NH TN75A or Kubota 6800M

RedDog · Apr 15, 2005

He says don't bother looking at anything else but Kubota.


Boy is he mistaken! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I would look at all that you could.

Of the two tractors, I would opt for the NH. Dollar for dollar and spec for spec, I would be willing to put my tractor in against them. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You mentioned a 6' boxblade. I think that would be to small. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I have an 8' boxblade on mine, and I think it is perfect.

 I really love the time on the tractor over the time in the office. So, I'm thinking in about hauling this tractor around in the future also. The NH is substantially heavier and I'm trying to figure out the advantages in the tractor performance vs. the disadvantage in hauling it.


I like your attitude about quitting your job and hauling your tractor!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I think you'll definitely want the heavier tractor.

RedDog

Osconda · Apr 15, 2005

Other tractor specs found here although they are in KW instead of HP.

http://www2.oecd.org/agr-coddb/index_en.asp

kmanvt · Apr 15, 2005

I have to chime in since I was in your shoes about 3-4 months ago. I started out thinking of a large CUT, but when considering future use I knew I needed a larger utility tractor. I started looking at NH first since we've had a Ford 3600 for about 30 years. I finally decided on the TN75, but wanted to make sure there wasn't something more for the money out there. I checked out JD, Kubota, Massey, Kioti, & Zetor. I wanted the most for my money, but still wanted known quality so I figured I go with one of the "big three". JD was out because it was $3-4K to much, which brought me to where you're at now. When I started comparing I realized that the M6800 didn't compare well to the TN75 (except in HP). A better comparison was the M8200 (spec wise and loader wise). It actually has a little more 3pt capacity and the FEL has a little better specs. I also really liked the ability to control the locking mechanism of the front and rear axle independently. The things I didn't like was the layout and the 8sp trans. I liked the looks, layout, and 12sp trans on the NH. I basically told the Kubota dealer the price I had got on a TN75 (4WD, FEL w/ QA HD bucket, canopy, grill guard) and he came within $200 of matching it. I was slightly leaning toward the M8200 when I went to a farm show and talked with the local NH dealer. He had a "special" loaner coming in that he could give me a good deal on. I wind up getting the TN75 I wanted, but saving $4K on it. If it wasn't for that I'd probably be driving orange right now.

So to put all this into a nutshell for you:
TN75A vs. M6800 - There is no comparison. The TN75 EASILY wins hands down.
TN75A vs. M8200 - Probably a slight edge for the Kubota, depending on what you like/need in a tractor.

In MHO, don't bother comparing the TN75 to the M6800. The M8200 is around the same money as the TN75 (I had three different Kubota dealers price it like that.)

FarmGeek · Apr 15, 2005

I just finished making a similar decision between these two exact models. In the end, I didn't need the larger machines so I went for a smaller Orange version - but that isn't important.

What I want to reinforce is what has already been mentioned. Choose your dealer carefully. He can be your strongest ally or your most hated opponent. I dug deep and handed my local dealer well over $35K of very hard earned cash and what I got in return was sloppy work, empty promises and price gouging on every accessory.

I tried to save a few $$$ and went with this dealer instead of one that was a bit further away. I thought being more local and repeat business would mean something. It didn't. We recently parted ways under less than pleasant terms with my promise to never bother him again. I long for a dealer I can trust and develop a historical relationship where he knows my needs and I know his capabilities.

Whichever color of tractor you choose, the support network is very important, much more so if you are making a livelihood with it.

Good luck and Happy Shopping!

burnetma · Apr 15, 2005

I paid $33500 for a JD 5420 MFWD, 12x12 PowerReverser, Isolated Open Operating Station, Dual Rear Remotes, 16.9x30 tires, calcium loaded, 2 pair rear wheel weights, 541 Mechanical Self Leveling Loader w/84" heavy material bucket.

To clarify, the best quote I received on the NH TN75A with all the same features EXCEPT 16x16 EH Shuttle and non self-leveling loader was $34,500. The $31,500 was for the 12x12 shuttle shift and non-self-leveling FEL.

Lot's of pros and cons to both machines. Money was only part of the equation. The final performance factors were:
1. Peak torque of JD 5420 at 1100 RPM vs 1400 for the TN75A. Very small difference, but the torque curve is also flatter over the whole range for the JD.
2. Inconsistancy unit to unit of the NH tractor. Drove 5-6 (some were the Case/IH JXC-1075) and each was dramatically different in sound and feel. Not sure if it was a problem, but made be wonder why??
3. I liked the positive engagement of the reverse lever on the JD. The NH was much easier to use, but I could also see it slipping to neutral while I am baling on one of my hillsides. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

The personal reason why I chose the JD over the NH was JD is USA company (NH is now incorporated under FIAT in Italy). Granted the content of both machines is global, but the corporation and engineering is USA based. That will probably start a fight on the site, but that is not my intention. It is strictly a personal matter and I do not want to argue that point.

