"New" used TC29 jitters

[tutt]

\"New\" used TC29 jitters

I just bought a used TC29 with 480 hours. It is my first tractor, and I have been assured that routine maintenance on the tractor is within my very inexperienced grasp. What people are saying on other threads regarding maintenance does not sound easy, though! If the tractor is being fully serviced before it is delivered next week, how long before I will need to do more than check the oil and clean the radiator screen? Since there is no "owner's manual" with a used tractor, should I write New Holland for one?

 

[DUMBDOG]

Re: \"New\" used TC29 jitters

You should be able to order a owners manual from a New Holland dealer, the price would be the same as from the factory.

 

[RoyJackson]

Re: \"New\" used TC29 jitters

Are you buying this machine used, from a dealer? Or, is the seller doing the "full service", and what comprises a "full service"? If it's a dealer selling the tractor, I'm surprised the manual for the tractor and FEL (if installed) wasn't included.

Definitely get a manual...I am quite surprised you didn't get one when you bought the tractor.

As far as routine oil changes (which you'll do after a certain number of hours, or annually (that's what I do), it's no different then changing the oil in a car (you have done that....right?). If the machine has had a "full service", it'll probably be several months before you need to change the oil again. BTW, I think you should have a list of what was done on that full service...and if done by a dealer, get a copy of the work order. That should tell you what was actually done.

The first thing I suggest you learn is how and where to grease the machine. If something moves or pivots (like the front axle components), they'll need grease. When you get the manual, it'll will chart all lubrication points. Using a grease gun isn't difficult.

You'll also want to torque the wheel bolts (or check the torque, actually).

There will be other fluids checks and changes as well (coolant, hydraulic fluids), but by the time they become necessary, you should have enough hours under your belt to be confident about doing the work.

I'm hoping you have some knowledge of tools, if not too much experience using them.. Just use this forum when you have a maintenance task, and we TBNer's will respond.

This is you first machine...I know your area is pretty flat (my folks lived in Deltaville), but even on flat ground, you can still roll the tractor. Make sure you read all the safety instructions and wear that seatbelt!!. I know your profile states your property is hilly, but "hilly" is a relative term.

Good luck on your purchase!

 

[have_blue]

Re: \"New\" used TC29 jitters

Get a manual and follow it pretty closely.

One thing I learned that can save a new tractor owner lots of grief is to do a "walk-around" every time you use it. Look at every bolt, nut, arm, lever, bar, hose, hose connection, etc. If your sweet little TC has a FEL, really keep an eye on the bolts and nuts on the mounting kit. You will soon develop an eye for what things should look like, and and after finding a loose bolt or 2, you will appreciate the value of that simple walk-around.

Good luck with your new tractor, and enjoy it!

 

[tutt]

Re: \"New\" used TC29 jitters

Thank you so much for taking the time to be so thorough. I am buying the tractor from a long-established dealer in this rural area, so I feel confident about the service to be provided, and will obtain a list as you suggest. I am actually in the mountains of northwest Virginia, (the headwaters of the Rappahannock River, not its ending), though I know Deltaville well, as I was a family friend of the late Scotty Hoye at the Crossrip, out on Stingray Point. Based on your suggestion, I will ask a friend who is experienced with tractors in our Blue Ridge foothills landscape come and give me specific no-roll advice for the contours of my land. While in truth I have never changed my own car's oil, I have lived, gardened, and heated with wood in this rugged community for 25 years, so I am eager and, I hope, ready to learn a new set of skills, and will take all of your advice into consideration--thanks again. (BTW, I was at the JD dealership last week with all of my paperwork completed to purchase a 790, a tractor I had spend three years researching and selecting, when I discovered the price had gone up nearly $3000.00 between November and March. It crossed the line into territory I could not afford, and that sent me to the NH dealership. I am satisfied with the swap, though--over 1600 lbs rear PTO lift, to the 790's 800+, wet disk brakes, a wider wheel base in front, and a bit more horsepower--and $13,000 for the tractor, a 5' Bush Hog Squealer with 10 hours on it, the addition of a mid-PTO, a new mid-mount 60" mower, front weights, and a new 5' rear blade. Money talks!)

 

[tutt]

Re: \"New\" used TC29 jitters

Thanks--this is great practical advice, and a good habit to begin with.

 

[tutt]

Re: \"New\" used TC29 jitters

Thanks--it is on next week's to-do list.

 

[kozak]

Re: \"New\" used TC29 jitters

One last & very important task......you have to post pictures of your new dream machine !! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif