tc48da with fel

rayc45 · Feb 21, 2005

Anybody else have trouble keeping rear wheels down when using loader?

AndyMA · Feb 21, 2005

The TC48/55 share the same frame with the Ford New Holland 2120 which I have been using since 1987. I have loaded rears and still need to carry 600 to 800 pounds of 3 pt hitch weight or implement to keep rear end down. This loader has serious lift capacity. In my manual, it states for rated loader capacity, you need loaded rear tires, AND wheel weights AND 3 pt hitch implement weight equal to what you are trying to lift in pounds. I believe the amount you add in for the 3pt hitch implement is 1.5 times its actual weight due to the length of the arms it hangs on. And yes I don't always have that amount of weight and have had the rear end off the ground many times. I use no wheel weights and have about 600 pounds of fluid in each tire. If I don't have a heavy rear implement, I can barely use the loader.

Andy

rayc45 · Feb 21, 2005

I have owned five tractors and the tc48da is by far the worst. Factory wheel weights, loaded industrial tires, and 400lb ballast box and still pulling the back wheels up. Even on flat level solid ground. This tractor sould not be used for any type of loader work. Poor design and dangerous!

_RaT_ · Feb 22, 2005

On the 2120 I use, if the box scraper is not on, forget it. The rear end is off the ground, loaded ags and all. The loader is decently strong, my concern is that the bucket is actually a bit to big for the size of the tractor. It's great for light material, but heaped, the hydraulics get slower then they already are and you need to always carry the load low. Since we use this tractor at an orchard, the rollbar is off so using the loader brings on a new sense of urgency when the rear end gets light.

RickB · Feb 22, 2005

The sad reality is this. There are two problems with loader/tractor design and every unit has one of these problems. The loader's lift capacity can cause the rear end to be unstable; or it won't. Tractors that don't have the loader capacity to make the rear end light have their own group of owners who complain that the loader won't lift enough. I have heard from both groups. Tractor stability is in the hands of the operator. If you really feel that unsafe, have your dealer knock 200 or 300PSI off the hydraulic system relief valve setting.

rebelmedic · Feb 22, 2005

So far i have not filled the rear tires or added weights and it`s very light in rear without something on three point system. Though it adds a lot of length i keep the BB72 attached and have not had to worry about the rear becomeing light. I have actualy activated the bypass on the loader lift system a few times and tires remained on ground. At this time i still have no complaints with my TC48

noeclark · Jul 1, 2005

BadDog · Jul 1, 2005

I've blown the front-end ring&pinion twice from not having enough counterweight on the rear to match the FEL weight. Luckily I was under warranty and NH fixed my tractor (TC55DA) for free. I have had CaCl-filled tires from day one. They are not enough. I have since put on 420lbs wheel weights and that helps immensely. The tractor is much better-balanced now, although it is still better with a rear implement attached. I usually leave the grader on, it's around 600lbs and doesnt protrude as much as some other things.

Note I also use a heavier than normal grapple bucket, this adds to the problem. The dealer knew from day one that I'd need counterweight; that's why we agreed to fill the tires. He was surprised that after the front end broke for the second time NH told us that I need more counterweight.

I think this is normal for utility tractors... they just aren't heavy enough to handle the power their hydraulics and engine can deliver.

I disagree somewhat with the 'operator's fault' comment. I firmly believe that these tractors are designed and sold too light, but that's why they are inexpensive. You get what you pay for.