TC30 compared to a

hunter1 · Oct 11, 2006

Hello I am new to the forum first post. Let me start with I had a 1958 ford 961 with a ford loader that just died on me. Hopefuly some of you will be able to tell me what to expect from a TC30 compared to the 961 ford. The ford has more HP (42 I think ) but dealer says HP is totaly different from 1958 and the TC30 will do what I want and the fwd will be a big change with the loader . My main concern is the actual size and weight of the tractor along with the hydralic output for running my logsplitter. I mainly bush hog some crp ground and clear small trees and run a logsplitter. The reason I ask about the TC30 it is in my price range. ALso looked at a branson 3510 wich has more HP and is a bigger tractor in size in about the same price range. Just not sure what to do. Hopefuly you guys can steer me in the right direction from experience.Thanks in advance!

Doc_Bob · Oct 11, 2006

Best thing to do is see if the dealer will let you use the tractor at your place for a few hours.
Bob

VAChesterfield · Oct 11, 2006

I purchased my TC 30 (9x3 gear model) with a Rhino FEL in Jun 2004, and currently have about 375 hours. My wife & I have a "mini-ranch" of 10 acres in central VA for our three horses. I have enjoyed the tractor immensely and while I occassionally wish I had a bigger and fancier rig, the TC 30 does what I need it to do and the price was right. It's rugged, reliable, and easy to service myself (and therefore even more easy on my pocket book).

I use or have used my tractor to bush hog my pastures (approx 3 acres) and the wooded area around the house (about an acre), dig post holes for my fences, clear and level portions of the property with my box blade, grader blade, and landscape rake, dig shallow trenches for rain run off and erosion control with a middle buster, spread fretilizer and lime with a broadcast spreader, push over and uproot small trees with my FEL, and manage tons of manure (those horses are prolific manure producers) with my FEL.

I have no idea how a TC 30 compares to your old tractor, and no first hand experience with a log splitter (we have a gas fire place and what a miserable thing that is

).

Good luck in your search and post pictures once you bring home whatever you decided was the right tractor for you

djradz · Oct 12, 2006

My Dad went from a Ford 981 to a Ford/NH 1720, the predecessor of the TC30. Your 961 was obviously a bigger and heavier machine, but I don't think you'll have any problems going to the smaller TC30. With the FEL you should have plenty of front-end weight to balance anything you hang out back. With the FEL off, you may find it a little light in the front end if you have much of a load, but I don't think a logsplitter would qualify. You should be able to use up to a 6 ft brush hog without problem. My guess is the hydraulics will be faster with the TC30.

Is the TC30 a Shuttle-Shift?

holstein05 · Oct 12, 2006

I like the idea of seeing if a dealer has one you can demo. Definitly hook it up to the log splitter. I haven't been too impressed with my hydraulics, but I think it's mainly because I was used to much larger tractors on the farm.

Todd_C · Oct 12, 2006

I used a Ford 8N before I bought a TC 30 and the TC 30 will work circles around the 8n. The addition of FWD makes a huge difference. I recently purchased a new TC 40 because I added more land that had just been clearcut. I needed more loader capacity. The TC 30 still would do most anything I need. I have to say in my opinion the TC 30 is one of the best deals on the market. I read about a few people on this site using a TC 30 to run chippers and wood spliters. I just can't remember who and when.

bluetc30 · Oct 14, 2006

i must agree with todd my tc 30 will take whatever i give it it may take a little longer not much though if i were to replace it i would get another in a minute

Gumby6 · Oct 23, 2006

I have had my TC30 for about a year now. Have a front end loader, grapple, and fork lift for the front and 5 ft box blade and Quick Hitch for the rear. This machine does everything I expected and starts first time everytime, even in cold weather. My property is not even close to flat and I purchased the TC30 to handle fallen and cut trees, logs, maintain a 1/8 mile gravel drive and general material handling around the property. If I had it to do over again, this is the machine for me. Versatility and price and having several dealers within 1/2 hour made my decision for me.

Gary

jjcc246 · Oct 23, 2006

I have to say i'm bery impressed with my TC30. Does what I ask and more No problems and very reliable. I use a 6' hog, 6' BB and a 7' york. It just hums along. I have the hydro which for me is perfect.

claggsgarage756 · Oct 24, 2006

The Branson 3510 would be about the closest to your Ford 961 weight wise. With a loader it should weigh close to 5000 pounds. Also it has a 12 speed SynchroShuttle that is real nice for loader work. It will lift lots more on both ends than the TC30 and at 8.5 GPM on the hydraulics it will work a log splitter just fine. Definitely more tractor for your money and they come with a Four year warranty on the powertrain.