Test Drive

[jinman]

Tells me that the front tires were carrying a lot of weight (dirt) on very abrasive surfaces. So they wore out quickly. Makes me wonder what the front axles look like.
Bob

Bob, the reason I am so surprised about the front tires is that he said it was used on a tree farm moving black dirt. That just does not sound like a tire scuffing job to me. My little TC45D has seen 80% of its life carrying full buckets of dirt or pushing in both rocky and sandy soil with MFWD engaged. The lugs on my industrial R4s are hardly worn in 1200 hours.

 

[pitotshock]

The bucket was the heavy duty one with the drilled holes just behind the front edge.

The tires are all Ag tires and the tread on the front is about 20% but there is a hole the size of a walnut with the tube poking out on one, so the dealer said he would replace them. I think that doing a lot of spinning the wheels at zero speed probably chewed up most of its tread, maybe a lot of tight area loader work. Of course, the industrial tires should outlast the lumpy Ag tires...

All the zurks and threaded mechanisms had lots of new grease on them, probably when the dealer cleaned it all up to put on the lot (estimating it has been sitting on the lot for a few months).

 

[PineRidge]

My TC-40D is indeed a fine tractor, but if I had 95 acres of work a TN might make more sense to me, especially a cabbed TN.

 

[meledward23]

Hold up a sec. I have a few thoughts.

First If "X" is right sry dont remember who said it. That his TC-45 can barely handle the larger Heavy round bales, but can handle the smaller size then I would ask is that with a Quick Change to A bale Spear, or is that a spear over the bucket. The reason I ask is Pilotshock said this FEL doesnt have a quick change. Putting the spear over the bucket will greatly decrease lift capacity, I would think. Further from point of pivot. I am jsut guessing here, I still move round bales with my forks.


I have a few comments to your quest, Pilotshock.

1) Becareful of going to sall or to large on your first tractor. I bought a TC-55da as my first becuase I needed the lift capacity, and some brute power as I was clearing part of m33 acres for my house. It is great becase it is a compact and will drive amongst trees nicely, makes good turns, drags the jump arena, etc, all very nicely. But it is big and not hydro and I didnt want my farm hand using it.

2) I am not saying a TC-55da is the machine for you. On the contrary I dont think it is. I also have a TC-30 wiith FEL and a rear remote. This is the farm hand tractor. Small, easy to drive, and zooms everywhere. couldnt handle a big bail, but with a small utility 3PH bed, it moves square bales everywhere. My dealer yesterday pointed at his 4wh drive Mule and said "you need one those next". My response was that is what my TC 30 is.

3) I would tend to agree somewhat with the crowd saying a larger AG. Tractor might not be a bad idea. My suggestion would be to find a used AQ with a fell. You can get a good price on a larger AG tractor that is used, with plenty and plenty of life left in it. Then I would consider buying a real small utility tractor that's hydro for putting around in the tight spots. A TC-30 new is around 10,500 US without a fell. It is the most cost effectice, cheap small unit that I am aware of. I am sure you could get a good deal on a used one.

This may be a wild hair brained thought. But if you go a little older, and switch to an AG and a TC-30 (bare bones model) you may get the larger size and power that your farm screams for, and some ease of use, for tight areas.

Oh and one thing I have noticed which is really common sense. Toys for the Big tractor TC-55da cost a lot more than my toys for the TC-30. For example Boxblade on TC-30 $300-400, the Boxblade on my 55DA just over a $1000. Rotary cutters are the even worse....

 

[Doc_Bob]

Bob, the reason I am so surprised about the front tires is that he said it was used on a tree farm moving black dirt. That just does not sound like a tire scuffing job to me. My little TC45D has seen 80% of its life carrying full buckets of dirt or pushing in both rocky and sandy soil with MFWD engaged. The lugs on my industrial R4s are hardly worn in 1200 hours.

I am very concerned. This little machine sounds like it has taken a beating. Worn out front tires? Cripes! If the tires are worn out, then the rest of the machine might have some heavy wear and tear that cannot be seen. The drivetrain might have excessive wear too.
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

Oh and one thing I have noticed which is really common sense. Toys for the Big tractor TC-55da cost a lot more than my toys for the TC-30. For example Boxblade on TC-30 $300-400, the Boxblade on my 55DA just over a $1000. Rotary cutters are the even worse....

Yes, the cost of any implement goes up with a bigger machine. My TN70A will tear a part an implement that a TC30 would never damage.
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

OK, I am going to look at a used TC45 on a dealer's lot and want to give it a good test drive.

This machine has 775 hours on it, AG tires, hydrostat, FEL, non-super steer and was used in a small landscaping business. The dealer indicated that it had a worn out seat from being left outside, but has been replaced with a new one.

Thanks in advanced, James

Jim, after hearing about this machine, my "gut" tells me to walk away. The worst deal in the world is a good price on a worn out machine or one that shows signs of abuse. I would hate to have you save some $$$, only to come back in 2 years unhappy with machine after the other hidden problems pop up. Tractors cost money to fix, BIG money.
Bob

 

[dknarnd]

Jim, after hearing about this machine, my "gut" tells me to walk away. The worst deal in the world is a good price on a worn out machine or one that shows signs of abuse. I would hate to have you save some $$$, only to come back in 2 years unhappy with machine after the other hidden problems pop up. Tractors cost money to fix, BIG money.
Bob

This is what I just did on a TC45A - I was ready to put money down but decided not to, the dedaler agreed to hold it one day without money so I started making calls because I knew it was a local tractor and what town it came from. Ended up hearing it slid down a bank into water and had to be pulled up out.

It looked good and ran good and it was a good deal for a good tractor but it's allot of money to put out knowing that it could have issues.

 

[daTeacha]

Just a thought here about the tire thing. If the "tree farm" was a true tree farm they probably wouldn't be selling or moving a lot of black dirt. On the other hand, if it was a landscaping type place that sold trees, the dirt would be a common thing to sell, and could easily be stockpiled on pavement. If the tractor was in 4 wheel drive all the time, using it to load mulch and topsoil would explain the tire wear. On the other hand, all that tire wear also means the front axle was being stressed at the same time, regardless of the cause.

 

[richtidebruin]

James,

I would be willing to look around at some other colors were I in your position. Don't get me wrong, I bought Blue and think NH's are great tractors - but some others manufacture "tweener" type models that may suit your needs better.

I am inclined to believe (based on the previous comments) that you need a more AG-oriented utility tractor as others have suggested, but you really want and (more importantly) your wife really feels more comfortable with the hydro trans. Perhaps the Kubota L5030 is more in line with your needs. This is (last time I checked) the highest HP Hydro out there. Not trying to discourage Blue and depending on your dealer options - this may not be an option. Think Kubota has some 0% intrest programs out there like NH also.

I would "run far away" from the used tractor you mentioned like some others have suggested, with 0% options and the life expectancy of this equipment, in my opinion its to go wrong with new... Sure maybe you can find some like new equipment in a "distressed sale" you just don't want the equipment to be "distressed"...

Rich