I have not personally hauled my new JD anywhere. I have a 1997 Ford F250 Powerstroke that is up to the task (rated at 20k GCVW). The tractor was delivered by the dealer behind a Dodge D350 Cummins Diesel on a GN trailer. I asked the driver how it pulled through the PA hills and backroads and he stated that it was fine with the exception of 2 of the biggies, where he had to downshift. Overall no big deal.

I think you will find very little discussion on ballast boxes for UT's here on TBN. I found my information on the JD website in the operators manual for the 541 loader. The numbers are probably conservative, but I have seen one photo of a TBN member with a blue tractor on its' side with a round bale on the loader. I do not know the circumstances, but I know that I do not want that to happen to me. FYI, I have added 950 lbs of weight to each rear wheel and 600 lbs on the 3pt and with a good load of wet soil or stone I can make the rear tires so light that they spin the whole way up the hill to my upper lot if I do not lock in the FWD. So I know I am still too light. The key to ballast is being able to remove it when not needed.

Again, good luck and drive a lot of units. You will never be sorry that you did.

FYI as a starting point, my top 4 tractors in the 60-75 HP range are:
- JD 5420, 5520, 5425, 5525 (my choice, but not necessarily the BEST)
- NH TN 75A (Really a top notch machine)
- AGCO GT75 (sweet little tractor with 540/1000 PTO)
- CAT Challenger MT445/MF 4245 (bigger frame than the rest more like JD 6000 or NH TL, but in the price range)

ZJ_HR · Apr 15, 2005

Maybe is worth to look here or there.
These topics were some time ago.

amstell · Apr 17, 2005

The MSRP for a TN75A FWD 16x16 is close to $31,000. Plus add almost another $5,000 (installed) for the FEL. Getting a 5% discount is "normal" getting a 10 - 20% discount is EXCELLENT! If they are selling you the TN75A w/ all those goodies for $30K; write the check ASAP. You won't get that big of a discount often; especially w/ NH dealers.

But in the end it does come down to dealer service!

Good Luck,
AMSTELL

Osconda · Apr 19, 2005

Well after a little bit more head scratching and looking around, I'm starting to think the KIOTI DK65 might be a suitable alternative to the NH TN75A. Yes, I know it's a HP is lower but this may still be sufficient for the tasks. Would like to get opinions of some of you folks as to what the value would be of spending more on the NH.

Also, found out I couldn't buy a DK65"S" model till summer. Dealer said "S" model only available in cab for now. If I go with the "S" model, don't know if I should wait. Maybe some folks on the KIOTI forum can advise on the differences. For now, I'm thinking $4,000 can buy me a few good implements or a good trailer to haul the KIOTI.

NH TN75A, 4WD, ROPS, 32LC FEL, 8' Box Blade, 12X12 shuttle trans., 1 extra rear remote, R4 tires, $30,700. NH offering 0% for 36 mo. financing, although I'm thinking I'll pay cash.

KIOTI DK65, 4WD, ROPS, KL1730 FEL, 8' Box Blade, 12X12 shuttle trans, 2 rear remotes(std), R4 tires, $27,600

TN75A DK65
Price 30,700 27,600
Engine HP 75 64.4
PTO HP 62 55
FEL bucket 6' 7'
Rear Remotes 1 2
PTO Speeds 540 540 & 1000
Closest Dealer 20mi. 65mi.

burnetma · Apr 19, 2005

Did you drive both units with the equipment specified? If not, you HAVE to do so. maybe not just once. My father-in-law states that a man has to seat his own tractor. This is good advice.

Be sure your prices include a fully ballasted unit. Ballast is expensive at ~$1/lb for weights.

As far as HP is concerned, I do not believe that you will ever notice the difference unless you get into significant hay production or some other HP intensive activity. However, you may notice the difference in hydraulic output to the remotes. The TN75 has 16.9 gal/min available at the remotes. Not sure about the Kioti. This will show up in backhoe operation or any hydraulic motor operations. I would consider 12.5 gal/min as a minimum. One can always add a PTO driven pump, but this adds cost, maintenance and set-up time.

Just my $0.02

RedDog · Apr 19, 2005

Did you drive both units with the equipment specified? If not, you HAVE to do so. maybe not just once. 

I agree.

The TN75 has 16.9 gal/min available at the remotes. Not sure about the Kioti. This will show up in backhoe operation or any hydraulic motor operations. I would consider 12.5 gal/min as a minimum. One can always add a PTO driven pump, but this adds cost, maintenance and set-up time.


The NH will have more GPM. 16.9 v's 11 (I think) for the Kioti. I do not have a back hoe, nor have I ever used my rear remotes, but I can say my front end loader is plenty fast enough for me.

Good luck, RedDog