TC35A vs. ?

[goingforit]

As a first time tractor buyer, I wanted to get some feedback on some options I am considering. I have about 20 acres and will be using tractor for landscaping, 1/4 mile gravel road maintenance, mowing around the perimeter, fencing, planting trees, breaking up small garden area. I mow about an acre around the house with a small Cub Cadet. Most of my 20 acres is flat, prairie grass. Last year, the neighbor cut my grass and pulled off 22 round bales. I do not intend to use the new tractor in a hay operation, although I may need to move the occasional bale.

I started out with a budget of $20k and shortly thereafter exceeded that. I have narrowed my choices to the following: NH TC35A, JD 990 (4wd), and JD 3320. I have received the following quotes for tractor with FEL, loaded R4's, box blade, rotary mower, small disk, post hole digger: $23k, $24.3k, $22.8k, respectively. I am pretty sure that I can't go wrong with any of them, but I wanted to do a little research. Incidentally, I thought about the JD 5103 because of the HP and price, but decided it was probably too big for the work I had in mind.

First of all, how do these quotes stack up with prices other have paid? Are there any surprises, or should all three of these tractors be about the same price with add-ons?

I am leaning toward the TC35A because of comfort, dealership, salesman, etc.
It is also available on the lot, whereas, the JD's will have to be located and brought to the lot.

Am I missing out on anything by eliminating the JD's?

Will I be kicking myself later for not stepping up to the TC35DA model?

Are there any other options/implements I should be considering?

I hope to pull the trigger later this week so any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. This site has proven to be invaluable so far. Thanks for any and all responses.

 

[schmism]

what comes in the D "package" on NH boomers i think is worth it.

id go with the NH DA and forgo picking up one or 2 of the implements right away and instead spend some time trying to find one or more of them used. many times "like" new versions can be had for hundreds less.....

(I cant remember what all comes on the D package... delux hitch... swival seat? cruse control? ruber mat floor?)

 

[jbrumberg]

goingforit:

Welcome to TBN ! All I will say is that I went with a "DA" because of the user friendly features. Jay

 

[thcri]

You may want to go out and find a dealer that has the JD's in stock to just test drive, get a feel for them. But one thing you said leans me to New Holland and that was the comment of the dealer. That is very important.

As for the DA, test drive one of them first. I have the TC29D which was the delux over the TC29 back in the days when I bought. I found the D series to be so much nicer and worth the extra money. This was an investment I will have for a long time. It was worth the extra dollars to me. You need to think about that too. Don't push your decision too fast, half the fun is buying.

Let us know what you do.


murph

 

[kozak]

I do not intend to use the new tractor in a hay operation, although I may need to move the occasional bale.


I am leaning toward the TC35A because of comfort, dealership, salesman, etc.
It is also available on the lot, whereas, the JD's will have to be located and brought to the lot.

Am I missing out on anything by eliminating the JD's?

Will I be kicking myself later for not stepping up to the TC35DA model?

Are there any other options/implements I should be considering?

I hope to pull the trigger later this week so any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. This site has proven to be invaluable so far. Thanks for any and all responses.

Welcome To THE Forum.

First of all I don't believe any of the listed Tractors will lift a round bale. You will be able to move the bale if you want to roll it on the ground in front of you. Check with the Dealer. He will be able to confirm this.....or somebody else on TBN will.

The JD 3320 IMHO is too small.

Comparing the two tractors remaining, the NH TC35A has the best lift capacity by approx. 500 LBS both on the front & rear. This is a surprise when you consider the JD 990 has more HP. (40HP engine with 35HP PTO)

The NH TC35A also IMHO has the better transmission with the 12x12 Synchro Shuttle versus the standard gear transmission on the 990. Loader work would be easier.

In so far as implements....boy....would I love to have all those implements !!

There is no doubt that the JD 990 is a fine machine & a well made reliable machine. I just think the TC35A out specs it where it counts the most. The only weakness that I see with the TC35A is 2WD. 4WD is optional & more than worth it. (In my books is a must)

If you do decide to go with the NH model, definitely seriously consider the DA (deluxe) series. Remember, your probably going to have the tractor for years to come & as others have said they are worthwhile features.

Dealership is a break or make decision. I was sold on Kabota when I was doing my research until I found the Dealer trying to pull a fast one. If you are sold on the NH Dealership I believe you are 60 to 70% of your way in making your decision.

Good Luck With Whatever You Decide.

Vic

 

[rcaretti]

I've moved a few round bales with the TC40D with a rear three point spear without any problems, although I don't know the difference in lifting capability between the TC35 and TC40.

I wouldn't even try it with a spear mounted on the loader, I don't think it would do it.

When I was shopping for a tractor I started out looking at the TC35D and the Kubota 3830, but the price difference between the TC35 and the 40 wasn't that much. I do have some hilly pastures and have wished I bought a TC45D a few times when using the mower, but overall it's a good machine that I've been happy with.