TC40D vs. TC40DA vs. DX40

[predator500]

Hello - we have been searching for a tractor and started with the TC40D NH, 4610 eHydro Deere, and a Kubota. We are John Deere people, but the fuel fill in the hood, and cheesy hood design pretty much turned us off from the 4610 along with the higher price. Didn't like the pedal layout of the Kubota so that left us looking at the NH. Here is where the fun starts - we are getting a tractor with a loader and that is it for accessories to start with. The first tractor looked at is the TC40D - it is pretty nice. For $1000 more we can get the same exact thing except it's a TC40DA. The dealer seems decent enough - answered all of our questions, but is about 50 miles away and we would have to do our own hauling for warranty work (we do have a trailer so it's not the end of the world). The Case IH dealer is about $1200 over the DA ($2200 over the D) - we like the looks of the Farmall the best and the dealer is closer, plus will do all pickups and deliveries for free during warranty. The Case IH dealer has also made a point to offer to bring the Farmall out and let us demo it for a whole day no strings attached to make sure it is what we are expecting. What are your guy's thoughts? Does anyone know if anything was changed mechanically between a D and a DA? We hate the fender mounted handholds on the DA since they aren't as sturdy as the old style, but we don't want to give up any possible mechanical updates? The Farmall looks the best in my opinion and we like the dealer, but at $2200 over the TC40D and $1200 over the TC40DA that makes things kind of rough to go that route. I'm just looking for some thoughts on this - let me know what you think, thanks, Jim

 

[jinman]

The DA has a few features that are improved. The obvious hood change is actually an improvement because the vent screen that used to be on top of the hood is no longer there. This will keep rain and water from dropping right down on top of the battery, The light changes are an improvement only if you like them. Below the hood, the battery is now covered so there is less chance of battery acid fumes being drawn into the radiator and transmission cooler. Also, the hydrostatic pedals return spring has been "beefed up" to give a more positive return to neutral when you lift your foot. Finally, the instrument panel has been improved on the DA along with a cover which protects the tilt steering wheel shock from getting water into it.

Personally, I like the handholds my "D" model has much more than the new ones. I also think the lights being moved up on the ROPs is just an opportunity to play "tail light T-ball" with tree limbs. My lights down low have taken a beating around my trees. If I had the new lights, I'd just take them off and put them in storage because either the first or second time I used my tractor, the lights would be destroyed. Generally, I don't think a ROPs is a tree-friendly device anyhow, but that's another personal rant you don't need to hear from me. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

As far as I know, there are no internal major mechanical changes to the tractor at all. Good luck with your selection. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[JayC]

As has been said here so many times, go with the dealer you like best. Even though the Case dealer may be a bit more, it is worth the few extra pennies to have a dealer that will be there when you need them. Also, you should see if the dealer will haggle over the price of the Farmall at all. Maybe he would be willing to come down some. One last thing, whichever machine you get, don't forget the pics! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif