TC40DA

jinman · Jun 11, 2006

( My biggest concern for either Hyd or Gear is whether I'll be able to go through all steps in a single range. Because, it seems to me, that changing ranges for any model will require stopping the tractor.
)

The NH class III Boomers, TC35DA/40DA/45DA, all only have two gear ranges (high and low). Within each range, there are two hydro ranges (rabbit and turtle) that come from being able to change the ratio in the hydraulic motor in the hydrostatic transmission. That ratio is changed by two buttons operated by your thumb on the joystick and/or a fender mounted switch. The only requirement to stop and change ranges is when you go from low to high range, so on these model tractors you only have to stop once to go from the lowest gear to the highest gear. Since they have no clutch, all you have to do is stop, change the range selector, and go. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

jinman · Jun 11, 2006

( My biggest concern for either Hyd or Gear is whether I'll be able to go through all steps in a single range. Because, it seems to me, that changing ranges for any model will require stopping the tractor.
)

The NH class III Boomers, TC35DA/40DA/45DA, all only have two gear ranges (high and low). Within each range, there are two hydro ranges (rabbit and turtle) that come from being able to change the ratio in the hydraulic motor in the hydrostatic transmission. That ratio is changed by two buttons operated by your thumb on the joystick and/or a fender mounted switch. The only requirement to stop and change ranges is when you go from low to high range, so on these model tractors you only have to stop once to go from the lowest gear to the highest gear. Since they have no clutch, all you have to do is stop, change the range selector, and go. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

jinman · Jun 11, 2006

( The 48 will take a bigger RFM (90" vs 84") and Bush Hog (7' vs 6') and has about 10 more PTO HP. And alot of the Nicesities on the 40 DA are present on the 48. Only one that is a real sacrifice is the swivel seat. Not on the 48, I don't think. )

I think you've made a very rational comparison. The TC48DA is definitely a beast with its 18LA loader. Since both Deere and Kubota have 50ish hp models with hydro, I'd expect to see a hydro on the 48 and 55 before long, but that's just speculation and you need a tractor now. Considering the bigger cutters you can hang on the rear, I think you might be very pleased with the TC48. It's pretty big for 17 acres, but it's not a TN. I think a TN could be a little big to work in/under trees, but I'd sure like to have one of them for my really big tasks on our 55 acres. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

jinman · Jun 11, 2006

( The 48 will take a bigger RFM (90" vs 84") and Bush Hog (7' vs 6') and has about 10 more PTO HP. And alot of the Nicesities on the 40 DA are present on the 48. Only one that is a real sacrifice is the swivel seat. Not on the 48, I don't think. )

I think you've made a very rational comparison. The TC48DA is definitely a beast with its 18LA loader. Since both Deere and Kubota have 50ish hp models with hydro, I'd expect to see a hydro on the 48 and 55 before long, but that's just speculation and you need a tractor now. Considering the bigger cutters you can hang on the rear, I think you might be very pleased with the TC48. It's pretty big for 17 acres, but it's not a TN. I think a TN could be a little big to work in/under trees, but I'd sure like to have one of them for my really big tasks on our 55 acres. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Crisswell · Jun 11, 2006

( 

I think you've made a very rational comparison. The TC48DA is definitely a beast with its 18LA loader. Since both Deere and Kubota have 50ish hp models with hydro, I'd expect to see a hydro on the 48 and 55 before long, but that's just speculation and you need a tractor now. Considering the bigger cutters you can hang on the rear, I think you might be very pleased with the TC48. It's pretty big for 17 acres, but it's not a TN. I think a TN could be a little big to work in/under trees, but I'd sure like to have one of them for my really big tasks on our 55 acres. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

Thanks, Jim. I'm trying to a good decision here. You're probably right about it being a bit big for 17 acres, but I'm not exactly sure how my use of it will evolve. One thing you guys have taught me is that you will find all kinds of uses for it that you never imagined when you were buying it!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I understand that you can't really use a hydro for ground engaging work (plowing). I don't plan on doing any farming today, but who knows!?! With the SS and that much brawn I'll have tons of flexibility. I only want to do this once for a long, long time. Plus you pick up the extra PTO hp which opens up more attachment options that you can't live without, for those new uses you're sure to find! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

As I've seen newer tractors with low hours for sale on places like ebay, classifieds, etc. the explanation most given for selling is needing more HP/bigger tractor. Now there's a rational limit to that mentality, but I don't think I'm jumping too far by going from 40 to 48 - expecially when they're about the same money (40 hydro to 48 SS). Attachments cost more, but the base tractors are within about $200 of one another, list price to list price.

What I don't know is that will the 48 be as reliable as the 40? I see threads with problems on the 55 (brother to the 48), but not on the 48. Maybe it's because the 48 has a naturally aspired motor like the smaller tractors (a proven NH platform), not the newer turbo charged power plant they introduced with the Utility tractor line for the 55 a few years ago. Also the 48 has the tried and true SS tranny vs the newer EHSS that some guys seem to have had a few issues with.

Anyway, I'm just about there. Just need to firm up the reliability/quality issue for the 48. I want to make the deal before the end of the month, The cash back ($700) and 0% financing program runs expires June 30.

Thanks again.

