TC48DA vs. TC55DA

[Tarheelman]

LetsRoll,

Thanks for the info. I expected most everyone to suggest to go with more horsepower. More is always better, or so the logic goes. Nice to hear a different perspective. I've got some rolling hills, so I would probably get 4wd any way. Since they only come that way, that's one less decision.

Nice pics. As my grandmother used to say "I'll knock you down" for that boompole. I need to trim around the edges of some fields and that would be the ticket. As far as the clearing you did, that's some big stuff. Very impressive. That's much more than anything I'll need the clear my old fence rows.

I'm going tomorrow afternoon to a dealer to look at the TC48 he's got on the lot. If I can just get him to back down on the price a little, I'd feel better. I don't think it helps my cause any when I start drooling as soon as I set foot on the lot.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Tarheelman]

Rebelmedic,

I have had several conversations with dealers about the turbo and share your concern. Most have indicated that they have had no problems, but then again they are selling what makes them the most money. I plan to get the tires loaded, but I've got plenty of implements that I can use as ballast.

Thanks for the input.

 

[LetsRoll]

Tarheelman

Just a few things that you can use to your advantage. There not big problems but I've noticed them to be more concerned about or to watch out for more often. One is the fuel tank. The fuel tank in mounted right on top, in the back of the engine. This creates condensation conditions for the fuel tank. Now I know why my dealer told me to always keep the tank full of fuel. What this causes is if you dont keep your fuel tank topped off, is more water will collect in the bottom of the filter bowl. You will have to wash the filter off or change the fuel filter more often. I have almost 100 hours on my tractor and I have had to change the fuel filter three times. Two of the new fuel filter's, I just washed them in clean fuel and put them back in. In my honest opinion, New holland could use a better fuel filter or a separate water separater. That is one thing you could bring up or talk about with the dealer when you are talking about the final price. Another thing you could bring up is the air cleaners. The housing or canister that houses the inner and outer air filter is right in front of the radiator. When the tractor is running and the radiator fan is turning, the outside elements (dirt, leaves, grass, bugs...etc) get directed right at the front of the air filter inlet. This in my opinion, is a bad location for the air filter canister cause all of the outside elements are directed right into the path of the air filter inlet hole. When I was clearing the tree's and moving the dirt around, each morning, I had to take the air filter housing apart and blow the dust/dirt out of the canister/housing and also take the outer filter out and blow compressed air from the inside on the air filter out to clean it as well. No big deal, but the more worse conditions you work in, the more often you'll have to clean the air filters. These are just a few things you could bring up to maybe help with your final price. O yes, being in North Carolina, your going to need a canopy. When I was stationed in North Carolina in the Marine Corps (Camp Lejuene), it got pretty hot during the summer months, you might get the dealer to throw in a canopy (colors: white or blue) at his expense. Or if that doen't work, you might negoiate the first service (50 hours service). The filter's and fliuds are not cheap. Take a look at the prices below. Those are the prices for the filters for a TC48DA. Other than that, thats all I can think of off the top of my noddle. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Click here for TC48DA filter prices

Disclaimer...the above statements are my opinion, not from New Holland facts. There just observations from my knowledge of my findings while using my tractor.

 

[Osconda]

Well I guess I'll finally chime in. Lot's of good info has been provided and I agree with almost all of it. I did also consider the TC48DA and after some research I did decide the 55DA was what I wanted/needed/could afford.

I anticipated doing a lot of loader work and the EHSS (electronic shuttle) was not available on the 48. The 55's engine is not much bigger than the 48's but the 55 has a turbo. So that can be a good thing or a bad thing. I considered how long turbos have been used on diesel engines and what the risk would be in it prematurely failing. Maybe the fact that I just wanted the bigger engine steered me into thinking the risk was low but so far nobody has posted any issues about the turbo....yet. The 55 generates 122 lb. ft of torque at 1600 RPMs and the 48 generates 96 lb. ft. That's 27% more torque. You wouldn't notice it running hydraulics but maybe when shredding, pushing dirt, or cutting into a dirt pile.

