Question About FEL Joystick

Haneyrm · Apr 2, 2007

I am in the process of trying to buy a 2004 TC35DA with 16LA FEL. Most of the TC35's that I have seen have a pretty fancy looking joystick for the FEL that resembles something out of an F-16. The tractor I am looking at has the traditional "knob on a stick" look to it. It looks to be the factory set-up and I was wondering if the fancy joystick was an option or what. Thanks for the heads-up in advance.

Mike

dynasim · Apr 3, 2007

The non-deluxe(gear) version of the TC35 doesn't have the dandy stick, and there have been some complaints about the dandy stick breaking. The previous owner may have replaced the stick with the non-deluxe version. That would not be optimum if the tractor is a (D) or (DA), because the rabbit/turtle buttons are one of the best things about this tractor. Are you sure it is a DA?

Chris

jinman · Apr 3, 2007

As Chris said, if the tractor has a hydrostatic transmission, it is a "DA" model. If it is a gear tractor, it is an "A" model. DA models also have a padded operator's platform.

The problem with the joystick should have been fixed by the 2004 model. What do the front lights look like? The 2004s should have had the new shaped lights.

If the tractor is an HST for sure, then someone replaced the factory joystick with the non-deluxe model. The Deluxe model is over $100, but less than $150 I believe. I replaced mine several years ago and I think the price was about $120 at the time. In my opinion, the joystick with the rabbit/turtle switches is worth the extra cost.

Haneyrm · Apr 3, 2007

The tractor definately is the DA version. HST, padded operators platform, swivel seat, etc. The rabbit/turtle switch is not on the FEL joystick. It is on the panel next to the PTO and 3 point controls. Attached is a picture of the unit.

Mike

Haneyrm · Apr 3, 2007

Is there any way to tell what year the tractor is by the serial number?

Mike

TNhobbyfarmer · Apr 3, 2007

Was that picture taken in Dickson, TN by chance?

dynasim · Apr 4, 2007

If you look on the NH website, you can see the two different types of joysticks.

Go to the parts and service, search on tc35da, select hydraulics, and look at the 2 function midmount remote. It has a picture of both sticks.

It is likely it was changed. I would spring for the dandy stick if I bought the tractor.

Chris

jinman · Apr 4, 2007

Haneyrm said:
Is there any way to tell what year the tractor is by the serial number?

Mike

There is no date code built into the serial number, but I can tell by the style of the tractor that it is at least late 2003 model or later. Sometimes you can find date stamps on fiberglass panels or on the inside of the rims (inside tire) where manufacturing dates are stamped or there is a sticker. I wouldn't really worry about it because that is certainly a later model "DA" tractor that looks very nice in your picture.

I'm including two pictures of the joystick. One is the new stick right out of the box and the other is it installed.

602466 · Apr 5, 2007

Jim:

I have a TC40DA with a bush hog FEL. I went with that because it had a little more lift capacity to it. It does not have the rabbit switch to it. Can I change out the joy sticks with the NH Turtle/Rabbit switch. All I hear here is how you guys love it!

Thanks,

Wally

jinman · Apr 5, 2007

602466 said:
Jim:

I have a TC40DA with a bush hog FEL. I went with that because it had a little more lift capacity to it. It does not have the rabbit switch to it. Can I change out the joy sticks with the NH Turtle/Rabbit switch. All I hear here is how you guys love it!

Thanks,

Wally

The NH joystick is standard on a "loader ready" tractor. However, since you have a Bush Hog FEL, it will depend on where the joystick is mounted. Is it on the right side of the operator's platform in front of the side console, or is it just to the right of the steering wheel, mounted on the loader post?

If the joystick is located near to the NH OEM location, I think you could replace the joystick with a rabbit/turtle one. The harness connection for the switch is probably there since it is a function of having the HST rather than having a FEL. You might talk to your dealer or look for the harness and connector yourself. You can see what the connector should look like by the connector shown on my joystick in the attachment in my last post.