Opinions on an 04' Tn65.

[Foxtrot08]

The tires look to be about 50% or so, which is about right for the hours. My TN60A - give 4x4 and sees some mileage baling are about the same as it's. So assuming those are the original tires, that sounds right.

Might not be a bad idea to get the front guard and some plow weights. Would protect your front grill and head lights while brush hogging. Might save from buying a few grills or head lights too. I would at least get a front brush guard for it, if the plow weights are too expensive.


400 hours on a tractor is like brand new still. Just the same as heavy equipment. I would be more worried about having something major fail (hydro pump, etc.) at 1500 - 2000 hours.

 

[kf4uda]

it would have to be a light duty cutter if is a 7ft or a drag type 8 ft because the tractors does have enough weight in the front end to keep the tires on the ground i have a 2wd 6600 cap tractor and with now front weights a heavy duty 6 ft makes it light on the front end

I didn't realize the TNs were that light in the front. I would still want more width mowing 17 acres several times per year plus potential for other business. That leaves a drag type or semi-mount. I have a 10ft semi-mount that I use with my TD5030 (75hp). I like it by far over a drag type. Either style can be had in a 7~8ft.

 

[whodat526]

I didn't realize the TNs were that light in the front. I would still want more width mowing 17 acres several times per year plus potential for other business. That leaves a drag type or semi-mount. I have a 10ft semi-mount that I use with my TD5030 (75hp). I like it by far over a drag type. Either style can be had in a 7~8ft.

but yours is for wheel drive the tractor he is looking at is no larger than a 3930 and has twice as much plastic on it they are light tractors

 

[WM75Guy]

I pull a 6' behind my Boomer 8N which is 40 HP PTO without any problems. I added 2 100 pound weights to the front after trying to trailer it. With the cutter raised and driving around I noticed it was a little light up front. When I went to trailer it the ramp angle changed the weight distribution. The front wheels got to the top of the ramps and kept going up. I was balanced on the rear wheels. I eased it back down the ramps, took off the cutter and loaded it for a trip to get weights.

 

[WM75Guy]

The cheapest on TractorHouse is $11,000 for a 2001 with 1600 hours. I would say the price is right.

 

[KrayzKajun]

I called my buddy who works at our local New Holland/Ford dealer, to what he thought about the price of the tractor. His exact words were if you don't buy asap, I will make you tell me where it is, so they could go buy it.

 

[RickB]

I didn't realize the TNs were that light in the front. I would still want more width mowing 17 acres several times per year plus potential for other business. That leaves a drag type or semi-mount. I have a 10ft semi-mount that I use with my TD5030 (75hp). I like it by far over a drag type. Either style can be had in a 7~8ft.

Your 4WD and rack of front weights along with the longer (4 cylinder) chassis makes a big difference. Anything over a 7' light duty mounted cutter on that TN the OP is looking at will be uncontrollable. Run it, yes. But go to lift it and it is a crapshoot which end will come up first.

 

[Mikeeemo]

Ok, so you will need a rack of weights. I would get that machine purchased before someone else gets it.

Look at the specs for the machine to get the max bush hog weight. Should be recommendation.

I run a '6 1100 pound mower on a L4400 Kubota.

I run 220 pounds of weights & 4wd.

I would bet the weight rack for that tractor will hold way more that that.



Btw, don't run around with the mower raised up high, it is hard on the frame. You don't need to be raising the mower up to set it down on stuff. Bad things happen, don't ask.... ;-)

 

[KrayzKajun]

Plan is to pull a 7ft cutter. Want to put a weight kit on the front and build a custom brush bar on the front with cage running to the canopy.

 

[kf4uda]

Your 4WD and rack of front weights along with the longer (4 cylinder) chassis makes a big difference. Anything over a 7' light duty mounted cutter on that TN the OP is looking at will be uncontrollable. Run it, yes. But go to lift it and it is a crapshoot which end will come up first.

Yep, I was allowing for the difference in 4WD to 2WD. I looked at the tractor specs and discovered that machine is a fair amount lighter that the TD.

KrayzKajun I think you are doing right by adding the weights to offset the cutter's weight. I looked up the weight kit for that tractor. The front weight bracket weighs 120lbs and the weights are 88lbs each. My weights and bracket came in the package with my tractor so I am not sure of the cost. I am sure they are not cheap. You might can find some used ones or do what Soundguy did in this post and make some.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/203516-casting-weights.html

Sounds like you are getting a great deal on the tractor.