Initial Impressions of KB2910, NHTC29D, JD4200

Hook · Aug 15, 2001

As I reported in other postinfgs, I have narrowed my choice of tractors down to
- Kubota B2910
- New Holland TC29D
- JD 4200

In the last 2 days I had the chance to get quotes & take test rides on all 3. Here are my first impressions & current thinking ...

Ergonomics:

Regarding the seating & control position, the Kubota wins hands down in my book. Now, mind you, my tractor driving time is now up to 30 minutes (10 minutes on each tractor), so take this with a big grain of salt.

I found the deck on the NH to be a major pain. It is not flat, but has a hump (like the rear-wheel drive, some of us old farts remember

. I thought this wouldn't matter, but it made it very difficult to get in & out of the seat & I felt simply cramped, as my feet kept hitting the hump. I also found the seat to be less comfortable than the others.

The JD seating position was great, but it seemed to me that the controls were in less obvious/useful positions. Since I have effectively no tractor time, this might turn out to be a non-issue. But first impressions count, so ...

Price:

Here are the prices I was quoted (tractor + FEL):

Kubota B2910: $17,900
NH TC25D: $17,700
JD 4200: 18,500

Notice that the price was for a TC25D, NOT a TC29D. I was originally considering the 29D, but deciced to drive & price the 25D. I'm not sure what made me do this, but after seeing the price, I'm glad I did.

Now these are prices without any bargaining or shopping on my part. So I assume I could reduce the prices some. But then all of these prices would go down.

Based on this, I'm about to nuke HN from my list & focus on the JD & Kubota. To my mind, they're just about equal at this point (Kubota better on some points, JD better on others). I think I'm gonna make a chart comparing the 2 (including my impression of the dealers I met) & see if that helps me differentiate between them.

Thoughts?

Hook

jinman · Aug 16, 2001

Good job, Hook. It looks like you are narrowing down your choices based on what is right for you. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. The most important thing is that you are making sure your tractor fits your needs and comfort. /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

JimI

MODiesel · Aug 17, 2001

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>

I found the deck on the NH to be a major pain. It is not flat, but has a hump (like the rear-wheel drive, some of us old farts remember

. I thought this wouldn't matter, but it made it very difficult to get in & out of the seat & I felt simply cramped, as my feet kept hitting the hump. I also found the seat to be less comfortable than the others.

<hr></blockquote>

While I don't know about your feet hitting the "hump" while you're driving [not sure why you would need your feet in the middle], I'm in the habit of always popping the steering wheel all the way up to get in & out. Been doing that with tractors and combines for quite some time. Makes ingress & egress easier from any tractor.

Also, make sure the seat wasn't adjusted all the way forward. That would definitely cramp you.

Personally, I've found the TC series pretty roomy. The Class III's are the best, but I've got good room on my 29D.

Best Regards,
Jay

cleev · Aug 18, 2001

I bought a new TC 35 for $13,600 its a bigger tractor than the TC29 and the platform is great. seat is comfortable and power out the wazoo The kubota is good but for the money and the comfort of the seat on the TC35 I think its better.

Cleev

MikefromMI · Aug 18, 2001

Hook,
Something I didn't mention in your other thread.... Watch the charts when you put them together for comparison. You have to go up a model from TC to B to match specs. Ie: It takes a 2710 to match the specs of the the TC25D. Also, if you intend on a FEL, make sure there are seperate pumps so you don't loose steering power with a load. Good Luck

Anonymous Poster · Sep 9, 2001

I have a TC29, and love it. I got it for US15,000 with 5' bush hog and 5' front loader. It just "feels right", and I love that little tank. I looked at all of the similar tractors, and really loved them all, especially the Deere 790. Alas, the Deere's front loader and bush hog looked flimsy to me. Also the deere was ~200# lighter bare than the bare TC29. I really like the dedicated hydraulics in the TC, and the Deere shares them with the power steering. Sure, they all have their good, bad, and ugly, but I sprung for the Newholland, and have never had the first regret. Even resale in my area looks about the same as the vaunted Deere....a pleasant surprise indeed!

jinman · Sep 9, 2001

Sometimes the best features are not obvious. Today, as I was doing a greasejob on my TC45D, I noticed how easy it was to get to every grease zerk. How nice! I'm not sure about other tractor makes, but I feel like my NH was designed mostly with the user in mind. I'm glad you have found some of the "hidden" benefits on your TC29 too.

JimI