Choices

[bulldog9]

I'm tractor shopping and am looking for some feedback on the two deals I'm considering. My dealer has a fantastic service department and so-so equipment prices. Don't mind paying a little more for the great service, but don't want to be a chump either. I will be paying cash for whatever I buy and have bought alot of iron there over the years. Here's the two deals I'm considering:

TC55DA w/ EHSS, 4wd, loader, filled R1 tires, 257 hrs on machine - $22,725

TN70 w/ power shuttle, 4wd, loader, filled R1's, 221 hrs - $28,115
-no cab on either tractor

These machines are both just off lease from a large farm in the region. The loaders on both machines are brand new with no hours on them. With the current cash back rebates available on both of these units as new ($3000 on the TC and $1700 or so on the TN), I wonder If I couldn't do almost as well on brand new ones? Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Diesel-ME]

TC55DA w/ EHSS, 4wd, loader, filled R1 tires, 257 hrs on machine - $22,725

As I recall I paid closer to $29k new for my similarly configured TC55DA this spring. (not looking at the invoice as I type).

~paul

 

[DieselMonk]

I have the TC55DA and i am very happy with it for what I am doing with it. What the price belongs... you might be better off buying new. It all depends on what shape those used ones are in.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Those are pretty good prices
real good actually

But, why are you comparing those?
completely different tractors.

fit different niches (this site needs a spell checker )

What do you want to use it for?

 

[bulldog9]

Thank you for the feedback

I'm actually downsizing from a TS-A series tractor with a cab that I recently sold. Great tractor, but bigger than what I needed. My new tractor will have to do the following:

*bush hog 10-15 acres of rolling (and occasionally muddy) overgrown pasture, some of which will require a machine with a tight turning radius

*be used to clean up an 85 acre woodlot which will include

-drag out tree tops for firewood
-level out skidder roads/ruts
-pick up brush piles and small to medium sized logs (I'm buying a root grapple for the loader)

* light grading (probably with a box scraper)
*occasionally loading pickup trucks with topsoil/mulch

I think that about covers it. I have a New Holland wheel loader (170B) for any serious earthmoving. Different class tractors I realize, but I think they represent the smallest and largest (almost) of machines that would meet my needs. Anyone have experience with a root grapple on one of these units? Thanks again

 

[IH3444]

TN70.....you'll need it.

 

[CJ4]

I have a TC55DA EHSS with a 18LA loader and have cleared and brush-hogged so far approximately 5 or so acres of the 27 acres of real rough woods. The best thing i've ever purchased in my life for this was my root/brush grapple.....It's a must!!

I've never driven a TN70 but from what you are describing, the TC55 will do the job and well. I've never ran outta power so far with my tasks although i've had some huge stumps i've removed that could have used twice the loader and tractor to move but i've managed. I guess there are always situations where you could use a bigger tractor, but the key is what you need most of the time. I admit i've had thoughts of moving up to a TN70 or so when and if I go to a cab tractor someday (when the brush is mostly cleared and I won't tear the cab off). One note on that is I've noticed the exhaust pipe on the bigger tractors are up in the air and a limb could dang sure tear it off easy......where the TC55's exhaust is down out of the way. That sounds like a small issue in a tractor buying decision but everytime I see one I just shake my head because I just know I'd be knocking that exhaust off twice a week.

Good luck with your decision and keep us informed.

 

[bulldog9]

Where did you find the root grapple for your TC? Who makes it? Thanks

 

[CJ4]

I purchased mine online from rootgrapple.com They make a good heavy grapple and i was real pleased with their honesty and promptness. I got the extra heavy duty one and even had them add some lower tines (which i didn't need), so I only bought the 5ft wide one. Been real pleased.