buying a TC40D

bher · Oct 10, 2001

I am about to buy a TC 40D. I am planning on the larger ag tires, 16 LA loader with 72" HD bucket, and 758C backhoe. I am getting CaCl filled tires and 3 chain hooks welded on the bucket. I will probably get two remote valves installed. I can't seem to justify the $1500 for supersteer. Does anyone have any suggestions or regrets concerning options?

DVerbarg · Oct 10, 2001

bher,

Supersteer is nice for tight manuevering but should not cost $1500. In my opinion, based on my purchase experience of a TC40D, supersteer should not cost more than $900 (and I feel that I overpaid based on other's experience here on TBN).

If you have supersteer it may take some getting used to when coupled with a FEL as the bucket will move in the opposite direction of the steering, when at a standstill. Supersteer makes for great manuevering but would recommend that you try it yourself and think about your own applications.

The 72" HD bucket is a must, the "standard" bucket does not seem that it would stand up to much use.

There are many different opinions regarding tire ballast (and can be read in the archives). Don't want to repeat all the discussions here but would recommend that other options be considered. I have had a large area of my grass killed for years because of an ag tire that leaked CaCl and have rims on an old Ford 9N that need replacing due to corrosion from CaCl used in the past.

Wish I had the remotes installed when I purchased the unit. Now am looking at adding all three, can only see the immediate use for two but figure that while I am at it might as well just same some labor and fill all those "slots" on the fenders. Looks more impressive that way /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif.

Have fun with your purchase.

DaveV

Robert_in_NY · Oct 11, 2001

I am not too fimilar with compacts but won't the 40 come with two remotes when you get the loader.

Robert Turk Jr.
Whitetail Splendor Deer Farms
Silver Creek, NY

bher · Oct 11, 2001

I am new to this too, as I don't have a tractor yet. The remotes that I was talking about are for the rear of the tractor. They can control 3-point equipment.

Robert_in_NY · Oct 11, 2001

That is where the loader hydraulic lines plug in, the remotes mounted just behind the seat and the lines run from the remotes to the loader. At least that is the setup on the TN series but I have never looked at compacts too close to notice so I am not positive.

Robert Turk Jr.
Whitetail Splendor Deer Farms
Silver Creek, NY

jinman · Oct 11, 2001

Robert, on the TC40, if you disconnect the loader, you could use the loader remotes and the joystick for control, but the quick disconnects are in front of the driver's right knee, so they are unhandy for any rear attachment, even if you remove the loader. There are standard remote blocks, each with a separate dual-acting control which mount to the rear axle casing just on the right-hand side just above where the 3 ph lift arms exit. You can add one, two, or three. The first one is about $300 and the remaining two are about $175 each, or all three for around $600 if you install them all at once. I think the smart thing to do is to get all of them when you buy the tractor so you can negotiate the best price. I got only one and I wish I had the other two.

JimI

bher · Oct 11, 2001

--I got only one and I wish I had the other two.--

I am curious why you wish you had all three. Is there anything else that you wish you had gotten?

Robert_in_NY · Oct 11, 2001

I guess I have to go the my dealership and check it out, that would be nice. On the TN series they plug the loader lines into the rear remotes and the joystick runs the rear remotes. The TN series can have 4 remotes and with the loader is worth it. I have to get the 3 remote and it will cost $500 for the parts.
So the joystick on the TC 40D does not control any rear remotes, if so that is a shame as it is handy for rear implements.

Robert Turk Jr.
Whitetail Splendor Deer Farms
Silver Creek, NY

kcbarnes · Oct 11, 2001

It sounds like you are on the right track.Another thing to consider would be a quicktach bucket so you could have some versatility on the front of your tractor by removing your bucket and installing other attachments in the future.you may also want to ask about a product called rimguard for tire ballast, it is enviromentaly safe and weighs more per gallon.As for the rear remotes,I will be installing 2 this winter even though I don't need them yet so I would recommend them also. I havn't had my 40D real long but I love it.

John_Mc · Oct 11, 2001

I second the recommendation for Rim Guard instead of Calcium Chloride for filling your tires. It gives you all of the weight, and then some, and is non-toxic (unlike some other alternatives which will kill plants and or livestock/pets) Contact info for the guy who holds the patent (he can put you in contact with a dealer in your area, and/or send you info on it):

Glen Daly
P.O. Box 4012
East Lansing, MI 48826

Tel: 517-351-6470

jinman · Oct 12, 2001

Bher, I am planning to add top-n-tilt (TNT) to my 3ph soon. That requires one cylinder to replace the toplink and one to replace the side bottom link adjustment. The best way to do this is with dual rear remotes. Finally, I am soon going to be building several miles of fencing and will purchase a hydraulic post driver. TNT + Post Driver = three remote valves. This is just an example, but it demonstrates what I think is true: no matter how many remotes you have, you can always find use for more. If you are sure you will never need this kind of functionality, then the remotes are of no value to you.

JimI

Fullthrottle · Oct 12, 2001

How much would be a fair price on 3 remotes dealer installed after the tractor is purchased. I goofed when I bought my TC45 and didn't order them from the factory.

John_Mc · Oct 12, 2001

How much would be a fair price on 3 remotes dealer installed after the tractor is purchased.

I just had 2 remotes plus the cylinders and associated hard ware for TNT installed on my TC33D a couple of weeks ago. Job was done by the same dealer who sold me the tractor in July. Cost was just under $1400. I still need to get a bit of customization done on the hydraulic cylinders.

jinman · Oct 13, 2001

I answered this in the "owning" forum. Please see my post there. Essentially it is $600 to $650 for all three.

JimI

jinman · Oct 13, 2001

One other thing I have added recently is the fold-down grill guard. It is expensive (about $250) but very well built and it has already saved my hood a couple of times. I'm very glad I got it. The cost of the guard is far less than a new hood and grill.

JimI

bher · Oct 13, 2001

Thank you guys. I appreciate the input and suggestions. I will look into the RimGuard and quick-attach bucket further. Anybody willing to share what they paid for the quick-attach setup?

Duckhunter · Oct 13, 2001

I highly reccomend the Supersteer. I would not do without it now. I have a new TC45D and had a TC40D both with SS. It is incredible for mowing. Never mind the slow speed handling, you will get used to it. I also agree with the Quick Attach. My new 45 has it the 40 did not. I took the advise of others here and got it with the HD bucket and Woods Forks which I have used several times already. If money is the issue, use your toy to make some extra change to pay for it. (Snowplow, bushhogging, blading driveways etc. At $35 to $45 an hour, it won't take long. There will be nothing worse than wishing you had it later. I know it is easy to spend others money, I have been through 4 previous tractors to get what I really wanted.
1) Kubota 2wd 2150, 2) Kubota 4wd 1800 3) Ford 1720 4wd and 4) NH TC40D, now the TC45D wih less than 3 hours on it.
This is my last one before I retire and I went all the way!
Just another opinion.....