Buying new TC35 - Please help :)

[tillboy2001]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Photo 2

 

[Bob_Skurka]

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]

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.

 

[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!