Possible new owner questions

[AJones]

Hi, I'm new to the board and have a couple questions.
1) I'm looking to purchase a 2002 TC33D ( 428 hrs) with a NH FEL and backhoe, 5`backblade, and 64 " rear mount snow blower. The price is 15,000.00. There are no oil leaks and the dealer will fix the few things I found. Seat adjustment needs lube, hood latch does not latch, brake needs adjustment in my opinion, and he is replacing the hyd. cooling elbows near the radiator. Checked on those based on the info I read here to watch for. Does this sound like a good price?
2) I have a 900 foot paved drive with a 300 foot section at a 12 percent angle. I currently clean snow from the drive with an 1872 Cub Cadet with a 45 inch snow blower, and rear chains. There have been times I had a hard time getting back up the hill. Will the TC33D have a problem with traction (in 4x4)in this situation? Which will be better to add for improved traction chains, load the tires or both? Thanks in advance.

 

[dqdave1]

I suggest loaded tires with a FEL. You did not mention type of tires. My TC 29 has turfs and I have never needed chains. Your grade may require them. Turfs work well in snow. Your grade could possibly require rear chains.
Check the tilt function of the steering wheel on the unit; another item that goes bad.

 

[MikeBurr]

As said, check the steering wheel, and make sure that it has had the 300 hr service with all the fluids changed. Tires, I have R4's on mine. In snow they work fairly well - on Ice, only chains will help. I hope they are not just putting new hoses on, make sure that they install the upgraded hydro lines setup. Also have them check the setup for the fel - alot of owners found there fel's would not lift as much as it is rated for. Sounds like the hours are low, I put over 700hrs on mine in 2.5 years... Good luck with the unit...

As far as back weight, I use a box blade on mine and have more than enough weight for bucket loads of dirt. If you are going to use it for mowing, reminber that loaded tires are always there and can make ruts if the ground is a little wet - a box blade will be removed to run the mower....

 

[AJones]

The tires are R4s. I realized I didn't mention the type tire until after I posted. And yes, now that you mentioned the tilt steering it does telescope but the lock for the tilt does not lock. Handle froze. I talked to a NH dealer and he told me this usually happened to tractors stored outside. He said it was probably a spring loaded pin that is rusted. It is a JD dealer that took the machine on a trade that is selling the tractor.

My main concern was traction when clearing snow and ice from my steep drive. I planned to run the FEL and the rear mount snowblower in the winter and change to the backhoe in the summer. I talked to the original owner and he told me he did all the service himself and greased the machine after eveery 10 hours of use. The dealer is gong to change the fluids and grease prior to delivery.

 

[mathey]

Does this sound like a good price?

Yes...I paid just about the same for a 2003 TC33D with 178 hrs, 7308, QA, bucket, forks, and 72" rotary.

 

[dqdave1]

IF THE TILT WHEEL FEATURE IS FROZE; IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO FREE IT UP; IF NOT, A NEW CYLINDER WILL BE NEEDED. pRICE SOUNDS REASONABLE.

 

[jinman]

Handle froze. I talked to a NH dealer and he told me this usually happened to tractors stored outside. He said it was probably a spring loaded pin that is rusted.

That NH dealer gave you very good info. Most of the time to get that info you have to talk to the service manager. The front-office guys rarely know those kinds of details. ...but the JD dealer doesn't have to know it's easy to fix. Use that malfunction to get the best deal you can.

 

[Kubotasrking]

I realized I didn't mention the type tire until after I posted. And yes, now that you mentioned the tilt steering it does telescope but the lock for the tilt does not lock. Handle froze. I talked to a NH dealer and he told me this usually happened to tractors stored outside. He said it was probably a spring loaded pin that is rusted.

I just replaced that pin myself. Easy to do. The price sounds very good to me...enjoy the seat of your fine machine.

 

[AJones]

Well I'm not a possible owner anymore. I bit the bullet and purchased the tractor. I had already talked them down $1,500.00 from what they were asking to start with and they wouldn't go any more trying to use the tilt wheel problem for leverage. They told me they talked to a NH dealer and were told the shock was bad and would cost $150.00 for the part plus installation. If it is just a rusted pin, how hard is it to replace the pin for you guys that have been down that road? Do you need to remove the cowling to get to it?

 

[dqdave1]

Yes, you will remove the covers below the dash; two bolts on firewall on each side and two bolts holding center sections together. After they are off; you will see how tilt handle is attached; It is a split pin that needs to be driven out; that will allow you to remove the handle; careful; a spring is under it. after you remove handle, you will see a pin in center of cylinder shaft; this is what freezes up; apply a good penatrating oil and leave it sit. Try to get a pair of pliers on it and move it up. It is now stuck in the down position. Hopefully you will free it up. If it moves up, the tilt will lock in position. You may have to tap it lightly also. to free it. Most of us have been able to free it up with patience. After it frees up, apply grease to it; replace spring and handle, drive pin in and you are done. Remember it is prone to moisture, keep it lubed.