TC45A and Tn60A prices

Robert_in_NY · Dec 20, 2004

My dealer sells a lot of 2wd TN's. At one time about 50% of the new tractors on the lot were 2wd last summer. Most of the grape and vegetable farmers here don't need FWA on their tractors. Heck, I do most of my work in 2wd except tillage. I can do tillage in 2wd but the amount of slip doesn't make it worth while. FWA improves fuel economy but it isn't a necessity. Buy what you feel comfortable with and want. If you can afford FWA you will like it but it is mostly a luxury. Have fun.

ThistleKop · Dec 21, 2004

Not only do dealers not stock but perhaps 1 or 2% two wheel drive tractors, but if you ever go to trade a "modern" tractor and it is 2wd, it is a pink elephant. 

Dargo,
The scenario you described is not the reality in Mid TN. More 2wds on the lots at the dealerships. More 2wds still sold. Tractors in the size range mentioned on this thread will perform the tasks expected by the poster.

TK

fire72 · Dec 22, 2004

Two wheel drive still does the job in most cases. If my property were flatter and drier, the only thing I can think of that the 2wd would have trouble with is moldboard plowing. However...
My property is steep, and there are multiple seeps that cause mudholes and any time of the year. I got the job done with my old 2wd Massey for several years, but it's a lot quicker and easier with my 4wd 1920. The 2wd tractor had a lot more trouble moldboard plowing, and also made plowing snow on my steep gravel driveway more exciting than I really wanted it to be. I frequently had to plow on the way down, then loop through the yard on the way back up because I didn't have enough traction to plow uphill or even climb up the driveway. At least once I had to rescue the tractor with my 4wd truck not from mud or deep snow, just frozen ground on a steep hill the tractor couldn't climb.

The bottom line is you have to do what suits your own conditions and preferences. Two wheel drive saves a lot of purchase cost and future maintenance. Either of your options sounds like a good choice.

ThistleKop · Dec 22, 2004

The bottom line is you have to do what suits your own conditions and preferences. 

You're right Fire72. For my tasks and my terrain, I can't justify the difference in cost between 2&4wd. However, when I get ready to buy again I will consider going down a size and upgrade to 4wd. This will offset some of the cost difference. My chief concern is a tractor beefy enough to handle a ton roll of hay on both the front and back at one trip and also not turn my "fun" into a worse money-losing activity.

TK

MARKV33598 · Dec 22, 2004

Well fellas i went to NH dealer today and he just so happened to have a TN60A, 2WD, 8X8 trans that he had just got off lease. My salesman wasn't there today but I called his cell. He said $15500. No remotes but it has a front weight bracket and 6-88lb weights which I'm sure I could swap him out for 2 remotes. It has 48 hours on it. I am going back tomorrow to talk out the details with him. It is in perfect shape except for on scratch on the hood and the pto shaft hinge cover is all wadded up. I am sure he will correct these things and I can probably talk him down some more on the price as he thought it had a 12X12. Does anyone know the price difference from the 8X8 to the 12X12. I will find out the particulars tomorrow but I think this could be a Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dargo · Dec 22, 2004

ThistleKop, not saying that I don't believe you, because I'm not in TN, but there is no how no way that 2wd tractors represent more than maybe 2% of the tractors sold around here. I'd have to venture to say that that 2% better have a huge amount of ground clearance today as well and at least an FEL to help them when they are stuck, because we have received about 20" of snow in the last 24 hours. Without 4wd, I would have been stuck about 100 times minimum today while out plowing and pulling cars and trucks out. The poster obviously should buy what he wants, but I'll definitely stand by what I said about trying to sell a 2wd tractor around here would be harder than selling ice to an Eskimo. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

RickB · Dec 23, 2004

Don't be too quick to pawn off those front weights. You may buy them back at retail. If you need remotes, buy them. Much of anything on the 3PH will require front weight on a 2WD TN.

Bob_Young · Dec 24, 2004

WooHoo MarkV, are you me? Your post that begins "WELL HERE'S THE THING FELLAS...", I coulda written that. Sub Ford 4000 for the 3600 and JD40 for the F-Cub and we're the same person! Instead of 'valve job and reringed' mine is 'rodents ate the electrical system' /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Like you, I just got tired of tinkerin' with the old stuff when real work needed doin' and wanted something new and dependable.

And up until recently, my attitude toward 4WD was the same as yours too. Years of gettin' the job done with 2WD was proof, to me, that 4WD wasn't needed.

But, when I bought my new tractor, a very basic Kubota L4300, it had 4WD anyway. Got to thinkin' that anymore, I almost always work alone. There are no neighbors to help out if I get stuck even though I've still got the 4000 and the JD. I've gotta keep it goin' on my own. 4WD would help there. It has quickly gotten me out of a couple of tight spots already and I've only got 5 hrs on the machine. In fact, to my thinking, the time wasted on 2WD traction limitations was no different than the time wasted due to lack of parking brake (yep, got that one too) or due to a dead battery (bad voltage regulator).

Also noticed the CUTs are light, very light when compared to the Ag tractors I've run. Something has to make up for the lack of weight if the power's going to make forward motion. Light is nice if you have to trailer the rig, which I do. Might not be an issue for you.

But even when going heavy 4WD is nice. Got a fair amount of time recently chisel plowing with a NH8970 4WD. Nothing would stop that thing. Those 4 big tires relentlessly clawing away was scary 'til I got used to it. By not wasting time with traction problems that thing did alot of work fast. Also plowed alot of snow at the airport with a NH TV140. Having 4 turning made a big difference when the snow piles got higher than the cab.

Like the guys say, if 2WD will do it for you, go for it. I just responded because you sound so much like I did a year or two ago. Good luck whichever way you go.
Bob

ThistleKop · Dec 24, 2004

Not only do dealers not stock but perhaps 1 or 2% two wheel drive tractors, but if you ever go to trade a "modern" tractor and it is 2wd, it is a pink elephant.

Dargo, Let me say this; "I would prefer a 4wd tractor", however, I would have to think hard to justify the additional cost for my use. Others on this thread also have stated that your statement above does not represent their local situation. Your statement as I read it makes no mention of this being your local situation but is all inclusive. I won't pursue this thing any further.

TK

Dargo · Dec 24, 2004

ThistleKop, I didn't mean to come across as aggressive as it sounds when I read my post. I just want to let you know that in mud, snow, hills, rough terrain, or pulling a plow, I don't know anyone with a 2wd tractor who is happy with it. Just for the heck of it, today I pulled my tractor in 2wd while trying to help some people in the snow. It took my tractor from being an absolute beast in over 2 feet of snow to being a liability. I couldn't even get out of my own tracks. Stuck. Buried. The difference is just unbelievable. That is all I wanted to really say. Also, more people are realizing that, and 2wd tractors are really considered "bad merchandise" by all dealers I've ever spoken to in S. Indian or S IL.