Buying new TC35 - Please help :)

tillboy2001 · Sep 7, 2004

Hi,

I'm in the market (next spring) for a New Holland TC35. I have a few questions. Please excuse me if any of these questions sound stupid, this is our first 'real' tractor. We've got an old 1950's Ford tractor, and this new one will be brand new and have lots more options and features! I need to learn a little before we go buy it.

1. Is the TC35DA the one with the hydrostatic tranny? If so, this would be what I'd want for misc mowing, light loader work (occasional) and stuff like that. Mostly mowing about 15 acres, some of it lawn around the house. From what I've read, this would be nice to have if I need to be changing speeds and changing directions often. Right?

2. Does the TC35DA come standard with 4 wheel drive?

3. Comments on the industrial tires? I think I want those because they would offer good traction on the hills around here and still not tear up the lawn. I'm not overly concerned about the lawn, as long as it doesn't constantly rip huge chunks of grass up. I can't see that happening.

4. What would you say is a fair price (all new equipment) for the TC35DA with a New Holland 60" finish mower deck (rear) and a loader (new holland)?

5. Regarding a 3 point hitch for the rear. I assume that will have to be purchased separately when I buy the mower deck? Would the 3 point hitch be something standard?...so I could use a blade, disks, and plow I already have for an old 1950's Ford tractor? They fit on the 3 point hitch on that tractor. I was hoping all these existing implements would work on the new tractor.

6. Anyone clear their driveway of snow with the loader? Does it work out well? I live on a fairly steep hill, so traction is a must. That's why I definitely want 4x4.

7. Is the rear end limited-slip?

8. Weights - Where do they go?...on the front of the tractor? Do they offer wheel weights for the rear wheels? Anyone live in a hilly area with a similar tractor, and do you feel you NEED the weights? Like I said, mostly mowing with this tractor, but I hope to use it for clearing the driveway in winter and maybe do some loader work around the property as well. Keep in mind, I'lll be mowing on a fairly steep hill (any special considerations?) Will also be (for sure) dragging small trees around, not huge trees...maybe 8-12 inches in diameter. seems we've always got a tree here or there that needs to come down.

P.S. Anyone have photos on the net of this type of tractor? New Holland doesn't have very good pictures of it on their site.

Thanks for your help!

markie61 · Sep 7, 2004

Welcome! You will get lots of opinions, so here are mine:
1. D=Deluxe=Hydrostatic tranny standard on D's
2. 4wd standard
3. I like the industrial tires - much better traction than the old 50's 2wd tractor I replaced
4. ?
5. All my old 3ph implements fit the new tractor - brushhog, posthole digger, blades, plow, disc harrow, etc. The D comes with a deluxe 3ph which have extendable link ends and telescoping stabilizers - very nice.
6. Loader ok for snow removal, but a rubber edge (like from stall mats or conveyor belt or retread tire) keeps from tearing up the pavement. I like the back blade better for plowing and use the loader for piling.
7. I don't know, but there is a differential lock when one tire slips.
8. Weight is good for me - I mow hillsides, so my tires are filled with liquid + rear wheel weights. I have only needed front weight once and simply scooped up dirt in the loader bucket for that purpose. I keep my rear wheels dished out to second widest position to widen my stance. Mowing straight up and down a hill is safer than sideways. Get a tiltmeter to help you determine your safety zone. USE YOUR SEATBELT AND ROPS!
Your application is very similar to mine - I think you will be happy with the Class III Boomers.
Mark

tillboy2001 · Sep 7, 2004

Looks like someone moved my original thread over from the Deere forum where I accidentally posted it. Guess y'all can pick which one you want to reply to. And thanks! I'll take all the opinions I can get.

One more question.

