TC30 Opinions

[nch77]

I'm looking to replace my Ford 5610 with a TC30, since I don't do hay anymore, or at least not on a large scale. I have another 5610 with mfwd that I'm keeping but I don't see the need for two full size tractors anymore. Is a TC30 large enough to run a 6' bush hog, grader blade or box blade? It will mainly be for road upkeep, trimming and pulling wagons. Or should I look for a slightly larger machine? My concern is that the box blade I have is only 6' wide but very heavy since its a commercial duty version. Also two of my wagons are 20' long. TIA

 

[Blue Mule]

We had a TC29. It was a 1999 model that we got used in 2016. The hour meter was broken at 1488. So no telling how many hours it actually had on it. We used it to develop our property for two homes. Beat the piss out of that poor little tractor for 4 years. Hauling large rock from digging utility lines, clearing trees, spreading gravel, the whole nine yards. That little tractor was still a decent machine in 2021 when I traded it in for a new one. Excellent machines. We used a 5' box blade and it had absolutely no issue with it.

 

[Hughman]

I have the TC33DA (hst) and pull a 72" box blade and a 72" RFM without any issues. The TC30 might be a little lite of power for 72" implements and would probably be happier with 60", but if you already have the implements, then run them in moderation and see how it does. Small bites.

 

[nch77]

How well does it handle heavy trailers? Will a 16' or 20' wagon push it around? I often use the 5610 to load the wagon while pulling it with the other 5610.

 

[jeff9366]

	New Holland TC30 Power
	Engine:	30 hp 22.4 kW
	Gear PTO (claimed):	25.5 hp 19.0 kW
	Hydrostatic PTO (claimed):	24 hp 17.9 kW

Engine Detail
Shibaura N843
diesel
3-cylinder
liquid-cooled
Displacement:	91.3 ci 1.5 L
Power:	30 hp 22.4 kW
Rated RPM:	2600
Starter volts:	12

Dimensions
Wheelbase:	63 inches 160 cm
Length:	109 inches 276 cm
Width:	54.3 inches 137 cm
Height:	82.4 inches 209 cm
Weight:	2193 lbs 994 kg

New Holland TC30​

 

[jeff9366]

I have the TC33DA (hst) and pull a 72" box blade and a 72" RFM without any issues. The TC30 might be a little lite of power for 72" implements and would probably be happier with 60", but if you already have the implements, then run them in moderation and see how it does. Small bites.

Good information above.

After your experience on utility weight tractors I fear you will be disappointed and frustrated by 72" implements behind a 2,200 pound compact tractor. 24/25 PTO horsepower is just enough for 60" RFM to cut a full swathe. TC30 horsepower specified comes at 2,600 rpm so TC30 will be loud with a heavy load.

The box blade I have is only 6' wide but very heavy since its a commercial duty version.

Traction will be ziltch connected to a very heavy 72" box blade.

Subcompact tractors weigh 1,700 pounds. The TC30 at 2,200 pounds is only one increment over subcompact tractor weight.

 

[jeff9366]

How well does it handle (laden) heavy trailers? Will a 16' or 20' wagon push it around? I often use the 5610 to load the wagon while pulling it with the other 5610.

No way. Too light. A 16' or 20' trailer will jackknife the combination.

Subcompact tractors weigh 1,700 pounds. The TC30 at 2,200 pounds is only one increment over subcompact tractor weight.

Ford / New Holland 5610 Weight
Shipping:	5695 lbs 2583 kg
2WD ROPS Operating:	6300 lbs 2857 kg
Ballasted:	9700 lbs 4399 kg

 

[jeff9366]

Is a TC30 large enough?
Or should I look for a slightly larger machine?

Tractor capability is more closely correlated to tractor weight than any other single specification.

The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to first identify potential tractor applications, then, through consulataton, establish bare tractor weight necessary to safely accomplish your applications. Tractor dealers, experienced tractor owners and TractorByNet.com are sources for weight recommendations.

Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.


A second tractor for your applications needs to be at least 3,800 - 4,100 pounds bare weight, ~ 70" tractor width, 4-WD, loaded rear tires. This is the mid-weight in compact tractors. Every manufacturer has at least two models in the ~ 4,000 pound weight category.

 

[Hughman]

No clue on the trailers. Never pulled any. Loaded rears helps with the traction.

 

[spitter]

since I have a TC 29d and just moved up to a TC 45d I would say that a 30 is kinda on the small side. If you are going to use 6' implements they will tax your tractor any grade on the land elevation on weight behind it will also drain hp.

If your heart is set on a 30 my TC 29d is 4 sale but If I were you I would look for a TC 35,40, or45

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

How well does it handle heavy trailers? Will a 16' or 20' wagon push it around? I often use the 5610 to load the wagon while pulling it with the other 5610.

What are you putting on the trailer? Could you swap and load with the smaller tractor and pull with the larger? How much does the box blade weigh? Are the tires loaded?
I have the grandfather of the TC 30 and with loaded tires and ballast on the 3 point it does an amazing amount of work. The loader handles and stacks 800# bales easily (if properly ballasted) and it pulls my 5' box blade easily, It will run out of traction before it runs out of power. I've mowed 4' grass with a 5' flail but it will bog down and force a lower gear on the thick stuff.
From what you describe it may be a little too small for your wants and needs, but it is easy on fuel.

 

[fishheadbob]

I had a TC30 for a few years. I feel you would be pushing it a little beyond its' capabilities with heavier 6 foot implements.

 

[jeff9366]

How well does it handle heavy trailers? Will a 16' or 20' wagon push it around? I often use the 5610 to load the wagon while pulling it with the other 5610.

An EMPTY 16' farm trailer may weigh ~ 2,500 pounds.

An EMPTY 20' farm trailer may weigh 3,100 pounds.

The OP describes his trailers as "heavy", so they may be heavier than above numbers EMPTY.

Consider the LOADED tongue weight bearing on a 2,200 pound tractor.

 

[jjcc246]

I have a TC30, 2004 I think. Bought it new and it has very low hours on it. I use it to maintain property and all my implements are at least 6' (some a little wider and heavier but it handles all of them without breaking a sweat. Just use your low gear, 4x4 when necessary and go slow. Great tractor if you like the size, if not move up to the workmaster 35.

 

[nch77]

An EMPTY 16' farm trailer may weigh ~ 2,500 pounds.

An EMPTY 20' farm trailer may weigh 3,100 pounds.

The OP describes his trailers as "heavy", so they may be heavier than above numbers EMPTY.

Consider the LOADED tongue weight bearing on a 2,200 pound tractor.

Yeah I decided to keep the second 5610, my 20' wagon is a tandem axle gear with oak beams and bed, pretty heavy and I'll stack 11 1200 bales on it.