TC24 Questions

[anojones]

Hey- I've been browsing the NH forums looking for info but still have a couple of questions. I've been looking at JD 2210 or 4010 but with the new financing on the TC24, I've headed over here to look around. I have 14 acres- of which 1-2 will be finsih mowing and 10-11 will be bush hogged a few times a year. The area is hilly (some areas too hilly to safely mow), but open (no trees). I also have a gravel drive and have some limited maintenence and snow removal (not enough to need a blower)- the neighbor I share the driveway with has a road grader so does most of the necesary maintenence. I'm wondering how people like the TC (and if known, in comparison to the JD products) and how big a bush hog I can use with the TC24. Any input is appreciated.

A Jones

 

[Brian2]

I have had my TC24DA since october of last year and have over 100 hrs on it. I am on 2.5 acres of hill and rock. I have a front end loader, box scraper, and post hole digger. On slopes and hills I have noticed it can be a bit tippy. I use it to maintain a long driveway, move rocks around, and the latest project of digging into a slope to create more level area. I have been very pleased with the tractor and highly recommend it. It is limited in its ability because it is a small tractor. It just takes a little longer to get things done....much better than a pick and shovel though! I hope this is of help to you. Brian2

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I love my TC24D, it has become my favorite tractor, largely because I like the FEL. The FEL is totally awesome, great strength, and amazing visibility. NH loader visibility comparison photo

However, for 14 acres, it might be a little small for you. Also, given your hills being steep, the TC is narrow (it is 48" wide), I might seriously consider something a bit bigger, the Kubota B2910 is another 6" wider than the TC24, the seat sits at the same height, so the center of gravity is right about the same but the tractor is wider so it should be more stable. Most tractor brands with R4 tires will not allow wheel width adjustment like the old AG tractors did. The trick is to find a tractor that is wide, but with a lot of weight high up above the rear axle, you also want the weight BETWEEN the axles rather than extending too far forward in front of the axles. (sort of like a Jeep CJ, wide with the weight centered). You might want to SERIOUSLY consider the Power Trac tractors (about 30hp) their tractors climb like goats and will handle side slopes that will easily roll over a regular tractor.

The TC24 has about 19 pto HP, that is about perfect for a 4' bush hog and a 5' finish mower. If the bush hogging is limited to prairie grasses with no woody stock, you could possibly go up to a 5' unit, but that would be marginal. By the way the TC24 is being replaced by the TC26, however it still doesn't bump the PTO hp up high enough to for sure say that a 5' bush hog would work well for you. A 30hp tractor would let you run a 5' hog without any problem.

I have some steep spots on my property, the TC24 will climb them, but cross slope driving is a no-no!

 

[anojones]

Thanks for the info- I looked at the PowerTrac and Ventrac vehicles- but I'm not sold enough to order one from across the country and the closet dealer is 600 miles away. They looked interesting- but I think I'd like to shop locally. I should probably just hit the dealers and drive the various tractors and then make my decision.

A Jones

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I like Ventrac a lot. I own one. But I don't think any are big enough for your property.

I understand your concern about the lack of dealerships with Power Trac, it is one of my concerns too.

Seriously look at a lot of brands. I would look for a wide tractor with a long wheelbase but a short overall length to keep the weight inside the wheels. Given hills, I'd seriously look at a hydrostatic transmission, most people consider them safer on the hills. I honestly don't know if a heavier or lighter tractor is better on hills, I think it is more of a weight distribution and center of gravity issue and both light and heavy can roll the wrong way down a hill.

Try them all, buy the one that suits your rear end the best. With 14 acres, I'd be looking at 30 to 35 horsepower and a HST.

 

[dwl]

I have had a TC24DA w/R4s and a LA12 FEL since last November. About 25 hrs. I took advantage of the no interest finacing. I very much like the tractor. We have 5 semi wooded acres with some slope.
I have a 5ft box scraper and it handles it fine. I am currently moving soil and rock/boulders. At times I wish it were bigger but really couldn't justify a larger tractor. On slope you have to be careful and keep the loader low. Wife and I transplanted a 8-9ft Japanese maple tree and it work well. just the right size to get to where the tree was located. It took a little doing but we were able to get the tree in the bucket and get it moved. It did lift it, but was at maximum capacity.

I have had the box scraper full of soil and rock and it has kept on going. It has even worked to lift out large rocks below ground level (2x large watermelon size). Again, pataience is necessary.

I look at JD and MF and others. I like the way the NH was thought out. hydralic lines are protected, good ground clearence, I have been very happy to this point and would recommend it.

David

 

[jimg]

I have a 24 and mow almost 2ac. Most of my side yard is a large hill very steep in places. I found the 24 handles it fine as long as I go slow and know the limitations of the machine. Most of the hill I can mow at angles other than up/down safely. Also I know where the humps and bumps are and mow accordingly. I think going slow is the key b/c you have more time to react if angles are getting/feeling out of control and youre less liable to have terrain induced tip.

The loader on this machine is very capable so you'll want plenty of weight in the rear end. I have loaded tires (R4s) and also use my heaviest implement when moving dirt and such. The bucket seems very large compared to what comes on other tractors this size.

I know 14ac is a fair chuck of real estate but the 24 could do that much on an occassional basis. I mow my neighbors pasture and being open (like your land) it goes pretty quickly. In fact the first time I mowed it was severely over grown. I was concerned the tractor wouldnt be able to mow full widths...to my surprise it didnt miss a beat. I wasnt trying to knock down saplings...just heavy grass and a bit of brush. My mower is 60".

Something to consider in your situation would be what is more valuable...ability to manuver or power. In my situation being able to get very close and have excellent ability to manuver is more important. Its, of course, not going to be as good as the suggested xTrac machines but for all purpose I think it beats them.
HTH jimg

 

[hazmat]

How much time do you have on your hands? The 10-11 acres of field mowing will take you 8+ hours with a 4' cutter.

Here are some pics mowing my Dad's acreage in Maine field mowin in maine

Dad has since bought a TC40 with 6' cutter (see attached)

I'd look at the Class 2 (TC33) or Class 3 (TC40) machines...