TC29 v. TC30???

bartonkj · Jun 7, 2005

Long post....

I currently have a TC24. I am considering upgrading to a TC30 or TC29. (I'd rather not get into specifics at the moment but will follow-up when things are more certain - but I may be trading up with no depreciation).

So, I am having trouble with the TC30 v. the TC29. I know the brochure differences (cosmetic; better visibility w/ loader; convenience factor such as cruise v. no cruise on hst, telescoping hitch arms; loader capacities, etc....)

My main questions are:
1) does not having cruise on an HST make that much of a difference for brush hogging, box scraping, raking, etc...?

btw - I'm still not convinced I want hst (my 24 is 9x3), but I may not have a choice. I really like certain aspects of the manual b/c i don't run full throttle all the time - I really use the foot throttle to speed up and slow down as needed when plowing snow and using the loader. Will running full throttle (or a higher steady throttle) than I run now use much more fule (not that I can complain - 5 gallons seems to last 10-15 hours now with the 24). Am I being too picky there?

2) Does the lesser capacity of the TC30's loader (even less capacity than I currently have with my TC24) make that much of a difference? Note - I don't think I've ever not been able to lift a bucket of something with the TC24.

3) How much easier is the telescoping hitch? I don't have it with the 24 and it can be a challenge changing some implements myself sometimes.

TIRES?
I plan to get 4x4 (have it with the 24). I also have industrial tires now but am thinking I need agricultural since I have traction problems with the 24 (but with no weight). I know the 24 is a lighter tractor, but will the 30 or 29 be heavy enough to improve traction with industrial tires? This is a concern for me since I would like to be able to mow a 2-3 acre yard that I still need to install. The yard won't be real nice lawn quality since it is a farm field now and I just plan to cut with brush hog for a few years until I get sick (if I get sick) of not having a "nice" lawn. However, I don't want ag tires chewing it up.

I have 25 acres of old farm field with lots of well established ruts. I want to level out a place for a 2-3 acre yard. I have a 350' driveway that I need to maintain (loader, box scraper, and blade work) as well as plow in the winter. I want to level out some of the farm field that will not be a managed yard. I have some wet areas that the industrial tires on the lite TC24 seem to have less than stellar performance in. I have not gotten the 24 stuck, but I have not been able to pull out my neighbors 8n when he got the bruch hog buried in the mud (I was able to after he disconnected his brush hog), nor have I been able to pull my truck out when it gets stuck in the mud on the property.

Thanks in advance for your time and information.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 7, 2005

Regarding the tire choices, R4 (industrial tires) are not a good choice for mud or wet clay, they simply pack up and turn into racing slicks. R1 (ag tires) will leave marks in the lawn, proof of that lies with the shrieks and yells of the lovely Mrs_Bob can be heard 2 sections over when I pull out an antique and drive it across the lawn. If the lawn is hard, you can mow with R1s, but if it is at all soft, forget it.

Regarding the 7308 versus the 14L loader, I don't know what capacity you need, but the larger tractor will have a larger bucket, the larger bucket will hold more weight. I'd prefer the greater capacity of the 14L but it would not be a deal breaker. Now what is a deal breaker to me is the old style FEL versus the curved arms. I use both, I find the curved arms significanly better, but I can use both. I'm faster with the curved arm units. Visibility is so much better that your productivity goes up.

Regarding the concept of cruise control. I virutally never use it. It is nice for tilling a field. It is nice when driving down the road. Never use it for mowing. Don't think it would work well at all for box scraping or raking.

Regarding telescoping lower links, they are GREAT, I use them with a Kubota B2910. I actually prefer Pat's Easy Change, but the next best solution in my book are telescoping lower link arms, they make hooking up heavy implements much easier.

Mrwurm · Jun 7, 2005

I have a TC30 Hydro. I don't brush hog with mine, but I find that using low range at 2000 rpm yields a good forward speed for spraying weed killer. I simply press the hydro pedal all the way down and hold it there.

Mrwurm · Jun 7, 2005

OK, one more thing. The TC29 has greater flow dedicated to the steering pump than my TC30. When I have a full bucket of rock or dirt, I must be moving to get the wheels to steer. Probably less of an issue with the higher output TC29 hydraulics.

Oh, also, my TC30 will either pick up whats in the bucket, or the rear wheels will lift (loaded tires). Can't imagine how I would use more lift than that.

