TC 33 vs TC 35 vs Kubota L3130

gchova · Jan 16, 2005

Anybody have thoughts on a TC 33 vs 35? I would like to do some landscaping (box blade, landscape rake), mowing, FEL stuff, maybe drag some trees, etc. The Kubota line seems to be a bit less heavily made in their less than 30 hp tractors--the TC 33 looks to my untutored eye to have a heavier frame/axles, etc. than anything less than a Kubota L3130, which is quite a bit larger as far as frame size. The TC 33 seems to have a good balance of strength and size, and maneuverability is important to me. ? pluses/minuses of TC 33 vs 35?

Thanks,

George

jinman · Jan 16, 2005

Hi George, and welcome to the New Holland forums on TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

New Holland has several classifications for its compact tractors. Each of these classifications shares a common frame size with different engines and performance specs. The TC 33 is a Class II tractor and the TC35 is a Class III. That makes the TC35 much heavier than the TC33, but it also has many additional features. The TC35's loader and 3PH can lift over 500 lb more than the TC33. It's also much bigger and will require more space to turn and maybe a much bigger trailer to haul it from job to job. I think both tractors are good choices (and the Kubota also is an excellent tractor). If you have specific needs, you may need to make a side-by-side comparison on paper to make the best choice. I think you'd be happy with any of the three.

djradz · Jan 17, 2005

Look at the brake pedal arrangement on the 33. I frequently need to use the pedals for assistance in steering, and I believe it is much more difficult to do so on the Class II NH units than on the Class III. Not sure about the Kubota. Also, the Class IIIs have the electronic range control switch which is another huge advantage over the competition and the smaller units.

rmlucasco · Jan 17, 2005

I got a TC33Da because it fit places (through my blueberry rows, onto my loading dock & through my Factory doors) that the TC 35/40 would not. The TC33 is adequate but the larger tractor has sigificantly more power, better layout and all around greater utility.

Theowegian · Jan 17, 2005

I was looking at the TC33DA and the Kubota L3130. Both are very nice tractors. After agonizing over the details, I finally went with the L3130. No regrets. Trust your instincts. If you like the 33DA, then go for it, Im sure its an excellent tractor and you'ld be very happy with it. I wish I could have spent 200 hrs on each one then give you an opinion, but, .....that just cant be done! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

BeeFarmer · Jan 18, 2005

The 33 with SS will go anywhere. The 35 is basically a larger frame tractor with only a couple of more ponies. When it comes to the 2 extra ponies moving the extra large frame you will feel the difference. Then again this was the results when I tested 2 years ago... things might have changed.

_RaT_ · Jan 18, 2005

<font color="red">I wish I could have spent 200 hrs on each one then give you an opinion, but, .....that just cant be done! </font>

Isn't that the truth. It takes a lot longer to really get the feel of things then one thinks. The minute differences in brands not to mention features often take some some to really become apparent. Taking a 5 minute test drive on a HST tractor for example tells you very little about it's many applications or conveniences.

have_blue · Jan 18, 2005

Hi George,

Welcome aboard!

I had a TC29 (same frame as a TC33), and now a TC35. The TC35 looks, feels, and runs like a much bigger tractor. The TC35 has a larger hydraulic pump, which kicks up the capabilities pretty much. The R type tires are way bigger and wider (haven't studied the ag tires), and when liquid filled, they make the TC35 a beefy little package. You can lift and lug larger implements on both ends.

Power-wise and work-wise, the TC35 is more versatile because of the heavy lifting. If you don't need the heavy lifting for larger implements, hey, the 33 is a beautiful and agile little machine. You will like it I'm sure.

Bottom line, you gain ~1 foot on implements.

TC33 will handle a 5' box blade, mower, and FEL about like the TC35 will handle 6 footers.

kozak · Jan 18, 2005

Welcome to TBN.

Don't really have much to add as the gallery above has pretty much covered it. When I was looking for my first tractor approx. a year ago, I was seriously considering a Case DX33 which is very close if not equivalent to a TC33D. (D=Deluxe)
I was looking for something larger than what I had but not too big. But the last thing I wanted to do was buy TOO small. The Case I was looking at was brand new & $$$$$. So I looked at what NH had to offer & came across a 2001 TC35D. What a tractor when compared to the smaller frame of the 33 hp. Looking back, I am very happy with my decision as I already have seen the benefits of the larger model. You will always come across jobs & tasks where smaller would have been better. But for the work I am doing & plan to do with it in the future, I LOVE MY TC35D !!!!!!

sherpa · Jan 19, 2005

gchova
I really liked the L3130 and was going to buy it and at the last minute bought a TC33D and am very happy with it. If you want maneuverability this is the tractor for you. It is strong and a pleasure to work. I love it in the woods, it will fit in the smallest of places and you can turn it around in the middle of a narrow forest road. The L3130 would not have gone places I have taken the TC33. I can even turn it around insde my garage and it dont take up much space. The only thing is, it breaks my chains pulling large trees! I was used to my B20 just stalling out when the load was too big. I have found the grunt range now and back off before snapping my chains.
Sherpa