tc18 2wd not hydro

BigDave · Dec 10, 2002

My original comment on cuid was not about compairing competitors models 

Doesn't New Holland have to worry their competitors? Why do you think they stopped building the 1720, 1920, etc. Was it because they wanted to stick it to the consumer, or did competition drive them to make the Boomers. I would also submit that the demographics of the CUT owners have changed quite a bit over the past 20 years. Many old-timers will have nothing to do with a hydro-transmission, but I wouldn't buy a tractor without one. I also want a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, a seat that adjusts between my own & my wifes height and weight and one that rotates so that it is easier to watch rear implements. I also want a cup holder, buy I'll have to wait on that one. If I need more capacity that what my tractor offers, then I will but a bigger one. Yesterday's 16hp tractor has been replaced by today's 30hp tractor. Those are the two that should be compared. Kubota's B series is an excellent example. The B7100 has slowly transformed into the B2910 and people are buying them like hotcakes. That's 30hp on 1750lb tractor, and that was unheard of 20 years ago. Yes, I may sound like a wimpy yuppie, but that's who's buying a lot of tractors today. I didn't really need a 33hp tractor to mow my acre of grass and plow my driveway, a TC18 would have been more than sufficient. I bought my reliability by buying bigger than I needed. So far, I've not been dissapointed.

Just my $0.02.

Soundguy · Dec 10, 2002

but the actual replacement for the 1920 is the tc35 not the tc33. the Tc33 is an extra model The Tc29 actually replaced the 1720. The Tc35 is still only 3 cylinder but much closer in Cid than the TC33. The Tc35, Tc40-45 where meant to replace the old class size of the 1920 with HP additions. I know people think that some of these replaced the 2120 but that replacement has not come out yet. They tell us in the spring now!

I know that and you know that... but I was compairing HP claims straight up.. like any other unbeknownst user might.... both are listed as 33hp.... the 1920 is just beefier ( in almost all respects )...

Soundguy

Soundguy · Dec 10, 2002

Doesn't New Holland have to worry their competitors? Why do you think they stopped building the 1720, 1920, etc. Was it because they wanted to stick it to the consumer, or did competition drive them to make the Boomers.

I think there are many answers... competition may be one facit.. but don't overlook sheer greed/profit potential. If they can save a buck on a finish product.. and continue to market it for a high sticker... they will.. big business are moving toward this trend all the time. It is a part of planned obselescence. Go buy a new peice of electronics on the market.. in 18 months it will have been replaced, and was probably no longer manufactured by the time it hit the shelf to begin with.

I would also submit that the demographics of the CUT owners have changed quite a bit over the past 20 years. Many old-timers will have nothing to do with a hydro-transmission, but I wouldn't buy a tractor without one. I also want a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, a seat that adjusts between my own & my wifes height and weight and one that rotates so that it is easier to watch rear implements. I also want a cup holder, buy I'll have to wait on that one. If I need more capacity that what my tractor offers, then I will but a bigger one. Yesterday's 16hp tractor has been replaced by today's 30hp tractor. Those are the two that should be compared. Kubota's B series is an excellent example. The B7100 has slowly transformed into the B2910 and people are buying them like hotcakes. That's 30hp on 1750lb tractor, and that was unheard of 20 years ago. Yes, I may sound like a wimpy yuppie, but that's who's buying a lot of tractors today. I didn't really need a 33hp tractor to mow my acre of grass and plow my driveway, a TC18 would have been more than sufficient. I bought my reliability by buying bigger than I needed. So far, I've not been dissapointed.

 We are seeing the demise of the ag tractor in regular 'down the road' rural use.

I for one though, prefer the gear tractor, don't use tilt steering, and like a fixed seat, to move with the tractor, not bounce around trying to maintain contact with the foot throttle.

Just a subjective issue there... but then I don't think that the hydrostat xmissions in popular use are effecient enough at power handling. I realize there are auto trans that are almost identical in performance curves as a manual....porshe( i believe) made one years ago as a 10 grand..concept.. but that blows the whole cost/benefit ratio out of the water. When technology comes up a bit ballancing effeciency and price, I'll look back into the hydrostats.

Soundguy

Steelfan · Dec 11, 2002

Hazmat is right, No one answered this man's question. I'm looking at a quote from my dealer dated 4-24-01. This was the time I was shopping heavily for a tractor. The price for a TC18 4X4 Hydro with a 914a 60" MMM ,and turf tires was $11,750. The MMM price was $2307. So if my math is right that's $9,443 for the TC18 4X4 Hydro. The question is what is the cost of 4X4? I'm assuming around that $1200 to $1500 figure, that would bring the price to around $8000. Also remember that prices have increased since early 2001. I hope that helps.

As far as my TC21D, I'll just put it this way, for me it was the best tractor for my uses. I loved the way things were positioned, and price was less than the JD, and a bit more than the Kubota. We all know that you can get good, and bad in everything. I researched my decision for more then a year. I've had my tractor since Jan. 2002, and I can tell you , that I'm thrilled with it.

Good Luck Mark, and welcome to TBN.
Kent

Kodiak · Dec 11, 2002

For 03 the new Boomers all of them (with the exception of the TC18 I beleive) including the geared models come with all of the nice ameneities standard now, that the deluxe models (hydros) have had for a couple of years now.

MarkStewart · Dec 13, 2002

Thanks for the replies. This thread has been entertaining and informative. I wonder who actually buys their tc18's in that configuration. Not many from what I can see.

spencer200 · Dec 13, 2002

its about right!

tinner · Dec 14, 2002

Mark, Did you get the persoal mail I sent you on this board about a tc18 for sale not far from me here in Vermont?

I'm not sure if it got to you or not because I never saw it in my "sent" list.

It is a good buy at $6k with only 336hrs. on it w/ a mower deck and york style rake.

Bob in the woods of Vermont