TC 18 vs TC 21

BGM72 · Apr 21, 2002

I am close to buying a TC 18 4WD, FEL. I will be using it mostly for leveling and raking a sand beach area. The only major difference vs TC21 (other than Engine and PTO HP) I can find in the specs is the hydraulic pump capacity (TC18 4.0 TC 21 4.9). What effect will the smaller pump capacity have?

Budget and space are my major reasons to buy the TC18 but I do not want to get something that can not do the job.

Any advice is appreciated.

Solo · Apr 21, 2002

I love to talk about my TC 18, one great machine. Have you read my review? There are some other difference's in the two machines, 6x2 tranny on the 18, 9x3 on the 21. As for the hydraulic pump I did read another post some time ago that the FEL was a little slow that was on a 21 D. I don't know I don't have the FEL, yet. The one thing that both do have in common is they both weigh about the same. They are to lite. I have the rears loaded on my 18 and that helps. Load the rears and you should be fine as for doing the work I don't think there is anything the 18 can't do.

Solo

spencer200 · Apr 21, 2002

as far as the space issue goes they are made on the same frame and basically the same size this should not be an issue. The issue should be what you want to spend and what you are most comfortable with.

Steelfan · Apr 21, 2002

Welcome BGM72, I've got a TC21D with FEL and 60"MMM. Everything these gentlemen told you is true. I'm sure the TC18 is a great tractor. I really love my TC21D, and the cost new is about $1500 more. The sizes and weight are pretty close to even. When I went looking for a Compact, I was told that if you want a FEL, to not look at anything under 20hp. I can't speak for the TC18, but the TC21 handles the FEL very well. I also agree with Solo about the weight issue. Good Luck. Kent

Solo · Apr 21, 2002

SteelFan

Do you have any pictures of the FEL mounting and controls?

Solo

Steelfan · Apr 21, 2002

Solo,

Nothing close up. Just pictures that I took when I first got the Tractor. I'll see if I can get some for you. I've got a digital camera, so it shouldn't take me to long to take some. Kent

banjobj · Apr 21, 2002

I think you would be perfectly happy with the TC 18. I almost
bought one, but opted for the 21 D instead. I thought I would get the most HP I could afford. The 18 will do almost anything the 21 will do for less money.

lblair · Apr 22, 2002

I have the TC21D. When i bought it i didnt even realize there was the 18 horse. But i wanted Hydo and other goodies that the TC21D had. I would have went with the 25 but didnt have the room or money. I also have the 54" FEL, 60" MMM, 48" KK brush cutter. They all work great on the tractor. perfect size for my needs. I just ordered the First Choice 48" tiller and Post hole digger from Sweets. Well see how they work soon.
Larry

shakman · Apr 23, 2002

The thing that you really need to decide for yourself, as others have mentioned, is how much you want to spend. If you go with the 18, I'm sure that it'll do the job you want it to do. If you go with the 21, you'll also find that it'll do the job for you AND you'll have the extra power needed for heavier work that might come up that the 18 may or may not have the power to handle. When it comes to tractors, I have found that you can never have too much power, but it's easy to never have enough.

If it were me, I'd go with the 21 over the 18 considering the loader work that you are going to be doing. I'm not sure if you are looking into a GST or a HST, but if the price difference is an issue, you may opt for a TC21/GST instead of a TC18/HST. I have a TC29/GST that I use primarily for loader work and the gearshift is not an issue.

Hope this helps!