TC40D: Buy now or wait?

Anonymous Poster · Dec 10, 2001

I really like the TC40D, but I am concerned about the posts regarding battery acid corrosion and low engine operating temperature. What's the consensus out there? Would a prospective buyer be better advised to wait until New Holland has a fix for these problems? Are fixes in the works? I live two hours from a New Holland dealer, so it's not feasible to take my unit in for warranty work except in exceptional instances. Thanks to all who respond.

MikePA · Dec 10, 2001

What about presenting these issues to the dealer and ask them to fix/address them as a purchase requirement?

jinman · Dec 10, 2001

Bert, I don't think either of these "problems" is a reason to put off buying a tractor and I am one of the folks who had a battery acid leak problem. If you tell your dealer, I think he will take some acid out of your battery for you. If he doesn't, you can do it yourself. If you know where to look, you can see if acid has leaked when you buy your tractor. Look around the base of the battery and behind it. I really think this kind of damage is rare. Also, when you test drive a tractor, just let it idle for 10 or 15 min and see if it heats to the proper range. If it doesn't, tell the dealer to fix it. If he sees that a sale is at stake, he'll surely make the changes you request. ...my two cents...

JimI

djradz · Dec 11, 2001

I agree with the other posts. Although annoying and needing to be fixed, in the grand scheme of things there pretty minor and very easily fixed. The tractor's a beaut otherwise. Go for it.

rmacan · Dec 11, 2001

Bert,
I have a TC-40D that's a little over a year old now (160 hrs.) and it had the low temp. problem. The fix for the low temp condition caused by coolant by passing the thermostat cost about $8.00 (1/4" brass valve, 1/4" to 5/16 hose barbs, 2 hose clamps) and 5 min. of time to install. My dealer would have done it, but it was easier to just do it myself. I'll bet your dealer would be willing to take care of that and check the battery as part of the deal, if not, you probably want to look for another dealer anyway.

JATO_RaT · Dec 11, 2001

Bert those issues would definitely not keep me from purchasing a tractor I wanted. If it were questionable transmissions or engine problems it would be a mistake to buy one. The points you brought up could easily be attributed to isolated cases or coincidence. The TC40D is a nice tractor, I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Rat...