Should the commen NH problems keep me from Blue?

rockyridgefarm · Nov 7, 2002

I am finalizing my new tractor decisions. I have said that my most comfortable dealer is the NH guy. I really like the NH tractors. And I feel pretty comfortable with the TC35D fitting my needs. The biggest problem I have in settling this is the common problems owners seem to have. I was just going to mark NH off my list. But, realizing I have a great NH Dealer, (Tulsa New Holland has won NH’s highest dealer award for 11 straight years…) am I safe going with them?

The problems I keep hearing are:

Fogged instrument cluster
Cool running diesels
No Joy joysticks
HST pedals that don’t go right
Etc.

I don’t live close to a dealer, so I don’t want to expect that they’ll drop by and take care of little things. I do expect that the dealer prep will be PERFECT from these guys….

As I said before I want to stay with the Big Three. My local dealer situation is in order of rank Blue Green Orange
My best deal is at New Holland. But I don’t need a new tractor that will have a lot of problems…

Thanks

hazmat · Nov 7, 2002

I've read solutions here for every problem you mentioned. So I wouldn't let them stop you from going blue

Discuss your concerns with your dealer. Also maybe you want to inspect the tractor after prep but before delivery to be sure everything is to your satisfaction.

Another option is to arrange for free/low cost on site work/pick up for warranty issues as part of your price negotiations.

rockyridgefarm · Nov 7, 2002

I have been reading about problems in all colors. I have seen several references to having to "reboot" on the new Deere TEN's. That might not be a big deal, but I service computer systems and spend my days watching windows rebooting. I DON"T want to do that on a tractor.../w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

MikePA · Nov 7, 2002

Mike, I agree with hazmat...I would mention these specific concerns to the dealer and even tell them where you heard about them. Ask him/her what they will do for you should any of these problem affect your tractor. I'd even go so far as to ask the dealer to agree to come to your place, at no charge, to deal with any of these specific problems.

The key to a good tractor buying experience is the dealer and it sounds as if you have found a good one in the NH dealer. So, that's the tractor I would stick with. In fact, when someone asks for my advice about buying a tractor I tell them;

1. Determine how you plan on using the tractor.
2. Research the dealers and pick the dealer(s), regardless of brand, with the best reputation for customer service.

You buy a tractor once, but parts and service goes on for the life of the tractor. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

grainger12002 · Nov 7, 2002

I agree-(our farm has multiple colcors on it)Blue makes a good tractor and I am sure by your comments the dealer will take care of any problems-They all have there ups & downs but these are releativly minor issues. Good luck-Grainger

Soundguy · Nov 8, 2002

HST pedals that don’t go right
Etc.

He he.. you could always get a gear shift model.... like a 3010s... lotsa tractor...

I love my blue tractor ( NH 1920 ) But then it has no joy stick or HST pedal either.
I havn't had any gauge fog problems.. but I beleive the tc series has.

Go with what you are comfterable with, and try to get the most tractor for your buck. If it is blue, that's great.

Keep in mind that many of the problems listed, are merely concerns... not work-stopping problems.

Soundguy

rockyridgefarm · Nov 8, 2002

He he.. you could always get a gear shift model.... like a 3010s... lotsa tractor...

Well, good idea. Except that this is as much for my wife as for me. And I realize that you're also stirring the pot...

On a slightly more serious note - Does your NH have a Shibaura diesel? From a YM owner standpoint, how do you like it? I remember your Yanny is a 2 cyl. One of the good poiinnnts, to me, about the green machines is the Yanmar engine...

Phred · Nov 9, 2002

Mike,

Keep in mind that guys usually post when they have problems. Most guys don't post when the tractor runs great and has no problems.

You will find that all the other brand forums have problems as well.

The problems with NH are isolated and not systemic to the brand.

I love my TN series. No problems. Just a great tractor.

I bet you will be happiest with blue, if the dealer is the best of the lot.

Fred

jinman · Nov 9, 2002

Mike, as the owner of a Class III Boomer who has seen all the problems you mentioned and more, I'd just say that I'm pleased with my tractor so far. The most severe problem I experienced (bad welds on HST pedal mechanism) has been corrected on current models. Everything else is a irritant, but as hard as I work my little tractor, there are bound to be things happening. I'd take my list of known problems to the dealer and address them directly. Maybe you could show up on a cool/cold day a day ask to see if the tractor would warm up after ten minutes running and also check the fogging in the instrument cluster to see if it is too severe for your own personal taste. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif Finally, you have to believe that NH awards their dealers based on $$$ of sold equipment. The best way to rate a dealer is to talk to their customers. For example, locally a newpaper takes a reader poll each year of "best businesses" and publishes it in their paper. My NH dealer is a consistent winner, so I feel pretty confident going to him. He's also been very quick to correct any problem I have with tractor. Local word-of-mouth is the best tool...if you can find it. Good luck! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

kcbarnes · Nov 9, 2002

I have had my 40D for a little over a year and my only problem was the cold running one(knock on wood). I have also read all the other stories about the other problems and have found that almost everyone that has been ticked off from it will often say in their next sentence that they still love their tractor and would buy another one. As said before most problems have been minor and I agree should not have occured but the TC series is also a big departure in design from the old line with styling and ergonomics.