TC40A...

[CentralNC]

I am actively searching for a tractor to use on some land I recently purchased. We have ~15 acres (mostly field with 3-4 acres of woods) that has about 5 years of growth on it. I want to buy a tractor to use in clearing the land and preparing to build a house, so a FEL will be handy. I will use it in future years to maintain a gravel road and use on the land. I grew up on a farm and using tractors were part of life. This will be the first tractor that I have bought on my own.

I had my mind set on a MF 1533 or 1540, but I stopped to look at New Holland this afternoon. Those Boomer tractors appear well built and the dealership told me that New Holland had 0% financing for 5 years for the month of June on TC40A and TC40DA. That is a great incentive!!!

I have read a lot of posts on TBN searching for information on the TC40A. The TC40DA seems more popular, but I would prefer the 12x12 transmission. Does anyone have any comments on the TC40A? Any experience with it?

The MF 1533/1540 seem like well built pieces of equipment. Is the TC40A comparable in build quality and strength? Does one have an inherent advantage vs. the other? The dealer quoted $21,600 (with the FEL) and 0%/5yrs. Is that a good price?

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. A $20,000+ purchase deserves good research. Thanks for your advice.

 

[LoneCowboy]

I have a MF1433 (previous to the 1533) and am looking real hard at a TC45DA.

The MF"s are a better value, plain jane, rock hard, do anything (i've had exactly one issue in 370 hours of operation and I use it hard).

The NH's have better ergonomics (more comfortable) and better controls.

both are good

 

[SOS]

I purchase one about 5 months ago, a 45a, an only have about 40+ hours but have no complaints. Its very confortable does fine on my 13 acers - 70% wooded. I use a 6 inch wood chipper a lot and have plenty of power and a quick release loader which I use a fork front end a lot to carry wood.

Its easy to see over, engine is smooth running, and the place I bought it is good to deal with.

I was torn over the A vs the DA but I already pushed my funds to the max so I went with the A and shifting is no problem -- it did take a few hours to break in the shifter or for me to learn how to shift smoothly.

My previous tractor was a chineese off brand and we wont go there -- its still sitting in the back.

Good luck and remember to get your options upfront --- Get a light for the back so you can see at night

 

[Todd_C]

CentralNC,

I purchased a TC 40A last fall. This is my second New Holland Tractor. I had a TC 30 before the TC 40A. I test drove several brands and I also spent a few hours driving the DA and A before I went with the gear model. I think the TC 40A offers a lot of power for the size and the 16LA FEL that I have has a lot of lift capacity.

The TC 40 offers the power of a larger tractor; yet, it is still small enough to manuver around in tight spots. New Holland has been offering good deals on the TC 40 and TC 55 models. You want go wrong with any of these tractors. Your quote is right around what I paid for my tractor.

I do recommend the brush guard because the light assembly on the Boomer series is expensive to replace. See if your dealer will include this with the deal. I also tested a Massey 1540. I did like this tractor, but curved FEL on the TC 40 was the deciding factor. The Boomer series tractors have a good track record for reliability, strength, and design.

 

[602466]

I looked at both the TC40A & TC40DA last year. I went with the TC40DA and had not had any problems with it. I wanted the hydro because I am clearing out 3 acres of woods and did not want to be shifting all day. I paid $21,500 with a bush hog M246 FEL. I see you are in NC, I bought mine at Randolph Tractor Supply in Greensboro.

Hope this helps.

Wally

 

[CentralNC]

I appreciate all of the advice and comments on the 40A. It does seem like a great tractor. I was comparing it with the Kubota Grand L Series (L3240) and noticed that the Kubota 3240 (32 HP) weighed only 100 lbs less and had a greater lift capacity at the 3 point hitch. The TC40A (2300 lbs) vs the L3240 (2650 lbs).

It seems that the TC35, TC40 and TC45 were all rated at 2330 lbs on the 3 point hitch. Is this lift capacity a function of hydraulic flow rate or HP?

Those Kubotas are very nice tractors, but the 0%/5yr financing on the TC40A makes it hard to turn down. Thanks again for your help and comments.

 

[Todd_C]

I appreciate all of the advice and comments on the 40A. It does seem like a great tractor. I was comparing it with the Kubota Grand L Series (L3240) and noticed that the Kubota 3240 (32 HP) weighed only 100 lbs less and had a greater lift capacity at the 3 point hitch. The TC40A (2300 lbs) vs the L3240 (2650 lbs).