If you get the 48DA you will never know whether the 55DA would be able to tackle some of the jobs that you just fall a little short off.

Traction is also important because once your tires spinning it doesn't matter how much horsepower you got. We have an old 12yard bobtail dump truck that has to be pulled to start. The rear axle of the tandem is locked because the air brakes automatically engage when the air pressure falls. The front axle of the tandem actually starts the engine turning when pulling it. All this to say, that I can pull this truck with my 55DA in 3rd-low while the rear axle of the truck is just dragging and get we get the truck started. I do have to get a load in my front bucket & use diff. lock or my front tires will just spin and nobody goes anywhere. Could I do this with the 48DA? I don't know, but maybe. Thing is I'll never know. If I couldn't have pulled the truck with my tractor we would have just gotten the old dozer to pull it. But the tractor is more convenient.

If you have need for the EHSS tranny, need the extra torque, and if you can afford it, get the 55. I don't think you should have to pay $3,200 for that upgrade though. Get a price on the CASE DX55 with the same options and see what that reveals. Except for the color they're basically the same tractor. Good choice on the AG tires. That's the one thing I would have done different in my purchase.

 

[IH3444]

The deal I got on my 48 was all but impossible to walk away from. It will suit my needs fine, although I do sometimes think it would be sweeter to have the EHSS shifter. Especially if it never gave any trouble. The torque with the turbo is a great increase, and would be nice also. I wouldn't really think the turbo will be any trouble. I was wondering tho, why not fill the trucks air tank with an electric compressor first, releasing the brakes, then jump start it. That something I would have to fix pronto if using on a daily basis.

 

[Tarheelman]

LetsRoll,

Thanks for the tips on the fuel and air filter. Maybe I have missed them, but that's the first mention of those issues that I have seen. You're right that the air intake is right there at the radiator. I have mowed a lot of weeds with the old 3000 and we just draped some wire mesh over the front of the grill with some bungy cords. Not real fashionable, but effective. It did not help the dirt/dust problem, but sure helped with the weed seed, insects and other matter. Had to be careful not to let it get to running too hot.

Speaking of hot, your canopy idea is well taken, but everybody must think that all of NC is just God forsaken hot. Yeah, it gets warm, but you get used to it. I live a little up hill from Lejeune, so we don't have the heat here that they do down east. That sandy soil down there just seems to reflect all the heat right up to eye level, regardless of how tall you are. Maybe I'll bargain for a toothbar intead of a canopy.

Thanks for the tips. I have bookmarked your hyperlink for future reference.

 

[CJ4]

Well, I wasn't aware the 48DA didn't come with the EHSS option. To me personally, that makes all the world of difference. If you don't think so, drive one with it all day and one without it....unless of course you're going to be plowing or discing etc all day in a big open field. Personally, the EHSS is worth $5k more itself...(and i probably let my dealer hang me for that much too /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif) I know, I know.....that's my opinion. Thanks Osconda for the techical info ..... interesting.

 

[Tarheelman]

osconda,

One of the dealers I'm talking with sells both RED and BLUE so I have thought about the option of a DX55. The only problem is that he is the only Case dealer within 40 miles or so while there are at least 4 NH dealers within a 20 mile radius. My thinking is that I would pay a little more if I had to to have the assurance that I would always have a dealer relatively close by. Being a Tarheel, it's just hard for me to picture myself on a red tractor. Sorry to my friends over in Raleigh /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.

Everybody is giving me good info. I don't know if I am any closer to making up my mind, but at least I'm learning a lot /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

 

[hunterridgefarm]

("Being a Tarheel, it's just hard for me to picture myself on a red tractor. Sorry to my friends over in Raleigh .")

Thats ok, New Holland blue is Durham (Devil)Blue. Not Chaple Hill Blue. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[meledward23]

If we are on the poor design trail I might add the follwoing....

What Jack...... thought to put the exhaust blowing down and in front of the radiator fan and air cleaner. In the summer I run two hours and the air cleaner is full of dust. I mean take the outer tub off and watch the pile of dust come tumbling out.....

Not to mention what the driver looks like when driving into this dust cloud.....

That is my biggest gripe about this tractor....