Hew Holland

sherpa · Oct 16, 2004

I got my eye on a used New Holland TC30, Hydrostatic, 240 hours with a Bush Hog loader. They gave me a good price and I am ready to buy it. I hope someone can talk me out of buying it! I think the tractor is ok. I need to know if these Hydrostatic transmission are ok? And what about the Bush Hog loader, are they alright? I want to hear the good, bad and ugly before I buy it. After I buy it I dont want to hear nothing but the good stuff. The price is $12,000.
Sherpa

sherpa · Oct 16, 2004

I meant to say its a 2002 model I think.
Sherpa

DocHeb · Oct 16, 2004

( I need to know if these Hydrostatic transmission are ok? )

Now would be a great time to familiarize yourself with the wonderful TBN search engine to answer this question. This is one of the more contested opinions on this board, and even transcends the color wars. I have linked two threads (out of many) that may be of use.

Hydro vs. Gear Trans?

Hydro vs Geared

jinman · Oct 16, 2004

( I hope someone can talk me out of buying it! )

Don't do it! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif On halloween it will turn into a pumpkin. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

...you did ask for that. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

thcri · Oct 16, 2004

I can't comment about the price because every area is different. Maybe someone from your area can help out here. But don't be afraid to look around some to find out pricing.

The New Holland TC30 is a great no bells, no whistles' tractor. It was built to compete. Many people have them and have no troubles what so ever. In fact, because it has not bells and whistles you will probably find less problems.

The Bushhog loader has had a lot of debates here on TBN. Do a search for Bushhog loaders. Good link here Mosey's Loader .

I personally don't like aftermarket products. Some people like them just fine. I would never buy a new tractor with another brand loader, however if buying used and ran into a good price it would not bother me.

As far as Hydro, I wouldn't worry about it at all.

Take some time in your decision, half the fun of owning is shopping for the tractor.

Murph

To20Chris · Oct 16, 2004

"I personally don't like aftermarket products. Some people like them just fine. I would never buy a new tractor with another brand loader, however if buying used and ran into a good price it would not bother me." 

The thing is, many of the "factory" loaders and back hoes are really aftermarket. I had no qualms about my Rhino FEL and BH, because I knew (thanks to TBN /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif) that up until right before I was looking, Rhino made the Kioti units. I understand that many other brands also outsource their attachments. You could look at it from another point of view, in that the companies that make loaders and hoes may have more volume and experience in that than the tractor manufacturers do. I will say however, that the orange paint on my Rhino FEL is fading very quickly, unlike my tractor!

jinman · Oct 16, 2004

I think if a dealer sells a brand of tractor and aftermarket loaders also, you will do fine on service. If not, the loader dealer will blame the tractor for problems, and the tractor dealer will blame the loader if, for example, the front axle develops a problem.

What I think was Mosey's problem was that he wanted a loader with better specs than the factory loader and ended up with way too much loader for his tractor. The end result was far worse performance than the factory 7308 loader. If the Bush Hog loader's specs and weight are near the factory 7308, you'll be okay. If the loader is much heavier and has more lift, you can consider yourself a "test pilot." I'd only take that deal if I had it in writing that I could return the tractor for a full refund within two weeks of purchase, or something similar. I think that's a reasonable request on any used tractor. If it doesn't have a warranty or good return policy, I'd stay away from it.

thcri · Oct 16, 2004

True, some of the aftermarket loaders make the original one. I still would not buy and my reason is when there is trouble everyone starts pointing fingers and your in the middle. Yes if the dealer sold it that way he would have to work it out. If there is an aftermarket loader on any manufactures tractor and someone got hurt alls the manufacture has to say is, that loader is not approved for use on our tractor leaving the loader manufacture responsible.

Again this is just my personal opinion, what others do is up to them. I would not let this get in the way of the original poster from buying the tractor he found.

murph

Kevin_in_VA · Oct 18, 2004

Sherpa,

I have a 2003 model TC30 with the HST. I just went over 100 hrs on it and am quite pleased. The only thing that I ever had problems with was the ignition swithch wiggling loose. The transmission is the next best thing to sliced bread. It is very convenient fo me since I do mostly loader work cleaning stalls, etc... I've got the NH7308 loader though, and can't speak about the Bush Hog model.

One thing I have noticed though is that the price you are paying is only $1,500 less than Corriher Implement (in Newton, NC) is selling a brand new gear model (with the Bush Hog loader) for. The HST model will run more than that. Peronally, I would think that that would be a small price to pay to get a factory warranty, and a new tractor whose history you would not have to worry about.

Best of luck in your decision. The TC30 is a great tractor, and a real workhorse for it's size. If the one you are looking at has a good history, and no obvious flaws (other than normal wear and tear) then it is a good deal. 240 hrs is not bad for a two year old tractor.

Kevin

Soundguy · Oct 18, 2004

Did the tc 30 come with hydro? Is this a tc30D?

In any case.. BH is a good name.. that loader should be decent.

The machine in general is decent. Check the usual stuff.. look for signs of abuse or wear that does not look like it coincides with the hours ( some hours work the tractor harder than others.. for instance.. 300 hours of mowing is easy work.. compaired to 300 hours of landclearing... )

the others are correct.. regional price differences can account for up to a couple thou difference in prices. Not to mention the market and the amount of machines / dealers out there.

On the surface. It doesn't sound like a ripoff if that is what you are looking for. How close it is to a deal will depend on its condition.

Soundguy