It seems that the TC35, TC40 and TC45 were all rated at 2330 lbs on the 3 point hitch. Is this lift capacity a function of hydraulic flow rate or HP?

Those Kubotas are very nice tractors, but the 0%/5yr financing on the TC40A makes it hard to turn down. Thanks again for your help and comments.

I wouldn't make your decision based on the 3 point hitch capacity. I believe the system is set by the relief valve. I've never lifted anything near 2,330lbs with my tractor and I don't believe 300 pounds would make a difference. The New Holland TC 40 and TC 45 both have a super smooth 4 cylinder engine. You also need to look at the FEL lift capacity if you intend on buying a FEL.

 

[dknarnd]

Last fall I bought the TC40A with the 16LA loader when they offered the 4 years at 0% and although I only have about 25 hours on it I am very happy with it. As already mentioned I would have the front guard installed (it's already saved me once) and get the delux 3pt hitch. Other options like added remotes are a good idea if you can swing it and if you go AG tires I would get the larger 14.9 x 24 size.

If you are good at googleing you can find the December 2006 product and pricing bulletin for New Holland equipment. Wish I would have found this before I purchased.

 

[Turbys_1700]

In comparing the Kubota and the New Holland, I would buy the one that I could get the best deal on. I own a 1720 but to be honest with you, in my honest opinion, their is not enough difference between any of the major brands to say that one is better than the other comparing equal tractors. One might have 200# more lift at the 3-pt hitch while the other may have a little more horsepower, ect, ect, ect...

Get the one that you like best at the best deal possible with a dealer that is close enough to service your tractor and enjoy.

 

[CentralNC]

I appreciate all of the good advice in response to my questions. The comments have changed my perspective on things. In reading a LOT of posts on TBN.....I believe that the NH, Kubota, JD and MF tractors are all good brands. I like the ergonomics of the NH, but the Kubotas have one heck of a reputation.

I began thinking that a HST might be a better option for my two young sons when they reach the age to drive the equipment. My wife would also use the tractor if it had a HST.

All of the dealerships that have both NH and Kubota tell me that Kubota has the best HST available. I am going to drive both a NH and Kubota HST tomorrow and see for myself. It is typically another $1500-$2000 option....but I am considering.

I believe that the 0% / 5 yrs (2.9% for up to 8 yrs) financing by NH might be the tie-breaker. It really makes a difference in the monthly payments. NH is offering some really good financing on the TC40A and TC40DA right now.

I appreciate all of the advice and insight.

 

[Haneyrm]

I maintain 56 acres in Middle Tennessee with a TC35DA. My farm is a 50/50 mix of open pasture land and woods. I have a few steep hills that can challenge the tractor when mowing with a 6' bush hog if not in low gear. As long as I keep it in low range and keep it "turtled" I have no issues. I usually just floor it and set the cruise control. I switch to turtle on the uphill section and rabbit on the downhill sections. I have owned both Kubota and NH. While the Kubota was a nice tractor, the NH has a much more friendly operator's platform and is infinitely more comfortable. I hated the location of the loader joystick on the Kubota. The reliability of the big four is pretty much the same. Buy what is most comfortable to you. I spend 8-10 hours at a time mowing and am thankful I bought the NH.

Mike

 

[jinman]

I appreciate all of the advice and comments on the 40A. It does seem like a great tractor. I was comparing it with the Kubota Grand L Series (L3240) and noticed that the Kubota 3240 (32 HP) weighed only 100 lbs less and had a greater lift capacity at the 3 point hitch. The TC40A (2300 lbs) vs the L3240 (2650 lbs).

It seems that the TC35, TC40 and TC45 were all rated at 2330 lbs on the 3 point hitch. Is this lift capacity a function of hydraulic flow rate or HP?

Can you tell me where you got those Kubota specs? I looked at Kubota's site for the L-series and did not even see an L3240. However the L3440 listed had lift capacities 24" behind the hitch balls that were far less than the New Holland Class III Boomers. Also, the Boomers all weigh approximately 3200-3400 lb. Is the Kubota heavier?

