TC24D vs. TC30

SacandagaBrad · Nov 27, 2003

I just bought a TC24D before the 0% financing ran out. The tractor and loader ran about $14,500+/- a few bucks. I like the size of the tractor on a small lot, very manuverable with plenty of power. I am in a similar position to yours on a private road where a couple of us chip in on road maintenance and mowing a large common lawn area. Without the loader, the machine handles like a large garden tractor, I think it even turns tighter than my Gravely.

If you're not in a hurry, go try a few models and talk to as many dealers as you can. You could even take it a step further and rent one for the day tol try on your property.

One tip - if you're going to have an FEL, get the tires loaded! Much safer. And if you have any grading or snow plowing to do, get a back blade. Most inexpensive and useful implement I own.

Good luck and take your time shopping - its fun!

Brad

jwstewar · Nov 27, 2003

When I was shopping I was comparing the TC24 & TC30. Liked both of them. A couple of things that steered me back toward the 24. First one was Maneurverability. The 24 seemed to have a lot tighter turning radius and since I knew this was going to be my only mower (my old rider had just bit the dust for the second time in a week) I wanted something that could get up and close to the house and everything else with. The second, may or may not be important to you - styling. I loved the syling on the 24 and little extras you got with "D." As for price it was pretty much a wash. I believe the 30 w/ hydro was $500 more than the 24. Now of course I could've gotten a 72" mower which would have sped the mowing of the yard up but would've left me w/ more push mowing. I believe my out-the-door price was 17k w/ 24D w/ hydro, 12LA, 914A MMM Rear Discharge, and a 4' KK rotary cutter. Tractor & loader themselves were probably 14 out the door.

hockeyhead · Nov 27, 2003

Hi mustelid, I have a TC-30 gear, fel, (bought in May) best toy/tool I have, opened a hole world of projects. It makes caring and changing the 7.5 acres I have enjoyable. My loaded R4's do mark my lawn (dirt bikes and 4-wheelers do too), so I do not use it to cut my front lawn. It sounds to me that a Tc-24 might be better for you if most of it's hours will be mowing. The Tc-30 will be better if you are hobby farming,grading landscaping. both of these machines will do both, but which is better for what you will used it for most.

Tc-30, 7808 fel , gear, $14050 plus delivery$600
KK 72" rfm
60" KK rotary cutter
60" KK rototiller
60" KK box blade
new holland PHD (bought used)
I'm still under 20 grand,

snowbound · Nov 29, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( hello,

i figure between all of us on 1.5-2.5 acres there will be enough work to warrent me buying a tractor, right? )</font>

I have a TC35D which is "too much" tractor for my 14 acres, but that's because I have to _lift_ things. I sized my tractor by determining the lift capacity I needed for the loader and 3ph. Then I put in a safety margin of 50%. Now at the same time, I bought a tractor for our family farm and we sized that by the fact that it would be the spare baler-capable tractor which translated into a TN65 although for the other uses for that tractor a TC40 would do.

Now it would be easier to fit a smaller tractor into the garage, and the upkeep on a smaller tractor would probably be easier. But when time comes to work, I don't feel stupid because I bought just enough tractor not to get the job done.

LAGEORGE · Nov 29, 2003

Mustelid, I too did the comparison between the TC 24D and TC 30. Both are good tractors but the TC 24D is smaller and more maneuverable in tight locations. The odd thing that has always struck me is that the TC 30 was less money than the TC 24D. I still do not understand why this is, you are getting more tractor for less cash? The TC 24D really does not give you much more if anything other than cruise control. If size matters then the smaller unit is the best choice. For me the TC 30 sat higher and seemed like it would be a little more tippy. I have lots of slope and uneven ground so low center of gravity was key. Also the existing terraces on my property could not really support anything much larger than the TC 24D.
I do not mow lawn but I bet it would do a fine job I do use the FEL a lot and it has lifted everything I have asked it to lift. I know that can’t be said of the green ones next door. So at least you are looking at the right color.

George

AndyMA · Nov 30, 2003

I would go for the TC30. Even with the small acreage you won't regret the extra size and hp. The TC30 is a price point tractor that is a fine tractor but does not have all the goodies that the TC24D has. It was build so that New Holland would have a mid size compact at a low price.

Andy