Is the TC 30 enough tractor for me?

[djfirelt]

I was planning on purchasing a TC 30 within the next month, but after reading some of the posts I'm not sure it will be enough to do what I need.

A little history: 18 acres in Southwest Virginia that is hilly to say the least. 10 acres of pasture to maintain, 1200' driveway (that is currently snow covered), and alot of fence posts to set. Don't plan on mowing with it, so I was going for R-1's (loaded), FEL, and 9x3.

Is the TC-30 the right machine, or is this too much for it on a regular basis?

Thanks, Better to figure this out now.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

You say you are not planning on mowing with it, but you have to maintain the pasture. What do you mean by that?

I've got a PHD and use a NH TC24D (24hp) and a Kubota B2910 (30hp) and both of them have plenty of power for the job of digging post holes. I think a TC30 would set the post holes you need and have plenty of power to spare.

1200' of driveway. Is that asphalt or gravel? Gravel means you will probably be maintaining it with a box blade, etc. Asphault means you will probably plow snow in the winter but not really have to work at maintaining it with your tractor the rest of the year. And depending on the snow in your area, you might easily be able to get by with a 7' rear blade and simply drag the snow without any real problems.

I think you'd get more & better answers to your question if you were able to give us a more information on what you plan to use the tractor for other than the post holes. At 18 acres, you could easily get a bigger tractor and not regret it, but you may not have the need for a bigger (and more expensive) tractor. . . then again . . .

 

[djfirelt]

Sorry for the lack of information, I didn't want to be to long winded. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

By not mowing, I meant that I will not be mowing my yard with it. (have an Ex Mark ZTR mower for that) Maintaining my pastures with a rotary cutter will be my primary use. The driveway is gravel so it requires box blade work about 4 times a year, unless we have more than the usual number of thunder storms. I also occasionally need to rework the ditches following strong storms.

Thank You, Again.

 

[Kevin_in_VA]

Welcome to the board David. I have a TC30 that I use on my 7.5 acres near Richmond. It is a great little tractor, but I find that I am a bit sore after about 6 hrs in the seat. It is very capable, but I wish that my budget would've allowed me to get a bigger one. You probably should look at something in the 35 to 40 HP range at the least. Specially from what I know of Bedford County.

What dealer(s) have you talked to? If you haven't talked to Trey Taylor at Crewe Tractor, you really should. He can help you make your decision. He's not a high pressure guy either.

Best of luck,

Kevin

 

[nobull1]

David
Well I will make my entrance to this site with a opinion /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.I have a little larger pasture and driveway than yours and also plow,disc,spread manure etc.For the last 8 years I have used a L275 and had great success with it but was always in the top 90% of useable power.After years of thinking about trading I went and purchased a L4300DT which in my opinion is a good size machine that does not have to work near as hard to do the job.My L275 done all that was required but it can't be good for the long term durability running at max,and that being the main reason I traded. Always had to go one or two gears lower to be in the power which just makes the job take longer.Good luck wih what you choose.

 

[djfirelt]

Kevin,

I have been dealing with Boone Tractor in Bedford and Salem, Also priced Kubota (Powers Tractor) and Deere Andersons), but NH has been the most power for the money so far. I will check out Crewe Tractor.
Thanks

David J

 

[Kevin_in_VA]

David,

Let us know how you make out, and what you finally decide on.

Where do you go saltwater fishing in Bedford?

An old co-worker of mine lives in Bedford. A guy by the name of George Lawhorne. He's got a few hundred acres, mostly hay.

Kevin

 

[yellowdog99502]

I use a TC-30 to just about everything at our place. That includes mowing 24 acres of open field 5-6 times a year, mowing 6 acres of lawn, maintaining about 1800 feet of limestone drive, cutting drainage swales, snow plowing and moving 'stuff'. We also cut a few trails through 14 acres of a heavily wooded area last summer.

The '30 has never complained and it only seems to get better as I become a better operator.

New Holland has (had) a page on their website to help in tractor selection. That might help you decide which way to go. I took the survey after I bought mine and the only reason it pointed me to the TC-30 in lieu of a smaller unit was for heavier loader use.

While the 30 may be a value tractor, it doesn't skimp on the power, just the whistles and bells.

Good luck with the decision.