If the dealer doesn't have one in stock, how long does it take to order one?

blackjack · Sep 8, 2004

Regarding item # 4, I'm not sure what a good price would be, but a 60" mower seems a little small for a tractor of this size - especially when you have 15 acres to mow! I'd try for a 72" or 84" deck. I think you'd want something wider than your tire tracks. Just my two cents.

tillboy2001 · Sep 8, 2004

I'm just trying to figure out what would be the best of both worlds...something to mow the field (not too rough) and something to do a good job on the lawn, and still be small enough to fit into most places on my lawn without having to do 2 hours of trimming after I'm done with the tractor work. I guess I'll have to go look at them in person to make a judgement. I think my wife's grandpa (the one with the 1950's Ford) has a bush hog around that size...or just slightly bigger and that's what we use to 'mow' the field right now.

kensfarm · Sep 8, 2004

The TC35DA is pretty big to be mowing around the house.. especially w/ the FEL on.. that said.. I do it when the grass gets a little too long.. but still use lawn mower to finish it up. If you still have access to the bushhog.. get the finish mower.. I bought NH 72" side discharge mower.. but some like the newer rear discharge type.. I like being able to sweep the grass clippings or leaves using the side discharge.

You can use the FEL to clear the driveway.. but a 3pt rear blade will make short work of 1 or 2 feet of snow.. and you can pretty much clear it as fast as you can drive.

I like the R1.. Ag tires.. but I'm in & out of creeks.. logging... farming.. scraping/hauling manure. The FEL will do more then just light stuff.. get the HD bucket & toothbar.

tillboy2001 · Sep 8, 2004

I have a pretty big yard, so I think I'll probably be ok mowing the part out in the open. Just trying to keep trimming to a minimum...but I know I'll have to trim anyway.

tillboy2001 · Sep 8, 2004

Photo 2

Bob_Skurka · Sep 8, 2004

I think you might want to downsize to the TC33DA. It is built on a smaller frame but has nearly the same power. It will allow you to maneuver a little easier. As others have said, the 60" rear deck is small for that size machine, I'd be looking at 72" or 84" as more appropriate for that size tractor. As you said loader work is minimal, it sounds like mower work is more of a priority. You might want to seriously consider a mid-mount deck. You can pin the in the up position when doing loader work or when using 3pt implements. If you are doing heavy duty loader work or working a 3pt implement in really rough conditions then you'd want to take the mid-mount mower deck off, but for normal light duty stuff there is really no reason to remove the MMM. I would make sure that you get a mower deck (either REAR of MID) that is wider than the rear tires of the tractor so you can mow up against your fence, trees, etc. I switched from a RFM to a MMM and think both have their advantages and disadvantages.

As for the 3pt hitch, it is built in and standard equipment.

The same goes for 4 wheel drive.

The limited slip is typically engaged with a foot pedal, it is actually a differential lock. On both of my tractors it is under/behind my left foot on the floorboard. I don't know the exact position on the TC33 or TC35.

The Hydro transmission is a nice thing to have, easier to use with a FEL, safer on hills. Qicker for mowing around landscaping too. HST is an option, make sure you specify it.

Weights can be added by simply having fluid filled in the rear tires, the dealer can do that before you get delivery, it does help with traction especially when using the front end loader.

I use indstrial tires on my lawn and they are a very nice compramise between turf and ag tires. I've done a good job of tearing turf with ag tires, the industrials are much softer on the lawn and generally don't tear much unless the grass/soil is wet and I make a tight turn in 4wd.

I've never used a FEL for clearing my snow. From reports I've seen it is very slow. I use a 3pt snow blower and it is easy and fast.

For pricing and pictures, please check Tarheel Tractors and Corrhier Equipement. They both have websites and both have low prices. My local dealer was as low as them, but that is not true in all areas of the country.

tillboy2001 · Sep 8, 2004

That's a good point on the mower deck width - as far as getting close to fences. I suppose there's no reason to have a smaller deck than the width of the tires since the tractor has to fit in the space I'm mowing anyway.

It won't be ALL mowing. We'll need to drag medium to small trees around too. Drag to the field and then cut up. That's a common thing around here. So the size I would think needs to be at least the TC35. I showed my father-in-law some pictures of the various models and he commented on how small the tractor looked in the pictures, so I know he's not going to go for a small tractor. He's actually the one paying for it - but he wants me (more mechanically inclined) to do most of the tractor work. That's fine with me. I think cruising around on the tractor mowing, pulling, etc is fun /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We do have a blade that can be mounted on the rear. I think that would be better for snow removal now that I think about it. Unless it's really deep.