TC30 - Need Pros and Cons

JerryG · Oct 25, 2004

Sure they are light.. that's what loaded tires, wheel weights, and fore and aft weights are for.. even frame weights.
With the 2wd it makes the amount of weight added even more critical. Especially when a loader is added.
I think it is a tad subjective to say that you don't see very many compacts with 2wd. I can safely say that roughly half the tractors setting on the big 3 lots as well as some of the discount and used lots near my house are 2wd. Course.. this is flat teritory too.
There are fewer and fewer compact on the dealers lots with 2wd. Two reasons, one is that the manufactures are offering fewer models with 2wd and the second is that more people are seeing that a 2wd compact is handicapped compared to the 4wd models.

TNMIKE53 · Oct 25, 2004

Wow, a lot of good information. Thanks for all the feedback. It appears the TC30 is a good tractor, but it looks as if going with the 2wd may not be the way to go. I was originally looking at the TZ24 as it is more inline with dollars budgeted for this purchase, plus I feel it can meet my immediate needs. I only reached a little higher because I thought the TC30 would be a little heartier if I needed it to be, while still meeting my basic needs of grass cutting. However, based on feedback (and my budget), I'm reconsidering my position, as the TZ24 can do what I need and if I should add a loader at a later time it will be a better fit for the tractor.

Thanks everyone.

Soundguy · Oct 25, 2004

( A two wheel drive compact tractor is pretty much worthless for a good many applications )

People got along for decades with 2wd tractors, low hp and low weight. Not every condition was ideal. Usually the smaller tractor you have.. the more time it takes.

Obviously there will be some go/no go situations that absolutely seperate 2wd vs 4wd operation.

People keep this one thing in mind. This board ( TBN ) is know on other boards as the 'place where other people will spend your money...fast'

I didn't coin that. It's pretty well know that if you walk in here and ask for a tractor setup and are looking at 'x' economy machine ( tc30 for example ), that you will get suggestions into the 30k range... Not everyone has this kind of budget. Temper your advice for both an ideal machine and a sufficient machine. Sometimes an economy machine IS the right machine for the job... some of us have more time than money... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Soundguy

hazmat · Oct 25, 2004

People keep this one thing in mind. This board ( TBN ) is know on other boards as the 'place where other people will spend your money...fast'


But it's so much easier to spend somebody else's money than your own /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Seriously though, time is money. Generally, to get a task done, a smaller machine will require more time.

However, there are certain jobs that will require a larger machine period - you aren't going to load a 10 wheel dump truck with a subcompact (exagerated to illustrate my point).

Buying one tractor is a comprimise...

First determine what tasks you require of the machine. Then figure how much time you want to spend doing those tasks. Example - I need to mow my 1 acre lawn. I'm willing to spend up to 1 hour = 5' mower. You get the idea.

Try not to factor in 1 time uses - ie digging a foundation for your new house is not compatible with mowing your 1/4 acre lawn. Go for the 80% solution.

Finances are a factor, but there are creative solutions around that give you a little wiggle room - low interest financing, longer term financing, buying used... etc.

Sometimes your task/time allocation is not in line with your budget /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. Thats when you need to make hard choices.

Good luck, happy shopping.

JerryG · Oct 25, 2004

Soundguy,
I am a member and talk at other sites also. I have heard many times what you are saying. The older tractors were made different that todays compacts. I have operated some of the older tractors, some more than others. They do better with 2wd than the compacts that I have experienced. I said what I did, because I would hate for the gentleman to buy the tractor and be unhappy with it's performance. I would think that it would be better to warn him and let him see if he can swing the money than not tell him at all.

Soundguy · Oct 25, 2004

( Seriously though, time is money. Generally, to get a task done, a smaller machine will require more time.
)

Yep.

( However, there are certain jobs that will require a larger machine period - you aren't going to load a 10 wheel dump truck with a subcompact (exagerated to illustrate my point).
)

Actually.. a pretty good ilustration... As I had said.. there will be some go/no go operations.

( exactly. )

A guy doesn't need a 5000$ backhoe and subframe to drop in a septic tank if he is never gonna dig again.. yet.. I see this kind of advice offered here all the time.. b the time a guy is fone buying a tractor to work his estate.. he has a TLB and all he needed was a mower tractor.. and to hire out a couple one time jobs..

( Sometimes your task/time allocation is not in line with your budget . Thats when you need to make hard choices )

Yep.. they both always don't overlap at a certain point where you can decide on a clear cut 'compromise machine.

Soundguy

Soundguy · Oct 25, 2004

( am a member and talk at other sites also. I have heard many times what you are saying )

Yep. It's almost freaky... you mention tbn on many other sites and dollar signs pop up ... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

( The older tractors were made different that todays compacts. I have operated some of the older tractors, some more than others. They do better with 2wd than the compacts that I have experienced. )

I'm glad you said that and not me. There are quite a few here that only see new tractors as viable tractors.. and the older jobs are vitrually worthless save for parades and threshing shows. Yet they forget americas' farm land was on the backs of those machines when their mom and grandmother were young..

( I said what I did, because I would hate for the gentleman to buy the tractor and be unhappy with it's performance. I would think that it would be better to warn him and let him see if he can swing the money than not tell him at all. )

True.. and good point. .. except that no one was really posting the plain economy alternatives.. just what jkind of add on and upgrades to get. Guess I was the 'devil's advocate' in that post, representing the older / economy line of tractor option.

Good points all. though.. my message is not intended to downplay any of the other good ideas of the many useful ( and expen$ive) options you can force onto a cut. I guess in the end it is an arm wrestle between the wallet and the budget..

Soundguy

RickB · Oct 25, 2004

Does your dealer actually have a 2WD TC30 in stock? Personally, I haven't seen a 2WD New Holland Compact newer than a 1720, although I know they are offered. But I live in the Northeast, not in TN. If you order a 2WD TC that is not in stock locally, I'll bet you are in for a serious wait as compared to ordering a 4WD.

JerryG · Oct 25, 2004

I guess in the end it is an arm wrestle between the wallet and the budget.
That's right. There is a balance that needs to be meet. A person has to find a point that they are happy with and hopefully don't have buyers remorse afterward.

Typhoon · Oct 25, 2004

I know everyone is saying this already, but I will tell you from experience... 4wd is the only way to go with a compact tractor. Now with a big ag tractor, its different. But with a compact, in my opinion, 4wd is mandatory. My TC29 would be almost literally useless to me without 4wd. Not enough weight to put the traction to the ground without 4wd.
Good luck!
-Brad