Big Tractor Issue - TC-30

Anonymous Poster · Mar 29, 2003

I have an IH 1066 ... a big tractor ... and I'm debating whether to buy a loader for it or trade it in toward a TC-30. The size of the TC-30 would clearly be better for my place (8 acres, 3 horses) ... but as some say, "You can never have too much tractor."

Does anyone have experience using a large tractor for "acreage work" ... ?

And what do you think of the TC-30?

I will need to mow, spray, drag, blade, and scoop ... all of which (except FEL work) I can do marginally with my (old) Kubota B7100 (at 16 hp, not a large machine.)

RickB · Mar 30, 2003

If your property doesn't need clearing or other heavy loader work, I think a 1066 is severe overkill for your needs. Also, it is a poor choice for a loader, even in its size range due to the shifter layout. I also think that you may get hammered financially making the trade you propose. Try selling the 10 outright before signing to trade it.

Daryl · Mar 30, 2003

I have a TC 30. Has only 68 hours but am real happy with it. I use it for most of the things you say but mostly to pull a 5 foot finish mower. It does all I ask of it.
Thanks
Daryl

Anonymous Poster · Mar 30, 2003

Thanks for the quick responses ... this site has so much great information, and I've read quite a few of the previous posts about the TC-30.

I'm not sure how the finances will work out just yet ... a loader for the 1066 would be in the $7500 range new ... so that, too would be a burden. It may end up being a "wash" ... and so it'll come down to whether or not I'll want to move round bales or have a grapple on the the FEL.

The TC-30 just won't be heavy enough to do regular round bale work ... but may be if they are baled smaller. What sort of 3-point lift does this little tractor have?

MikePA · Mar 30, 2003

<font color="blue"> What sort of 3-point lift does this little tractor have?</font>
According to the New Holland web site here, it's 1,635 pounds, 24 inches aft of the hitch.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 5, 2003

Look around for a used loader for the 1066. I have seen nice ones go in low $2k range. If after a while you think it is too big you can always sell with the loader being a good selling point.

Maurice · Apr 10, 2003

I'm kinda in the same situation. I have an IH 856, but I also have the loader. For what I am doing now the 856 is just too large. I've been looking at the TC40D. I was ready to pull the trigger last year but other things needed the money at the time. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I have been offered ~9500 for the 856 with the loader. So I keep watching and reading here waiting for the day I can post that I AM A NEW OWNER /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As far as using it for acreage work, I usually try to avoid it because of the size, weight and power of the tractor being close to the house. I get very paranoid of mashing the house when I get within range.

Actually in the last couple of years the tractor has been demoted to just a round bale mover and hay mower for a few cows and horses. So I am not using the tractor enough to get a real benefit. I know I could get more and better use out of a smaller tractor.

I would say trade the 1066, but do you feed the horses with little bales or the big round bales. The 30 would not handle the big bales. Have you looked at the TC35-45 range. Might be worth a look. Just my 2 cents.