NH TC24D or Cub 6284T

[Jersey_Joe]

I live on 10 acres of flat land. I want to rough cut about 8 acres. There is a small JD lawn tractor for any finish mowing. The driveway is 400 ft of gravel that needs maintenance, including snow removal. I would also like to use an acre or 2 for gardening.

I have a price for a new NH TC24, FWD of $10,895 + Brush Hog 60” $1,200 with 0% for 48 months.
And for a new Cub 6284T, FWD PosiTrac On-Demand Hydro of $12,499 + Woods 48” $1,092 with 0% for 36 months.

Is either of those tractors a clearer choice than the other?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[DmansPadge]

Both are nice units. The Cub has a Cat engine which is a great option. But with the price difference the NH sounds really good. I would take into consideration the overall layout of the tractors and which is a better fit/more comfortable to you. You also should consider the dealer... that is providing they are not at the same dealership.

I would also suggest getting a 5 ft. hog regardless of the tractor. 8 acres would take quite a while 4 foot at a time! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Jersey_Joe]

Thanks DmansPadge, sounds like good advice.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

My favorite small frame tractor of all time is the TC24, but I am now jealous of the new TC26 which is replacing the 24. However, just because I like it doesn't mean it would be a good fit for you. Try both of the tractors and see which you like better. Consider the dealerships and see which one makes you feel more comfortable about long term care, do both have well established service departments with trained mechanics, well stocked parts departments, etc?

As for the rotary cutter, I'll respectfully & only partially disagree with DmansPadge and suggest the 48" cutter OR a 60" cutter. But I will toss out a disclaimer.

IF you are cutting woody stock, saplings, etc and the cutting is genrally considered moderately heavy duty to heavy duty then you simply don't have enough power with a 24hp tractor to turn a 5' rotary cutter in heavy stuff.

IF you are cutting a field that is mostly grasses and could generally be considered an overgrown pasture, then a light duty 5' cutter will work just fine.

There are heavy duty and light duty rotary cutters. HD models will take down saplings 2" or 3" in diameter, shred bushes with ease, and will easily clear any field. But those HD models take HP to run, they have heavy flywheel type disks and keep their momentum up just about no matter what you run over. A light duty model is essentially the same design, but overall lighter weight and won't take down the saplings with similar authority, etc. Take a look at the condition of the field you are maintaining and decide what type of cutter you need, then let that determine the size you buy.

 

[Jersey_Joe]

Thanks Bob. Do you think it’s worth looking for a used Brush Hog to save some money?

 

[DmansPadge]

I'll agree with that Bob. No dought that if your cutting the "hard stuff" a 5 ft. would strain the tractors he is looking at. I will say though, my 16 hp Kubota with a 4 ft. hog has handled everything (not that much so far! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif) I've thrown at it without a problem.

I would imagine that the NH 24 hp or the Cub 28 hp would handle a 5 ft. hog without much trouble under "normal" conditions. Maybe if the first cut is rough but it would be kept up after that I say the 5 foot is the way to go. If it is one of those deals where it only gets cut once a year.... the 4 foot may be in order!

 

[Jersey_Joe]

Thanks DmansPadge. What I will have is mostly overgrown weeds, will have that is, because it was rough cut in the fall.

Joe

 

[Bob_Skurka]

<font color="red">
Thanks Bob. Do you think it’s worth looking for a used Brush Hog to save some money? </font>


I have owned both new and used and my general feeling on implements is that I will spend big bucks on something I use a lot, and I will go cheap on something that is an occasional use item. A finish mower that is used weekly is worth the investment in a quality brand like Befco. A Post Hole Digger that I may use to dig 500 or even 1000 holes over a 10 year time span, that is something that I can buy on the cheap at TSC.

If you use the implement a few times a year, then why sink money into a HD high quality name brand? If you use it weekly then go get a 2nd mortgage on the house to pay for the implement.

 

[Jersey_Joe]

Thanks for the good advice Bob.

Joe