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

 

[pitotshock]

Well I am starting to make a move towards a larger tractor. We have a number of hills at our place and after showing my wife the mortality statistics of the AG industry and in particular the number of tractor roll overs, she indicated that she didn't want anything to do with driving a tractor anymore. So the hydro trans and size are not as important anymore. Not that I was trying to scare her, but this was reality. Oh yeah, the previous owner of my farm was involved in a tractor roll over, on this property, and was on disability for about 5 years.

So if I got something larger, I would still like to keep to the major brands in my area for parts and repair. Within a 50km(31mile) radius I have Case, NewHolland, Kubota, and AGCO dealers. I think that I am comfortable with the approximate price range of the last tractor I looked at, but will have to settle for higher hours and older, if I want to go bigger.

This is my current criteria while looking: 4WD, Loader, Cab, more than 40hp but less than 85hp (you can get really huge tractors cheap), and price somewhere between 18K and 24K $CAD. The cab would be really nice for those winter days out plowing the driveway. I am really looking to get the most tractor for my buck. Everything around here seems to have ~4000hrs on them when they are traded in used.

James

 

[richtidebruin]

Think you are one the right track.... You may be able to get a used Massey Ferguson 400 series in that range. They have a low center of gravity for the hills, and in the power range you mentioned, but there are probably others that fit the bill as well - I am not very well versed in this size category...

May also want to try Used Tractors at TractorHouse.com: John Deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Caterpillar. just to see what is out there in the used market.

Good luck and have fun looking.

Rich

 

[pitotshock]

Good luck and have fun looking

I think that this tractor buying business is almost a full time job. So many options in brands/size/options, it gets almost overwhelming. There are a number of different websites I am working to try and find something IronSearch and Tractorhouse in the US and AgDealer and Ag Buyer's Guide up here in Canada.

I am investigating getting something out of the US and importing it to Canada, but I would really like to test drive them, and I can't be travelling all over the place just to see a tractor I MIGHT buy.

 

[PineRidge]

I am investigating getting something out of the US and importing it to Canada, but I would really like to test drive them, and I can't be travelling all over the place just to see a tractor I MIGHT buy.

Personally I would never purchase a tractor or automobile for that matter without test driving it 1st. It's going to be with you a long time so it better fit your frame.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Personally I would never purchase a tractor or automobile for that matter without test driving it 1st. It's going to be with you a long time so it better fit your frame.

I drove all the way from Wisconsin to Ohio to test drive a TC40 with SuperSteer!
Bob

 

[kozak]

Well I am starting to make a move towards a larger tractor. We have a number of hills at our place and after showing my wife the mortality statistics of the AG industry and in particular the number of tractor roll overs, she indicated that she didn't want anything to do with driving a tractor anymore. So the hydro trans and size are not as important anymore. Not that I was trying to scare her, but this was reality. Oh yeah, the previous owner of my farm was involved in a tractor roll over, on this property, and was on disability for about 5 years.

Not sure if everyone that recently recommended a larger tractor read all the posts, especially your reply in post #10 in which you state you will be only maintaining 20 of your 95 acres (brushhogging) which mainly consists of paddocks which further will be eaten down by horses. The TC45D will easily handle this chore.

In so far as tipping over, large tractors are as prone to tipping over (maybe more so) as smaller tractors. As long as you have ballast weight on back & keep FEL (or have weights) on front, it will keep the TC45D planted very well. For those hills that are steeper than your comfortable with, you will want to cut down the hill & go up around again for another pass.

If you go larger, especially for your price range, you will end up with a gear tractor. For cutting the paddocks this is not an issue as you will more than likely stay in the same gear most of the time. However, for tasks around the barn you can't beat a hydrostat. If you have horses, you have manuere....there's no way around that. Not sure what you do in inclement weather....we keep our horses in the barn......especially in the winter, they are closed up all night. We end up with a horse manuere mountain by the time spring comes along. Moving this mountain entails alot of back & forward travel which is a cake walk with the hydrostat.

As for your 15 acres of bush trails you want to maintain, you will have a difficult time doing this with anything bigger than the TC45D. Can be done but your trails will need to be that much bigger to accommodate the larger tractor.

