TC29-TC33 users need advise ASAP!

[bnixon]

I am trying to close a deal on a TC33D before the end of the month and needed input on Super Steer.

I liked it a lot on the Class III Boomers but was wondering how much of a difference it made on the class II.

Is it worth the $$$$ for the Super Steer? I know you get the auto 4wd clutch. Does it make that much difference?

Please advise! I want to hear from you that have it and don't have it. Why did you or didn't you get it?

Thanks,

 

[RuT]

I own a 29D without SuperSteer. I have about 100 hours on it and use it primarily to mow, plus other odd jobs around a wooded 4 acre lot. I have a FEL, 6' 3pt disc, and other standard attachments.

BEFORE you draw the wrong conclusion and to set the record straight...I love my tractor and what it does for me. I look forward to using it, but you asked for my opinion!

I bought without SS primarily because the dealer gave me a good deal on this model he had in stock. (No SS in stock) He said it would be about $900 more for SS. SS was intriguing though.

I find the turning radius fairly tight without SS, can't imagine what SS does...has to be pretty darn close to zero turn? I see no need for SS for mowing and I have quite a few trees and other obstacles. Funny thing, it seems like the 29D with 72" MMM can almost cut as close of a circle as my retired 12hp MTD with 42' deck!

The only other advantage (disadvantage?) would be the automatic 4wd feature. I'm sure the others will comment on this, but think of this...(NOT a bash on NH) I have hand plenty of little things go wrong on this tractor. (Not enough to be real ticked...just little things) These little things seem to be related to the new gadgets and features on the tractor. I am glad I don't have SS and the associated features as it would probably be just one more thing to break or act up.

It will be interesting to see the mechanical state of these Boomers ten years down the road. It seems that NH has got the basics right, but look at all the posts complaining of problems. (Hydro pedals, hood latches, cruise control, etc...) One needs to ask if we have ticking time bombs in relation to these advanced features. Will all this great stuff still work in 10 years, 20 years+ or is it going to fail and stop working???

Raised in a farming environment, my family still runs Allis Chalmers, International, and Ford tractors from different generations. (8Ns, IH 1466, Farmall A and H, Ford 5000 and 8700) Basic iron that gets the job done and has for 30+ years. No real problems and thousands of hours on the equipment. Can we expect this from the Boomer?

Bottom line from me: I don't see a need for SS, and would not pay extra for it on another Boomer.

 

[mswanson]

I have to agree. I chose not to get super steer because I felt that the standard steering was tight enough and because I could save some money. My TC33D is not quite a year old with 150 hours and I haven't had a situation yet where I wished I had ss.

 

[rmorgan]

Re. my TC33D, ditto -- the turning radius is great (especially compared to my old manual-steer Yanmar!); I'm sure that with SS it's better, but I've only wished I had it about five times in 150 hours.

 

[cstocks]

Brandon,

My dealer talked me out of the SS based on how I told him the tractor would be used. I use my TC33D mostly for bush hogging, brush/fenceline clearing and some dirt work. I was told that the cables that connect to the steering could be a problem because they might catch on limbs and brush and possibly break. I bought from a rural dealership so I have to imagine that the majority of their clientele are not so much concerned with a sharp turning radius as they are about their tractors holding up to rough and tumble usage.

I have only owned one other tractor so I am definitely not an authority on what a good turning radius should be. However I figure that if I cannot turn as sharp as I need, a couple of quick back and forth moves with the treadle will line me out in the direction I want to go. For me, having the D model with HST probably more than compensates for not having the tighter turning radius offered by the SS model.

 

[Cricket]

This is my first post as I have been lurking in the shadows learning much. This is the first time I can give an opinion about somthing that I have knowlege of. I have a tc33d with ss and love it. We have lots of objects to mow around so I thought the ss would be a good idea. It does great as long as you go real slow when you have the steering turned tight or the wheels seem to slide more than turn and leave skid marks in the turf. It has replaced our craftsman rider for all close up work around the house. It also adds weight up front. In my case I would buy it again.

 

[Kodiak]

Hi Brandon:

As you already know I don't have supersteer on my TC29. (its not an option on the gear tranny models) And as we have talked before, I do put my tractor into some pretty tight situations, doing both excavation and lanscaping work. I'm actually very pleased with the Class II Boomers turning radius without the supersteer. I'm almost skeptical of the supersteer, when your turning sharp with a raised full loader bucket.

 

[bmac]

Kodiak - You made an interesting point re supersteer w/ the FEL. When kicking tires at my local NH dealer, he went so far as to suggest I avoid supersteer if I was getting a FEL. Reason? He felt that the sharp turns one can achieve with supersteer were unsafe with a loaded bucket.

 

[Kodiak]

I've personnally never seen an accident involving supersteer and a loaded bucket. It just brings back childhood memories of trying to ride my Radio Flyer wagon down a long steep hill and turning to sharp. well you get the drift.

 

[DVerbarg]

<font color=blue>He felt that the sharp turns one can achieve with supersteer were unsafe with a loaded bucket. </font color=blue>

Well I have supersteer and use the FEL with loaded bucket very frequently (a TC40D). Have never had a problem with tipping or even acting like it wanted to tip. The only problem is that the rear wheels will come off the ground if there is not sufficient rear counter weight. Now that is a weird feeling to have rear wheels slightly off the ground, turn the wheels one direction and the tractor is moving sideways. Now if I could just get front wheel left/right brakes I could horizontally pivot on the front axle and swing the rear wheels around, a giant ZTR!

I wouldn't worry about supersteer with a FEL. Its been great for me.