T33D tryout impressions, questions

Anonymous Poster · Sep 3, 2002

We rented/tried out a T33D to mow our prairie this weekend. We had done the same with a Kubota B2710 about six weeks ago. We're actually considering the B2910, but the 2710 is very similar minus a few features. Anyway, I liked both of them, and they were far more alike than different. I'm leaning towards the T33 primarily because of the extra power, although the difference is not huge. If Kubota had an equivalent tractor to the T33 in terms of size, power, and features, I might have gone for it.

Some of the T33 "extras," such as the swiveling seat and the sloping hood, are nice, but not decisive for me. The one feature I consider a "must have" is the telescoping rear PTO connector, which is also on the B2910. So in the end it comes down to power, price, and size.

We'll probably get a FEL (does a 60" vs. 68" bucket really make a big difference?), a side discharge finsihing mower, a rear blade for snow and driveway maintenance, and possibly a bruish hog for making new trails and heavier duty field mowing.

My only complaint or question has to do with the T33 control levers. They were *really* stiff -- raising and lowering the rear PTO mower was not easy, and I had similar problems with the range control (getting into speed II) and the PTO control. I don't recall having these problems on the B2710, which did have a few more hours on it.The T33 has a fewer than 10 hours on it. Are these levers supposed to be this tight, or do they loosen up as you break them in?

Another question: I saw that the T33 PTO can go up to 600rpm if you rev the engine all the way up. Is this just for short-term "tough spots," or can (should) you run it this high for extended periods?

Last question: any words of advice out there on whether to get this machine (since it is in stock) or to order a brand new one? I assume that the inventory one will be a llittle less expensive, but I haven't talked price seriously with the dealer yet.

Thanks!

MikePA · Sep 3, 2002

Welcome to TBN!

If Kubota had an equivalent tractor to the T33 in terms of size, power, and features, I might have gone for it.
Then you would have had an orange TC33D. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif BTW, since there are feature and price differences between the 'D' and non-'D' models, might want to be careful about how you refer to them, particularly when talking to the dealers. When I bought my TC25D I thought the 'D' features were kind of nice but not really necessary. After using my tractor for almost 75 hours, I wouldn't get another tractor without them. The swivel seat sounds trivial until you've spent 30 hours (with many more to go) twisted around looking at a post hole digger. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

So in the end it comes down to power, price, and size.
Don't forget the dealer and after the sale service. I personally think the dealer service is at least as important as all the other considerations, perhaps more important.

(does a 60" vs. 68" bucket really make a big difference?)
I have a 60" standard duty bucket. If I had to do it over again, I'd get the heavy duty bucket with 3 hooks welded on it. The extra 8" depends on what you will be doing with it and where you will be storing it. I could not get the wider bucket in my small garage.

The one feature I consider a "must have" is the telescoping rear PTO connector, 
I think you mean telescoping lower 3ph arms, right? /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I agree with you. My TC25D has them and it makes hooking up attachments a lot easier. You might be able to get the Kubota dealer to include them on the 2710. I assume they're available, just not a standard item.

Are these levers supposed to be this tight, or do they loosen up as you break them in?
Get the dealer to loosen them up before delivery. There are instructions somewhere on TBN on how to do this, but it's a pain, particularly if you do not remove the rear tire. Might as well get the dealer to do this.

I saw that the T33 PTO can go up to 600rpm if you rev the engine all the way up. Is this just for short-term "tough spots," or can (should) you run it this high for extended periods?
Most attachments are designed to run at 540 rpm so you should not run them any faster than that.

any words of advice out there on whether to get this machine (since it is in stock) or to order a brand new one? I assume that the inventory one will be a llittle less expensive, but I haven't talked price seriously with the dealer yet.
I assume that the one that is in stock is a new one, i.e., it's not a used tractor? If so, I'd vote for taking the one in stock because there'd be no waiting. I would not assume you'd get a better deal on a tractor that is in stock.

