John Deere 955 vs. TC 33D

[JJR]

I'm in the process of purchasing a CUt and have a choice between a JD used 955 with less than 500 hours and a new TC33 that I can get a decent deal on. I'm hardly an expert on this and I'd like to solicit advice from those of you who know more about this than I. I'll be using the machine on a rather hilly parcel of hilly New England land for such things as snow removal, tilling, occasional log skidding, rebuilding stone walls and snow removal. Although th JD has a few years on it, I'm somewhat attracted to it in that I previously owned an 850 but I also find the newer NH fairly compelling. Any opinions on which of these, cost aside, is the better machine for my purposes

 

[Boomer33]

JJR:
Welcome to this great forum! I have a TC33D and love it! I havn't rebuilt any stone walls or done any tillage, but I have mowed 11(+-) acres (72"MM mower), removed several feet of snow (loader & rear blade) and skidded a few 12' logs (boom pole with log hung close) without a whimper from this machine. Only exception: the loader whines when the temp is below 15*. I understand that changing the fluid will eliminate this. I have no way of comparing my machine with anythig "Green", but I would strongly recomend that you "Go Blue"

 

[jinman]

JJR, I noticed that you didn't mention either tractor having an FEL. Also, a TC33 is not a hydrostatic transmission. Do you have any implements that would be considered. I'm afraid with just listing two tractors with no other facts, you will not get good objective comparisons.

From your post, I'd say a new tractor is far better than a similar size and price used tractor because you will have two or three year's warranty. Beyond that, I think it's your choice and preference based on test drives.

EDIT: I see the title to your post says TC33D and in the body of the post it says TC33. Can you clear up which model you are thinking about?

 

[JJR]

Its a TC 33D with FEL. I'd be running a snow blower and a tiller for implements.

 

[thcri]

I think either machine will be good for your purposes. Jinman is right about the warranty on the newer tractor. But less than 500 hours is not bad also. I guess you almost would have to throw price into the equation. I personally liked the ergonomics on the New Holland over the John Deere, but that is my opinion as others would think different. How about the dealers, are they both reputable? If your buying the John Deere from a private party is there a good JD dealer in the area for service. Why is the John Deere being sold with only 500 hours? Which one fits your seat more comfortable? Just a bunch of questions for you to think about. Also it's just me again but I am not a fan of buying used??

murph

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Its a TC 33D with FEL. I'd be running a snow blower and a tiller for implements. )</font>

JJR, both tractors are very similar in PTO HP and size. With the FEL attached, the NH will weigh a little over 3,000#. I'm still leaning toward a brand new tractor with warranty. 500 hours on the JD is not much, but the last year of the 955 was 1998 according to my source. That makes it at least 5 or 6 years old. Considering you said not to include price into the equation, it's hard not to lean toward the newer tractor.

 

[attydickens]

Did you ever say what the price is? I like new and warranty, too, which is why I bought a new 955 about 1995. It was great and I put a bucket and box blade on it. The only trouble I had was with the hydrostatic transmission and the engine getting a little overloaded. I would still rather have a good used one, because of the price and would only use it for mowing.