TC55DA First Year Experience

[BadDog]

*Sigh* /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I gave in to the reality that I am screwed in this particular situation, but it does give me a wee bit of satisfaction to know that I've influenced a couple of people to stay away from NH or this particular model.

Given I'm stuck here, and my tractor is stuck in the shop, I called the dealer and told him I understood he was not the one at fault here, that I need to rely on him and his staff, and I hoped I hadn't burned any bridges. He's now doing a full 300hr service on the tractor and replacing the $800 rear fender I managed to crack in half (another story, I have many, trust me). We'll see what the bill looks like for that, but I'm sure the guilt will have some effect. If not, payment terms may suddenly seem to work in my favor. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The dealer told me that all calls to NH customer service are taken by an independent firm and routed to appropriate execs in NH, so my taking the time to rationally and unemotionally explain the situation to them should pay off by getting appropriate attention. Apparently I am going to get a complete Front End replacement, not just the ring&pinion. We'll see if that really happens, and when...

Not having the tractor is a bit of a blessing. It's amazing the number of other things that seem to get done on the farm when one doesn't have a tractor.

 

[meledward23]

My almopst first year on a TC-55DA has been much less exciting.

At 200 hours the tractor has had no warranty work and runs well. Most of my work is FEL, but lately last fourty hours has been distributed between FEL, Brush Hoggin (small trees), and grading the driveway box and blade.

The only thing I have had done is to have the rear wheels flipped because it was a tight fit to get the arms spread wide on the Brush hog and most of the other implements were just a pain to get to between those large tires and the small gap.

I would be pretty pissed if I were experiencing the problems that many tc55 owners around here have had. In addition I always tell people I like my tractor but it has a questionable if not reputation amongst it's owners.

 

[meanstreak]

if your serious about getting out of your 55da i would suggest contacting an attorney, thats how a friend of mine got his dealer to take his back . I DONT KNOW WHAT IT COST HIM .

 

[Laminarman]

Is this sort of problem(s) specific to the 55 only? Is it a problem with the family of "Boomers"? such as the TC40Da and 45? I hope not. My 40 has been great, but I don't work it as hard as this one was.

 

[JoshJ]

Can you get a "loaner" tractor? If you have a lot of work to do, I would push for one of those. Just think, if that tractor was a part of some business, some one would be losing time, and $$$(!). I would think (and hope) its a possibility for you.

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is this sort of problem(s) specific to the 55 only? Is it a problem with the family of "Boomers"? such as the TC40Da and 45? I hope not. My 40 has been great, but I don't work it as hard as this one was. )</font>

With the exception of one person with SuperSteer, I've not heard of any problems with the Class III front axle. They do have a PTO clutch/brake that should be used carefully (engaged or disengaged at low engine rpm). I have 850 hr of hard work on my TC45D and have none of the problems discussed here. I believe its front axle is sized properly for the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif It seems the TC55 has steering problems and at least some of the front axles have problems handling the forces generated by heavy FEL use. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[KenVT]

Jim,
Class 3 PTO isssues? Could you please elaberate?

EDIT:just began reading a post on this and Saw your reply, wouldn't want you to have to retype all that

Thanks!!!

Ken

 

[BadDog]

New Holland paid the dealer to install a brand new front-end. They also recommended I put a full set of four wheel weights on the rear wheels, or use a ballast box. I opted for the wheel weights, at $480 of my expense, of course. This is on top of the fact my rear tires were filled w/ calcium from day one.

NH figures I have been using the FEL to its potential, and more weight in the rear will help distribute the load better across all four wheels. I have to agree; I was driving full loads across the field on just the front end, far more than I care to remember. It *did* work a lot better with the backhoe installed.

I figure NH ought to sell the 55 with wheel weights installed if this is the case, or they should advise of their necessity up front when one is buying a tractor and planning to use its full capacity, or they shouldn't advertise its capacity. Imagine if I used a standard bucket! I use a grapple bucket which has less capacity than a standard bucket, although I'm sure it far outweighs the standard bucket.

I'm just happy the 55 is coming back, with what sounds like a plausible solution. Let's all hope I don't split the frame or a casting now that balance has been restored. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[hazmat]

<font color="blue">I figure NH ought to sell the 55 with wheel weights installed if this is the case, or they should advise of their necessity up front when one is buying a tractor and planning to use its full capacity, or they shouldn't advertise its capacity. </font>

My TC18 loader manual clearly states how much ballast is required... They usually assume loaded tires and/or rear wheel weights and/or counterweight on the three point (or backhoe).

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( New Holland paid the dealer to install a brand new front-end. )</font>

That's what I was hoping for. I think your original front axle was "hosed." I'm a little skeptical about the strength of the TC55 front end. I'd have liked to see NH put a similar front end to the old TN55. You just know these tractors are gonna get worked really hard and that 18LA can punish a front end.