If you did it again, what would you change?

[hazmat]

Looks like I get to tractor shop again - Ma & Pa are looking to put me out of the field mowing business. They want their own tractor. I'm "consulting" on the purchase - ie explaining what this lever does & that one etc. We were checking machines out at the fryberg fair. Pops likes the "Class 2" size - even though there wasn't a Class 2 New Holland or Case there - had to compare via JD & Kubota.

So - looks like I get to "do it again".

What would you have done differently?

Here's my wish list

3+ range tranny - low is too slow, hi is too fast.
suspension seat
quick attach bucket - not sure if it's worth it on the smaller machines
quick hitch - might not need it with the telescoping lift arms...
front weights - loose the loader for field mowing

Am I missing anything?

 

[pekabu]

quick attach loader, though TC24 is too small for Skid steer model.
Remote.

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> quick attach bucket - not sure if it's worth it on the smaller machines </font>
Hazmat
I have almost as many attachments for my FEL as 3PH.
I'm not sure your Dad will need quick attach unless more than one FEL attachment is purchased.
Purchasing the quick attach will allow Skid Steer attachments to be rented.
Checking the NH spec's you will have to move up to a 35 to get quick attach bucket on a NH loader.

 

[pekabu]

ATI has a Pin type quick change. A local dealer quoted me $270 plus shipping. After taking my loader off once, I think I would much rather dump the bucket and drive with the loader on. I haven't bought it yet, gonna make some more calls.

 

[Stonewall]

I would second the three range tranny and probably look at a shuttle shift or hydro ( I have a lot of tight places to get into when mowing) and add some more HP as well. I would get off the R1s and go to R4s or maybe even turfs if I didn't have a lot of dirt work to do. Think about a sun shade on the ROPS and buy or build a beverage holder /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif.

 

[tc33brad]

Having a rear remote for a hydraulic top link is nice especially when using a box blade.

 

[PineRidge]

I would have let the dealer add front hydraulics and a grapple to my package. But it can still be done fairly easy.....

 

[drm]

The 14LA FEL is available with a quick hitch option for about $275 dealer cost.

 

[joes_427_vette]

Hazmat;
I have a TC 45D with a hyrdo and I wouldn't change a thing. I am a horse power freak and any less would be a disaster. I like having the weight, hydraulics, horse power, and wide tire traction to get the job done. The tractor has a small size frame to ease tight spots, yet stable in slope situations. It has great visibility of the low hood and the 16 LA loader positions the load ahead of the unit, not over the hood in the raised position like some others. New Holland did their homework well on this model and it suits me just fine.

 

[kensfarm]

I would have bought 2 tractors! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[huskerpilk]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I would have bought 2 tractors! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>

I would have bought 1 tractor...instead of just shopped for one. Maybe someday soon. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[dirthack]

I'd get a hydro. I bought a used 1725 which I really like and saved a lot of money, but if I buy another tractor someday it will be a hydro. I do alot of loader work. Grinding gears gets old real quick.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

checking machines out at the fryberg fair

I was kinda partial to the Case-IH Farmall I saw there, but that's a RED tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[hazmat]

Dad liked that one too. It was his favorite.

Kind of surprised that the dealers didn't bring more tractors. Would really have liked to see a TC33 or case equiv there.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Union Farm Equipment usually has a bunch of stuff, but there was such a crowd of people around I didn't get a very good look at them this year.
I have heard allot of good things about them.
I am sure you know that Case and NH are the same, but I like the looks of the Case-IH better. I think it's just because I like the color over blue.
How much mowing does you Dad want to do? Does he prefer hydro or gear? Not to start a hydro vs. gear war, but hydros are better for mowing because the speed is infinitely variable.
Also, what type tires?

 

[hazmat]

He's got about 10 acres of fields. This year we cut them twice, I think he'll try for 3-4 X per year.

Definitely a Hydro tranny.

Probably go for the R4 tires - That's what I've used on my tractor when we trailer it up there. Plenty of traction & you can cross the lawn w/o causing big ruts.

Talked with my dealer (Chappell Tractor in Brentwood, NH)today - only $2,800 diff in price between a TC33DA and a TC40DA.

Thanks for the feedback on union, we'll keep them in mind.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

You're welcome.
Chappell is where my brother-in-law goes for parts on his FORD 7710 and 555B. They must treat hiom OK becasue he drives all the way to NH to visit them even though there is a NH dealer in Scarborough.
Good luck! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[banjobj]

I bought my TC 21 D from Union Farm. Very happy with them. If I had it to do over would have gotten a bigger tractor probably a NH TC 33 or Case /IH DX 33.

 

[AndyMA]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Definitely a Hydro tranny. )</font>

Each time I buy a new tractor I get a biggr one. I think a TN75 with electro hydro shuttle would be just about right. Right now I'd like a bigger one than my TN to pick up the monster rocks I working with. They pull the TN rear off the ground, with loaded tires and 1500 # on the 3 pt.

Andy

 

[To20Chris]

If the Kioti CK30 was out when I bought my LK3054, I might have gone for it. Since I probably would not have gotten as good a deal, then I probably wouldn't have done anything different at all. At 118hrs I'm still delighted, and I often think while I'm working that if I had bought one of the other tractors I looked at while shopping, I would have had less capability to do the jobs I need to do.