Buying new TC35 - Please help :)

[Bob_Skurka]

For snow removal with a rear blade, the best thing to do (based on my trial and error prior to getting the snowblower) is spin it around and push the snow backwards. I didn't realize where you are located, but now see you are in SW Ohio. I'm guessing you don't get too many snows over 4 to 6" so pushing snow is going to be an easy task for a TC35.

As for tractor size, an old Ford 8N is roughly a 25hp tractor with 2 wheel drive. Going up to a TC35 you are getting 35hp and 4 wheel drive, I think you will find it is capable of doing 500% more work than an old Ford, and do it much easier and much faster. You & your father will be the ones who determine what to spend your money on, but the TC33 is a heck of a machine and is dramatically superior to an antique tractor for the tasks you describe, ditto the TC35.

 

[tillboy2001]

Thanks for all the replies (on the other thread too - the accidental post that was moved). I think I've got my mind set on the TC35DA with HST and I think my father-in-law is pretty much agreeing that's what should be purchased. I guess we'll have to go look at one and try it out now. His dad (76 years old and uses the old 1950's Ford every day still) is old fashioned and says "I've got 4 forward gears and 1 reverse and that's all you need" ...so I've got my work cut out for me making sure he doesn't listen to his dad and agrees to buy something more 'old fashioned' Times change, things improve, etc. Just because it's new and different, doesn't make it worthless and junk. The old fart needs to understand that!...LOL He's something else though. We were out there today sawing up trees and dragging them to the 'burn pile' He was the one with the chain saw...and did you remember his age?...76! He loves to get out and work.

 

[jinman]

You've mentioned a 50ish Ford several times, but not the model. If that's a 52, it's probably an 8N and would be a little over 20 hp. If it's a Jubilee, it's 31 hp and if a 600 or 800 series it may be close to 35 hp. The only reason I bring this up is that the TC35DA is a heavier tractor with more engine torque, but about the same hp range as many 50's Fords. The fully featured modern tractor will rapidly make your grandpa smile. The first time he reverses direction without having to clutch and shift gears will get his attention. He'll resist because he doesn't know how to operate the new tractor, but I think he'll soon be won over. Just remind him that when the 3ph was invented by Harry Ferguson, many people said they didn't need it, but today it's the mainstay of almost all tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[tillboy2001]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You've mentioned a 50ish Ford several times, but not the model. If that's a 52, it's probably an 8N and would be a little over 20 hp. If it's a Jubilee, it's 31 hp and if a 600 or 800 series it may be close to 35 hp. )</font>

I just found out today the old Ford is a 1956.

Going to look at the TC35 tomorrow if they have one in stock. The purchase won't be until next spring anyway.

Anyone know how long it takes to get one if you need to order it?

 

[tillboy2001]

Here's the old tractor...See attached photo

 

[jinman]

That's a nice looking tractor. The model was normally painted on the sides of the hood in front (vertically) and this one looks like it's been painted over. In 1956 Ford expanded their line of tractors to the 600, 700, 800, and 900 models. They made improvements in the PTO options and even offered 5-speed transmissions. I'm not sure of all models, but the 800 was around 45 hp. They are still great tractors with independent PTOs and short wheelbases. For non-MFWD tractors, they are still very functional.

One of the things I think you'll notice about the TC35DA is that you cannot lean back in the seat and adjust the toplink or sidelink like you could on the old Fords. Now you either have to install hydraulics to do that for you (TnT) or you have to get off the tractor.

 

[tillboy2001]

I just went over with my grandpa-in-law this moring to look at the TC's. They didn't have a 35, but they had a 40 which is exactly the same size except for the engine (I think). I saw a 33 and that's going to be too small. After seeing them in person, it has to be at least the 35. What looks to be in the price range at this point is just the tractor with a few weights and a 72" rear discharge Bush Hog finish mower. They're asking $16,600 for the TC35 DA hydro, $4,800 for the loader and about $1,200 for the mower. I found a dealer in NC that sells the tractor itself for $1,000 less and about the same less on the loader. I'll have to talk to them more to see if we can work something out next spring.

Any opinions on the 12x12 TC35 instead of the hydro?...and exactly how does it work...is it easy to use, change speeds/direction often? I noticed it's much cheaper, but it supposedly is just as easy to operate. I'd still love the hydro. So myabe the loader will just have to wait for now. Either that or if that place in NC really does sell a tractor/loader combo for about $19,400 - that might work. We could always use the existing rough bush hog for mowing the field...and buy the finish mower later. Oh what to do /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I asked my father-in-law today (the one forking over the cash to buy this tractor)...."So what's the deal with the tractor?...when we get it, do you want me to do everything in the field or do you want to use the tractor too?...because I don't want to be on it all the time and leave you out of it if you're wanting to use it too." And he said, "I don't want to use it at all...the older I get, the more help I'll need." So how's that for a deal? I get to have all the fun and he's paying for it /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Well, I think it'll be fun anyway. I have a son on the way (due in Nov). Once he's old enough, I'd like to take him out and get the boy used to working hard for a living. Mowing, getting dead/unwanted trees out of the way, etc, etc. Will be good for his character /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'm looking forward to that. As well as teaching him my phone tech skills. Maybe he'll grow up to be a phone man like his dad.

 

[djradz]

I'll throw my 2-cents in. Get the 35DA without the mower/brush hog and hunt around for your best deal on it later. Also, $4,800 seems high for the loader. As of 6/01/02 the suggested price was $2,509 for the loader (actual dealer cost around $2006) plus you need to add the bucket at around $539 or $617 for HD (each $500 dealer cost) and for the tractor itself (valving, mounting bracket, etc) about $1577 ($1250 dealer cost). So in '02 it cost the dealer about $3750 to add the loader. At 5% increase per year (a real guess at this point), his cost would now be something like $4135. Your already buying the tractor from him, seems like he could do better on the price of the loader.

I used to have a 12x12 shuttle shift. It was nice - a real step up from your old 1950 Ford, but there still is no comparison with a new hydro. Just go drive one and you'll see why.

 

[Turkeyman]

On June 5, I took delivery of a new 35DA with R4's and paid $ 16,150 for it locally here in SC. I paid $3500 for the 16LA loader and $1750 for a 66" WR Long 4 in 1 bucket. It is a great tractor for everything but pulling our 3 bottom plow and a 7ft disk. It will pull them but in low and on turtle.
I got a Woods BB600 rotary cutter for another $1880. It did a great job cutting centiped grass when the blades were new, but after cutting 3 acre's of 4-5" pine tree's I will need to sharpen the baldes. This set up is 22 ft long and I could not imagine cutting around a structure with this size tractor. The BB600 weighs 1200 lbs but the 4 in 1 on the front, it balence's very well.
Also, spend the $75 and get the arm rests!