TC33D or TC45????

bnixon · May 30, 2002

I am trying to determine what would be the better choice.

I have 2 acres mostly flat field. Will be using a bush hog on some of it (I like the 6ft on the TC45, should save time)and a Finishing mower on the rest.

Will be maintaining a long gravel drive and lots of flowerbeds.

I also do a lot of work on old cars in my shop. (I like the extra capacity of the 16LA loader/Forks. I will use the heck out of the Loader)

I need to have Live or independent PTO for finish cutting.

The two choices are as follows:

TC33D
FEL/R4/Folding ROP/Deluxe 3PH/Rhino SE5 cutter/ 5ft Box Blade

or

TC45
FEL/R4/Folding ROP/Deluxe 3PH/Rhino SE6 cutter/ 6ft Box Blade

The prices are within $1,100.

I have a 20' 12000# trailer so transporting either one will not be a problem.

I have only a handful of Large Oak and Pecan trees (4 1/2 ft in diameter or bigger).

The TC33D will work but I like having the extra capacity and HP for those unexpected jobs. I also have limited time to get the work done (2 kids and all that goes with them Soccer,Baseball,Football......). Not having used but two tractors in my life MF135 with 6ft cutter and a MF 1050 18hp 4wd compact with 4ft cutter/box blade. The 135 got a ton more work done than the 1050 ever thought about doing. Too light for dirt work.....

All input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mrwurm · May 30, 2002

Well, theres no doubt the TC45 will be capable of doing more work. Many people try to match tractor size to acreage. I have never quite understood the relationship. So, I'll simply say that if you really want the bigger machine, then get it. As long as you have enough room to turn it around on your property, then its not too big.

I know I've oversimplified this, but I'm a bigger-is-better sort of guy. I had an 18 hp tractor that some said was too big for my 2.5 acre lot. Now they think my 30 hp tractor is too big for my 2.5 acre lot. I don't care what they think, I choose my tractor based on the jobs I wanted it to do, not the space in which I would be doing them.

Jerry

bobnewjersey · May 30, 2002

The big differance is 3 cyl vs 4. The 45 is going to give you a lot more options. I have the TC40D on 107 ac. and am very happy with it. I went for the 40 to go to the 4cyl. 40 is the floor for a lot implements. You'll also get better gas mileage.

DVerbarg · May 30, 2002

In addition to the thoughts already expressed regarding the differences between the TC33D and TC45D (hp, cylinders, etc) the operator's platform is a bit different also. I personally like the controls on the TC45 better then the TC33.

However, the mid-PTO is not available on the TC45 so this would rule out a MMM on the TC45. The mid-PTO is available on the TC40 which is the reason that I have a TC40D instead of a TC45D.

whippet_racer · May 31, 2002

This looks like a question of 12 additional horses vs. a hydrostatic transmission. If you can live with fewer horses, the hydrostat is akin to sliced bread IMHO. My TC33D w/7308 was delivered today and I'm on a bit of a hydrostat high. If you have a lot of obstacles to navigate while mowing (i.e. flower beds) the hydrostat will make your life much easier. If you do a lot of loader work place the hyrdo tranny as a top priority. If you need those 12 extra horses for implements or the lifting capacity of the 16LA go for the 45.

TxSam · May 31, 2002

Personally, I would say the TC45 hands down. $1100 is nothing when you compare what you are getting even minus the hydro tranny. The shuttle shift on the TC45 is extremely convenient to operate, quite a bit more loader capacity on the TC45, more hp, you may be able to use some 7 ft. implements if needed. You will use less hours to get the same amount of work done with the 45 compared to the 33. So, to reiterate if the $1100 is no problem for you, I would say that is an easy decision. Even if the $1100 is a problem, I'd try to find some way to swing the deal for the 45. Hope that helps!

mswanson · May 31, 2002

Last year when I was shoping for a tractor I had a chance to buy a slightly used (50 hrs) TC40D for less $$ than the new TC33D that I ended up getting. As I saw it the positives of the TC33D were 1) it is easier to tow on my 8000# trailer (would have needed a new trailer for the class III boomer) 2) fits in my garage and 3) handles all my tasks 4) it was my first cut and felt more maneagable in size. Plus the new financing was attractive. After almost 100 hours of use I would say there are some times when I wished I had gotten the larger boomer. Mostly when digging with or using the fel. I think you have to look at the kinds of things you are planning to do with the tractor to determine which is best for you.

John_Mc · Jun 3, 2002

IMHO, a TC45 is overkill for bush hogging and finish mowing 2 acres. It may be heavy enough that you leave some pretty good marks in your lawn on the finish mowed area (if that matters to you).

If you need the TC45 for the lift capacity on the FEL, that would be the only reason to step up in size from the 33D from what I see in your description. I have a 33D which I use for brush hogging (15 acres), some regrading/drainage swale installation, and maintaining over 1300 ft of gravel driveway/road. While I sometimes wish for bigger when mowing, I'm limited by the trails I maintain in the woods... no way I could fit a class III boomer on those.

Having said all that, I'll echo what others have indicated... if a TC45 feels right to you, go with it.

BTW I use a 6 ft box blade on my 33D (w/filled R4 tires) with good results. I'd recommend that over the 5 ft model you noted in your post. Other than that, your implements seem to be well matched to your tractors.

John Mc