TMAC · Jun 7, 2005

bartonkj,

1) Cruise is a nice option on the Hydro's when you have a 3-5 acre or more of field to mow or cut. Especially if it's rough terrain like a previously farmed field where you're constantly bumping around and your foot keeps letting up and down on the pedal due to the rough terrain. Box scrapping or raking I don't think you'll use it much but, definitely on long stretches of mowing.

-About going hydro if you half to you won't be disappointed and if you want to you still won't be disappointed. It's nice to have a free'd up foot/hand. You only loose a few HP from the PTO but, I doubt that you'll ever notice. With doing loader work and other tasks that call for quick change of direction you can't beat the ease of use that a hydro can give.

2) That I have no personal experience with those models.

3) The telescoping hitch can save a few aggravating moments I can assure you. It does make a difference.

Regarding tires it just depends on what the majority of your jobs are going to be. If reconsidering I might have went with R1's but, I'm not disappointed in the R4's a little slipping from now and then but diff/lock has alway pulled me out along with 4X4. The main concern with going with R4's is the mowing issue and being rougher on the ground. If not for future plans of lawn mowing I would've went with the R1's.

Hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Good Luck.

manyskilz · Jun 8, 2005

Bartonkj...
I have the TC29D...4WD, with the HST, cruise, weighted R4 tires, 7308 loader, telescoping hitch... I LOVE THIS TRACTOR!
I upgraded from a manual Kubota with R1's, and was initially wary of the HST too. I have 30 acres of former farmland.
I love the cruise for bushogging...if you have a long smooth run. It's nice but not necessary. The HST however - I'll never do without again, it is so convenient when you're doing loader work.
Speaking of the loader, I'm very happy with mine. There are two different bucket sizes for the 29, and you can also tweak the grunt of your loader. There's a nice thread around here on how to do this ...if the loader won't lift the front wheels off the ground, do the adjustment.
I haven't had any issues with the R4's either...haven't gotten stuck so far /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
And the telescoping hitch was a must for me. It used to take me forever to change implements, or I'd have to beg for help on some.
Get the goodies, you'll love 'em!

JT1972 · Jun 9, 2005

When it comes down to it, The TC29DA vs. the TC30 is really a matter of creature comforts. The 29 has all of the nice deluxe features like the nice styling of the hood and fenders with the four halogen headlights, much easier access to the engine with the one piece hood and hood gas strut, the deluxe operators platform with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, swivel seat, embossed and color coded controls, deluxe 3 point with the flex link ends and telescoping stabilizers - awesome for hooking up implements. If you are financing the package over five years, I feel all the bells and whistles are worth it on the 29. The loaders for me were a big deal too, the curved boom loader with the quick attach bucket are awesome. Best visibility in the business and you don't get that with the 7308 loader on the TC30. Almost double the lift capacity on the bucket also, 875 vs. 1265. Make sure you ballast the rear tires though. You can also get the supersteer option on the 29, which you can't on the TC30!

The industrial tires are a good all purpose tire, good for mowing as well as most applications.

F_22 · Jun 9, 2005

( Best visibility in the business and you don't get that with the 7308 loader on the TC30. Almost double the lift capacity on the bucket also, 875 vs. 1265. Make sure you ballast the rear tires though. )

As far as visibility, I find it's the bucket itself that's the main obstruction, not the arms.

As far as lift capacity, my TC33D with 7308 will pull the rear wheels off the ground with 500 Lbs in the rear tires. That's all I need.

thcri · Jun 9, 2005

After having the TC24 going to the TC30 maybe a step backwards. The 30 is a nice machine but it is built to be competitive. Step up to the hydro and it is even a nicer machine. But having all of the luxuries you have on the 24 and then going to the basic 30 would be like having electric windows and going back to hand crank windows on a car. Once you have it, it is tough going back. I personnally think it is a matter of finances. When I bought my 29 the 30 wasn't available. The dealer had brochures on it but could not get one or I think I would had one. But I am glad I have the 20 as over the years I will enjoy it more. But I will say one thing, if your thinking the 29 at least get a quote for the 33. Same tractor just a bit more HP. Some dealers don't charge much more to go to the 33.

Good luck in your decision.

murph

AndyM · Jun 10, 2005

After having the TC24 going to the TC30 maybe a step backwards. The 30 is a nice machine but it is built to be competitive. 

Not having all of the bells and whistles is not a big deal to me. I look to get the most value for my money. If I had to choose between a TC24 and a TC30 for roughly the same price, I would go with the TC30. The extra couple thousand bucks for a TC29 doesn't give me enough back for the buck compared to the TC30. Just my opinion.