Short review of the TN85FA

[Robert_in_NY]

Just thought I would post some info on the TN85FA for others to find in case they are looking at the F version of the TN. The TN85FA I am demoing has 1600 hours, Supersteer and cab. So far all I have done with it is run a 6' brush chopper over some heavy apple tree cuttings. I would post pics of the mess that is left of the limbs but I can't post pics on here still so sorry. The tractor is a lot of fun as it is the first supersteer NH I have ran. It has the autotraction also and that has had a nice workout as it is muddy here. So far it has worked smoothly. The tractor has great power for the size and is a lot of fun to operate. Now for what I don't like. This tractor sits low so you have a large tranny between your legs all day and the cab is a little cramped to keep things narrow so these two items make getting in and out a small pain. It is a great tractor for all day use though but if you want a tractor for working on fences or other utility work go with the standard TN. The other issue is the stabilizer arm adjustment. These things are just stupid, actually worse then the turnbuckle idea. Why couldn't they have a telescopic stabilizer with a pin like on the standard TN? I am not sure if it is just the fact this is a couple years old or not but the seat is very hard. The pto gaurd does not flip up. And the cupholder is not the greatest but it does works.This tractor is a fun machine and if you have a small vineyard or orchard and are debating between a standard TN and the TNF go with the F as it is great in close places while my TN is quite clumsy in the same area. I only put 5 hours on it today and am almost sold on it. This would be a great tractor to have hooked to the discbine, rake or tedder depending on where it is needed as it is quite light on its paws with the radial tires.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Color me stupid, but what's the F option?

 

[Robert_in_NY]

The TNFA is the fruit (orchard) and vineyard version of the TN. There is also a TNVA which is even narrower and is designed for the tight double curtain vineyards. The TK is the TN with tracks and also designed for orchard and vineyards.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I changed over my browser and now everything seems to work again so I can post some pics. The first pic is the TN85FA from the side and the second is from the back to show how narrow it is.

 

[schmism]

i opened the first one and went

WOW that front axle sticks WAY out in front....

then i opened the second and....


WOW that sucker is narrow!

 

[Robert_in_NY]

The way the front axle sits and as low as the tractor sits it makes you feel like you are driving an open wheel race car. It is a lot of fun to operate and if the numbers work out hopefully I will put a few more hours on it.

 

[SlainKnight]

What is your impression of the build-quality of the TN85FA? I wonder what this tractor would cost new?

 

[Robert_in_NY]

The build quality is great. New price is around $42k give or take a couple grand depending on options.

I ran one of the early TN75F tractors last week (you know it is old as it still had the Ford name on it). The tractor ran great and has held up very well. Granted it is only 8 years old or so but being on a grape farm and having multiple operator/drivers you expect the worst. That tractor had around 2500 hours on it.

 

[SlainKnight]

Robert:

Thanks for the feedback. It is an interesting tractor. In fact, I have not seen another that sits so low (good for getting it in my 95 inch doorway) with that much power. I know you should not operate a tractor like this on a slope, but how much of a slope can it take before you start to feel concerned? I took a careful look at your photos, and I noticed there were no telescoping-draft-links. I wonder if these are an available option; otherwise, I would have a rough time hooking up heavy implements.

Jim

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I do not think the telescopic draft links are available on this style tractor. The lift links are angled out as there is not much room between the rear tires so there is not much room to move the lift arms. What I found is that a 5' or 6' cheater bar will move most implements a few inches and are very handy for hooking up items when you don't have the tele links. The lift arm setup is not the greatest but given with what there is to work with I think NH did a good job on it. I don't remember how the JD setup was to know if it was a better design or not.

I have not used this tractor on any slopes other then going down to the barn which isn't much. This tractor is narrow but it is about the same width as most compact tractors. However, it has a ton of weight sitting just off the ground while the compact has their weight higher in the air. Without actually trying to roll it over I would think it would be better on a slope then most of the traditional compact tractors on the market. Also, the FWA system is automatic and it has sensors to kick FWA on and off if it senses you are on a slope or are starting to spin. It is designed to make operating on slopes even safer. The shifting is almost seemless unless you are working it hard when it has to shift. Even then it is rather smooth but you can notice it if you are paying attention and expecting it to shift in.

These tractors are designed to work on the very hilly vineyards in Europe and unless you do something you know you shouldn't then I would not worry about it at all. Now if you do worry about tipping on slopes New Holland has a tracked TN called the TK. That is another machine designed to work in orchards and vineyards but there is very little chance of tipping that one over. Most of the vineyards here are flat but there are some on good size hills and I have never heard of anyone tipping one over. If you get to see one up close you will see how much steel is sitting just off the ground on these machines.