Andy

Crisswell · Jun 11, 2006

( 

I think you've made a very rational comparison. The TC48DA is definitely a beast with its 18LA loader. Since both Deere and Kubota have 50ish hp models with hydro, I'd expect to see a hydro on the 48 and 55 before long, but that's just speculation and you need a tractor now. Considering the bigger cutters you can hang on the rear, I think you might be very pleased with the TC48. It's pretty big for 17 acres, but it's not a TN. I think a TN could be a little big to work in/under trees, but I'd sure like to have one of them for my really big tasks on our 55 acres. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

Thanks, Jim. I'm trying to a good decision here. You're probably right about it being a bit big for 17 acres, but I'm not exactly sure how my use of it will evolve. One thing you guys have taught me is that you will find all kinds of uses for it that you never imagined when you were buying it!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I understand that you can't really use a hydro for ground engaging work (plowing). I don't plan on doing any farming today, but who knows!?! With the SS and that much brawn I'll have tons of flexibility. I only want to do this once for a long, long time. Plus you pick up the extra PTO hp which opens up more attachment options that you can't live without, for those new uses you're sure to find! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

As I've seen newer tractors with low hours for sale on places like ebay, classifieds, etc. the explanation most given for selling is needing more HP/bigger tractor. Now there's a rational limit to that mentality, but I don't think I'm jumping too far by going from 40 to 48 - expecially when they're about the same money (40 hydro to 48 SS). Attachments cost more, but the base tractors are within about $200 of one another, list price to list price.

What I don't know is that will the 48 be as reliable as the 40? I see threads with problems on the 55 (brother to the 48), but not on the 48. Maybe it's because the 48 has a naturally aspired motor like the smaller tractors (a proven NH platform), not the newer turbo charged power plant they introduced with the Utility tractor line for the 55 a few years ago. Also the 48 has the tried and true SS tranny vs the newer EHSS that some guys seem to have had a few issues with.

Anyway, I'm just about there. Just need to firm up the reliability/quality issue for the 48. I want to make the deal before the end of the month, The cash back ($700) and 0% financing program runs expires June 30.

Thanks again.

Andy

IH3444 · Jun 13, 2006

Got my TC48 on 7 acres. Believe me, it's not much bigger than the TC35/40/45 frame tractor. The 18LA loader is a bit bigger, but not much. I'm from the school of thought of get a bigger one, and if you need the extra omph, you got it. I don't like to run the snot out of anything if I don't have to........althought if all my equipment could talk, they would speak up differently. The TC48 is only about 1 foot longer with loader than the TC35/40/45. Stop worrying about it's size being too much. Now Jinman is right about the TN series. Those tractors are much larger than even the TC48/55. It is a bit of a beast.....you'll like that part of ownership. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif The NH booklet also shows it hooked up to a small NH round baler, could be the TC55 though. I would think the TC48 could do it, just slower. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Doc_Bob · Jun 13, 2006

( Now Jinman is right about the TN series. Those tractors are much larger than even the TC48/55. It is a bit of a beast.....you'll like that part of ownership. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

The TN 70A I am using is a beast and I love it. Rarely use 4WD, as in 2WD it is a monster. With FROPS, fits nicely into my mini-barn. It will do anything that a NH TC 40 or Kubota Grand L can do with 1/2 the effort. But it is noisey, harsher and vibrates more. Simply put "it is a beast" and I love it.

Crisswell · Jun 13, 2006

Well. I guess I've officially joined the Boomer ranks and have gone from lurking here to being a full fledged, dyed blue NH owner. Agreed on the deal today and should take delivery by the end of June.

TC 48DA

- FWD
- R4's
- Right side step
- Arm rests
- 2 rear remotes
- Fiberglass Sun Shade
- Block Heater
- Cross drawbar & Stay
- Rear Work Light
- Ballast Box
- Loaded Tires (Windshield Washer Fluid)
- Grille Guard

18LA Loader

- Quick Attach Faceplate
- 6' Heavy Duty Bucket
- 2 Welded Hooks
- Toothbar
- 48" Pallet Forks

Land Pride FDR3590 90" RFM

- 4 Air tires with sealant
- Front roller
- Extra set of blades

I had deals from 2 relatively local dealers. This one carries Land Pride, the other carries Woods attachments. The Woods equivalent mower has solid wheels and chains at the rear. The Land Pride has inflatable tires for a better ride, less damage to the turf and no chains to clump up grass. It cost more, however (about $700).

The deal with this dealer was for about the same money, but included the Ballast Box, Drawbar & Stay, the Loaded Tires - plus the more expensive Land Pride Mower, the extra set of blades and free delivery. So I feel like I did pretty good for my first purchase.

This dealer also has the better service department by reputation. The only bummer is that it's about 30 miles away, where the other dealer is about 10.

I have one more attachment to pick up. A Woods 84" bush hog. The Woods BH has more gearbox HP than the Land Pride(120 vs. 93), so I want to go Woods for it. There's 2 dealers around here for Woods - the NH place and a Mahindra dealer - so that's next. Then I'm done!

Can't wait to have it to use! I'm already conceiving of some uses around our new place!!

Thanks to all for your help and advice! I'm sure I wouldn't have made the decision to buy the 48 without your input, making me focus on what I really wanted. I know I'll be much happier with it now! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Andy

IH3444 · Jun 13, 2006

Welcome to the TC48 club Andy. You will be very happy with your tractor. Another thing about mine is the lack of noise, and vibration. The 4 cylinder engine is by nature a well balanced arrangement, with a power pulse every 90 drgress of crankshaft rotation. Also the engine has a rotating counter balancer inside the engine that helps dampen the primary, and secondary hormonic vibrations. It is a very quiet tractor, and smooth. Take some pictures and post them. It's only new once......... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif