and the total acres would exceed 10 acres, then I might see how you could use a 3320 or TC33, but only if you are buying that land in the next year or so.

Honestly, I'm not trying to criticize your choices, I am just willing to stand up and defy the crowd so you end up with a tractor that is better suited to your property size. And I will grant you there are exceptions and we do have TBN members with huge tractors on small property, but that is not normal, nor would most people recommend it.

RoyJackson · Jun 26, 2005

The real problem is...you want a TRACTOR, not a glorified lawn tractor.

Yep, both those machines are overkill for your three acres.

Of course, I also wanted a Tractor, so I went with a Deere 790. This one isn't actually too much overkill, considering the brush cutting I do on my property and my neighbor's (about 3 acres total)...and, that occasional (every 3 or 4 years) blizzard that hits central PA.
I guess the only "overkill" on my end is the lawn mowing (75% of the tractor's use).

So, I reckon you need that tractor...although a TC 30 or TC 29 (Deere's 790, 4115 or thereabouts) would make more sense.

Enjoy which ever machine you buy!

BTW, what movie is yr picture from? Looks like "Hannibal"...nope...."Full Metal Jacket" when Vincent D’Onofrio lost it...

impnst8 · Jun 26, 2005

I understand your logic, I'm just without any experience for myself to understand exactly how much machine I'll need on my property. I think I chose the larger models because of their nice layouts, bigger platforms and apparent, ease of use. The smaller models don't have the options that match. I don't want to buy another machine in a long while, so therefore don't want to always be thinking...I wish I bought the big one. If the tractor is too big for the property, is the issue of possible damage to the lawn or equipment, or is the issue...The idiot paid wayyyy too much for what he needed? I do appreciate any and all advice regarding this as I've never even considered that I was buying too large.

dmp437 · Jun 26, 2005

Deere dealer is closer, score one for Deere.
Deere resale is higher, although that's here (in MI, strong Ag community), there might be different. Score one for Deere (here anyway).
Steering, score one for NH and the "SuperSteer" option.
Quality and reliability of the tractor I would score even.
Quality of the dealer (probably the most important aspect) only you can rate.
Ergonomics is Deere all the way. It's designed to "fit". That's not saying the NH is bad because it isn't and you'll adapt to what ever you get. But as far as ergo's Deere has led the way since they hired Henry Dreyfuss in August 1937.
As far as size, you're right on (IMO) with the mid-size CUT with the exception of the mower deck. Why the 60" as opposed to the 72"? I have the 72" on the 4310 (older version of the 3320) and am very happy with it, especially how it hangs out enough to trim close to trees & shrubs. The 60" would be 6" narrower (per side) and that 6" would bring the tires into contact (at least my tires, R4's) with the tree/shrub. Also consider a rear blade to aid in snow removal along with extra lighting.

OrangeGuy · Jun 26, 2005

...made a deal...

Sounds to me that you have already purchased the NH TC33. Doesn't make any difference if you have not put any money down. If you made a commitment, you should honor it.

Don't look too far under the skin of the NH and JD. You will find that they also are... ...too Japanese.

As far as size, if the TC33 is the size you want, buy it. It's still a small tractor that will not overwhelm your three acres.

Good luck with your purchase.

OrangeGuy

impnst8 · Jun 26, 2005

As for the deal...if I'm dropping 22K, I want to make darn sure of the machine. I'm pretty sure if another buyer walked into his shop today with the $$, he'd make that deal. Business is business. Sorry about the Japanese comment, meant no offense. I'm learning that our new world economy effects even our green apple pie JD tractor. Sad but inevitable. Thanks for your advice.