I don't doubt your word at all, but I could not find the spec sheet to see if the comparison was possibly flawed by not having an apples to apples comparison. Kubota makes a great tractor; however, the numbers you mentioned for a 32 hp tractor seem extremely high. I cannot imagine that tractor having the ability to lift 2650# at 24" behind the balls. If so, it would be "Mighty Mouse" indeed.

 

[CentralNC]

I hope I am looking at the numbers correctly. On the Kubota website choose the L series tractors. The 3240 is one of the Grand L40 ROPS tractors. Once in that section look up the specifications options. I checked it again and it seemed to say 2650 lbs. It is also in their Grand L40 brochure.

Thanks again for all of the comments.

 

[b33b]

The NH comparison site also shows the L3240 with 2665 lift capacity 24" from the pins vs. 2330 for the 40DA.

 

[ustobefarmer]

I've had a TC40A for a little over 4 years. I've pu on about 100 hrs a year seeded new lawns and also some back filling. I like the shuttle shift and never got tired of the clutching. You will have to make your own decision on what you like. Good luck in your choice. Keep us posted

 

[jinman]

I hope I am looking at the numbers correctly. On the Kubota website choose the L series tractors. The 3240 is one of the Grand L40 ROPS tractors. Once in that section look up the specifications options. I checked it again and it seemed to say 2650 lbs. It is also in their Grand L40 brochure.

Thanks again for all of the comments.

I did finally find the Kubota specs on the Kubota site, but it didn't shed a lot of light on several issues. That's okay, because the New Holland spec sheet is flawed on their site too.

You could just about find a weight for the NH from 2500 to 4100 lb, depending on where you look. The NH spec sheet says about 4000 lb for the tractor with tires/wheels. My owner's manual says 3484 and the comparison spec sheet says something like 2500 lb. Maybe the comparison number is without tires/wheels. A web developer without a lot of tractor knowledge probably built both these charts, so it's hard to figure what the deal is with the different numbers. I think a bare HST class III New Holland weighs about 3500 lb. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The Kubota site says the Grand L40 ROPS tractor has a lift of 2650 lb a the "...L.P." What's the "L.P."? Is that "Lift Point"? Why don't they just say at the hitch balls? Do they possibly mean the point where the lift attaches to the lower arm? That would sure make a big difference in the numbers. Also the Kubota site does not list the hydraulic pressure, on the flow. The NH site says the two top Class III tractors have 2500 PSI, and the TC35 has about 200 lb less pressure due to a setting of the relief valve.

There is no doubt that the L32340 is a Mighty Mouse at the 3PH, but it's hard to interpret spec sheets when the same terminology and specs are not used. I wish all tractor manufacturers would quit trying to obfuscate the issues and just use the same numbers and terminology. I won't hold my breath.

 

[Todd_C]

I wish all tractor manufacturers would quit trying to obfuscate the issues and just use the same numbers and terminology. I won't hold my breath. [/QUOTE]

I'm tired off all the tractor manufacturers manipulating data to sell tractors. I guess we are partially to blame, but it has gotten out of hand. I don't think there is enough variation in any of the 40hp compact tractors to make any difference in the real world. A 4,000lb machine is only going to lift so much. I've never been brand loyal. I've always purchased what I liked best and what seemed to be the best deal.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I've got the owners manual for my 1720. It states that the ship weight of my 1720 4WD is aounnd 2800#. The advertisement brouchere for Ford states the ship weight at around 2600#. Well that's not exact but from my foggy memory the difference was around 160# or so.

Until the manufacturers allow independent testing of their compacts to the Nebraska tests they will all play the numbers game. All we can do as consumers is read and compare and take all the numbers with a grain of salt.

 

[Ford850]

The nebraska tests don't solve the marketing spin, but they would be THE source for accurate information. When I researched the TC55 and DX55, the numbers varied drastically between spcs sheets, websites, and printed materials. I was lucky to find the 55's were in the Nebraska tests so I could go there for real numbers.

 

[mikim]

CNC - I agree with others here -- don't get all hung up on the spec sheets. Any of the tractors in the 40 - 45 hp range are going to be close enough in specs to not make any major diff. ... What you need to be considering are all the "extras" you want / need on it. I highly suggest at least 2 rear remotes, FEL of course(with quick attach bucket), 4wd, and whatever implements you will need the first 2 years. Wrap it all in the initial purchase. As for choosing which to go with ... sit on 'em, try 'em for fit, and go with what feels good.