Anonymous Poster · Sep 3, 2002

Thanks Mike. To clarify a couple of things:- yes, I'm talking about the T33D, not the T33. Thanks for pointing that out.- the same dealer here does both Kubota and NH, so in this case, the dealer is not really an issue. I think he's pretty good, but I thought the same thing about a JD dealer who ended up swlling us a lemon JD 325 lawn & garden unit 5 years ago (and I thought *that* was big!). So as far as we're concerned, there's nowhere to go but up when it comes to the dealer. This is a family-run operation, and my initial impressions are positive.- we will definitely talk to the dealer about loosening the levers.Thanks again!-Peter

Kodiak · Sep 3, 2002

Hi Peter welcome to TBN:

Mike did a really good job on answering your questions. Only wanted to offer a couple of observations. I purchased a new TC29 in April. Yes the control levers were really tight, although they had loosened up somewhat by the time the dealer did the 50 hour service, I did have them loosen the 3pt lift lever some more.

Second in regards to to bucket size I went with the bigger HD bucket, as that covers the width of the wheels. By this I mean that you can backdrag without showing any tire tracks.

Good luck on your new purchase.

kch · Sep 3, 2002

In regards to buying new vs. used, I had this same dilemma. I went with new and the reason being, the used did not have a full warranty and the used had much higher interest rates then if you bought a new one. If your paying cash and the tractor still has 90% of the warranty left and you can save 2-4 thousand then go used. If you go used remember dealers have a hard time getting rid of the slightly used ones for the reasons I just mentioned so you should be able to work the price down. You will be suprised what they will throw in if u ask......

cstocks · Sep 4, 2002

If Kubota had an equivalent tractor to the T33 in terms of size, power, and features, I might have gone for it.

Someone correct me if I am wrong but I think a more accurate comparison with the TC33D would have been the Kubota L3010. I looked at both before deciding on the NH. One deciding factor for me was the location of the FEL lever control. On the TC33D it's location allows my arm to remain in more of an at rest position as opposed to the 3010, which required my arm to be more stretched out to operate the FEL.

The 600 rpm light is there to let you know you are running too fast. Always back off the throttle until you are back in the 540 rpm range.

As for the 3 PH control being stiff, check out <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=nhown&Number=185993&Search=true&Forum=All_Forums&Words=bnixon&Match=Username&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=180811/>Bnixon's post</A> on how to fix the problem. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=nhown&Number=190081&Search=true&Forum=All_Forums&Words=djradz&Match=Username&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=190081>djradz</A> also addressed the issue.

Good luck on making your selection!

BigDave · Sep 4, 2002

I bought a TC33D a month ago, and have all of 13 hours on it. I'm happy so far. I test drove & studied many tractors. Deere's were too expensive (mostly the local dealer's fault). The fenders on the Kubotas dropped whenever I got on one. NH's felt solid, and the D models had some nice features.

So far, I've learned that the levers are stiff, but they are starting to loosen up. The adjustable 3pt linkages are indenspensible. Tilt/relescoping steering wheel and weight adjustable seat allow both my wife & I use the same tractor (although the seat adjustment should be easier to turn). Mounting/unmounting the FEL & MMM isn't too hard and becomes easier with practice. I don't need to use the FEL to put the MMM in place. I have 60" wide tractor, FEL, MMM, & rear blade, so if the FEL or the blade fit through a hole, the whole package will. This idea may backfire when it's time to push snow.

Just some ramblings. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

cstocks · Sep 4, 2002

I went with the 60" bucket for the same reason, BigDave. I wanted the bucket to be about the same width as my tractor so that I could get next to fences with less change of snagging them. Ditto for the 60" rotory mower.

I like the adjustable seat but my weight seems to be more than it can be adjusted for. I have tightened it just about as far as it will go and it is still not quite enough for my weight. 'Course I am a big guy so I am not complaining. It does seem to have a weight limit for effectiveness though.

kch · Sep 4, 2002

I have compared the TC33 and Kubota 3010. You will find the 3010 to be a much bigger tractor that is much heavier. The TC33 was in the middle of the 2910 and the 3010, thats why I bought the TC33. The 2910 seemed to small, the 3010 seemed to big and the TC33 seemed just right......kind of like the three bears!!!

BigDave · Sep 4, 2002

Chris,

I tipping, O.K. crushing, the scale at 325lbs. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif The seat, with about one more inch of adjustment left, supports my weight with only the ocassional bottoming out over hard bumps. I don't know if they changed the springs recognizing that Americans are getting fatter. Does your machine have a rectractable seat belt? I tried a TC21 that didn't have this type of belt and it didn't fit me.

BTW Chris, if you're bigger than me, maybe I need to change my name. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif