TC18 Purchase ideal for my uses? Will it pull ski boat and trailer?

[brenth561]

Hello All!

I have come across a one owner 2001 NH TC 18 2100hrs Diesel 4x4 power steering 7106 FEL and 60" belly mower for $7,500. They have it described it in great condition, recently serviced and meticulously maintained. Is $7,500 a good deal? Also any advice of things I need to look at upon inspection of the tractor before purchase?

I have a 9.5 acres that is flat. I will be using the TC18 to mow the front yard that is 3.5 acres that has some trees and then purchase a 4' bush hog to tackle the remaining acres of pasture in the back. I will also be using the FEL to move rocks, logs and clear the drive way of the occasional light snow that we get in Central IL. We also want to use it to move our boat and trailer which weighs roughly 6,000lbs into and out of the barn at the end of summer. Would the TC18 be able to handle moving the boat and trailer?

 

[davesl708]

Hi. Welcome. It will pull them on flat ground. Don't get to much speed up you may find it hard to stop.

 

[k0ua]

If you are talking about moving it around your place, with its flat ground, then yes, it will move it around. I would not pull it down the road with it. I would not pull it down or up a hill with that tractor. Flat ground only, and go slow.

 

[k0ua]

The TC18 is rated for 1265 lbs on the 3 point. The hitch weight for your boat will be approximately 600 lbs. It should be able to lift it and maneuver around slowly and gently on flat ground, but your tractor weighs only 1438 lbs. so if you ever go down hill with it, the 6000 lb boat and trailer will just keep on going until it hits something or wads you and tractor up. You are not going to be able to stop it.

TractorData.com New Holland TC18 tractor information

 

[brenth561]

I will only need to move the boat and trailer a short distance on the flat driveway into the barn shown in the third pic. The previous owners positioned the barn too close to the garage so we are not able to back the boat in with a car but it is possible with a tractor. Is the TC18 equipped with a hitch on the frame or will I need to purchase additional hardware?

 

[k0ua]

I will only need to move the boat and trailer a short distance on the flat driveway into the barn shown in the third pic. The previous owners positioned the barn too close to the garage so we are not able to back the boat in with a car but it is possible with a tractor. Is the TC18 equipped with a hitch on the frame or will I need to purchase additional hardware?

It may have a fixed drawbar, but will likely be low for the boat trailers coupler. You will likely need a 3 point hitch trailer mover like this:

Tractor Quick Hitch-Cat 1 Quick Hitch | Agri Supply #61559

 

[4570Man]

Does your boat trailer have hydraulic surge brakes? I think on flat ground it will be fine.

 

[k0ua]

Don't raise the 3pt any higher than needed to get the trailers coupler jack off of the ground. Remember the 3pt hitch is not prevented from moving up if the boat trailers rear end squats for any reason (like in a dip) it will raise the 3pt up and could even lift the rear of the tractor up. This is not liable to happen on your flat ground, just backing it into the barn, and I am assuming the trailer coupler load will be near that 600 lbs of down force. It should all go fine from what you have told us.

 

[4570Man]

Based on a quick look on tractor house I'd say the price is pretty good. If that thin grass in the second picture is all you are mowing I think you would be fine with a 5" cutter. The mowing is obviously going to be pretty slow, but there is no reason why that tractor can't handle it.

 

[brenth561]

Does your boat trailer have hydraulic surge brakes? I think on flat ground it will be fine.

The trailer has disc brakes on each side. I will also be purchasing a used zero turn in the future to use to cut the grass so the mowers primary purpose will not be simply for just mowing. After talking with a few others I am wondering if I should hold out and go with a John Deere. Could someone tell me the equivalent or slightly larger JD models?