Normally, I also would advocate a larger tractor, but in your case I think the TC45D would be PERFECT !!

In so far as ths tractor you were initially looking at, I also would have my reservations. Just as one poster indicated, if it was hired hands & young ones at that, there could have been alot of damage done that you cannot see. The first tractor (Kubota) that I looked at buying was previously used on a golf green. Asked the salesman what Maintenance it had & he indicated it was fine & never had much trouble. Found out later by one of the service techs that the tractor had been in 3 times due to PTO break. Tractor had to be split in half for each repair. Needless to say, I started to look elsewhere (different Dealers) for a Tractor.

Sorry for the long reply,

Good Luck with whatever you decide.


Vic

 

[pitotshock]

Kozak, you bring up some very important points about the size dilema. I have been having a very good internal argument about size for a while now, and I think big is winning. (Of course its also a guy thing to have big toys...) What I really need to decide is how much inside work needs to be done how wide/rough the trails are, and is hydrostatic necessary or a want.

All of my vehicles are standard transmission. Does it suck when you are in stop-and-go traffic? Yeah. But you can make do with what you own. Loader work with a hydrostat will be easier for sure. The one thing that bugs me is lifespan. Can you get 5000hrs, 10000hrs? I like the idea of having this tractor going for another 30 yrs (yes I'm only 30yrs now, so I will need a tractor for another 30-40yrs). Sure, requirements are going to change over the years, but I always remember the tractor being that monument of the farm, seeing that 1945 tractor still going. I am a minimalist at heart, and simpler is better. Getting a little philosophic here, back on track...

As for the trails, most of them were made by the last owner, with a large tractor, so they are plenty wide. All new trails, I wll be making, so size could be tailored to fit whatever I buy.

Inside work; well I suppose I could drive down the isle with the tractor if I wanted to, but what work NEEDS to be done. Shovelling out the horses stalls goes into a wheel barrow now anyway, just continue that way.

Now comes the work. I absolutely need:
to move round bales, lift them into an elevated tombstone round bale feeder
plow the hilly driveway (Ontario, Canada snow)
pull fence posts and drill new holes
move logs for firewood
mow pastures and trails

 

[pitotshock]

Yesterday, I test drove a privately owned 1988 Case 885xl. Yes, a very large tractor........... And, I liked it a lot.

It is 4wd, quick attach loader, cab A/C radio, 7' snowblower. It has 72hp at the PTO and the current owner estimates its weight to be about 14,000lb with everything on it. 3500 hours

Am I crazy?

 

[Doc_Bob]

Yesterday, I test drove a privately owned 1988 Case 885xl. Yes, a very large tractor........... And, I liked it a lot.

Am I crazy?

If it is in good shape, go for it! Can you still get parts? Filters? Fluids?
Bob
PS How much?

 

[kozak]

Yesterday, I test drove a privately owned 1988 Case 885xl. Yes, a very large tractor........... And, I liked it a lot.

It is 4wd, quick attach loader, cab A/C radio, 7' snowblower. It has 72hp at the PTO and the current owner estimates its weight to be about 14,000lb with everything on it. 3500 hours

Am I crazy?

If you like big & the tractor does not look too abused then you might have a tractor. Did you check for any fluid leakage below the tractor. Did the tractor start right up ? Did the owner know you were coming to check it out beforehand ? Will he give you some kind of conditional warranty, say 30 or 60 days ? At 3500 hours, if your serious, I would first have the tractor fully checked out by a Dealership. You will need to get full service done on it anyways if you do decide to buy & this way you will know up front what additional monies you will have to put into it.

From what others have said in the past on this forum, a tractor can easily last 10,000 hours if maintained properly. So if the tractor was well maintained, that gives you 200 hrs a year for 30 years. Average usage for owners (non-agricultural) is 50 to 100 hours a year so you should be OK on that front. The only issue like Doc_Bob points out is the availability of parts over that long of a time period. I would imagine parts are readily available right now but would get scarce over the next 10 to 20 years. You would need to know if that series of tractor was a big seller back in the 80's early 90's.

So......how much does he want ????

Vic