Thinking of buying my first tractor. TC26DA or TC34DA??

[wild4nature]

I stopped at another dealer today. Talked with a guy named Cal about the TC34. He showed me the one with supersteer and the one without. Comments below are correct about losing some ground clearance with the SS.

I'm getting a price for a TC34 with a FEL, a Land Pride 60" box scraper, roof (rain/snow/sun canopy) and a snow plowing blade. This guy Cal recommended I go with a snow blade that will mount to the FEL arms after taking off the bucket. I guess the buckets and other skid steer attachments are a universal fit and I can take one off and add something else like a brush attachment with grapple arms, or something like a snowplowing blade, which I need.

Anyone have experience with taking the bucket on/off and mounting something like a snow plow blade. The other option would be to get the quick attach mount in the front. Seems like it's pretty straightforward to remove the bucket. It seems to make more sense to go with the blade that fits the FEL arms versus the quick attach system from NH.

Thanks, Greg

 

[wild4nature]

OK. Looking at the literature a little more shows I will need a Quick-Attach face plate for the FEL to use the skid steer attachments.

I've done this before with a Bobcat when I put the rock hound on it. Sounds like it's the same thing.

 

[kozak]

OK, sorry.....I messed up. Thought the TC34DA was a Class III for some reason. Given it is a Class II Boomer & with the FEL off, I don't see why you would not be able to use the R4's while mowing. Even on a wet day you will be keeping the tractor off the lawn with either the R4's or the turfs. As long as you had no additional weight (wheels) or 3 pt. hitch weights, should have no problem. This way you will get more traction when working in the woods or clearing snow.

Vic

 

[Nik]

I had a TC33 with supersteer amd 60 MMM. Prior to that I had a Massey 1233 with 60" MMM. Although the supersteer allowed for a sharper turn it really did not cut down time with needing to trim around trees. I did not think the cut of the MMM on the TC33 was that great. It often would leave strands. Tha massey mower cut like a gem. I also once owned a Kubota 2410 with 60 RFM. All tractors have had turf tires.

The turf tires worked well for me with snow removal even in deep snow. My experience with the 3 tractors have led me to feel that turf tires are my preference. (Note that I sometimes use my brother' s grand L 3710 with industrial tires). Turf tires give a smoother ride on asphalt and concrete surfaces.

The TC33 has a great suspension seat and gave the best ride of all 3 tractors. The TC33 without SS has a very good turning radius and I would not get the SS if I ever bought a TC34D. I would go with a RFM on the TC34D as it may give a better quality cut, be cheaper than a MMM, and be easier to remove. The MMM on the TC33 did not seem to have enough vacuum to lift uncut grass that the front tires bent over.

A front blade is great for snow removal. I now use a BX23 with hydraulic angled heavy duty front blade. This makes snow removal simpler than a rear blade. For your long driveway I would think hard about a front blade. I do have bar tires on the BX23. Even though I do not mow with the BX I am considering changing over to turf tires.

 

[wild4nature]

More good comments about the tires. I have decided the turf tires would be better for my applications. I may get some slipping when moving dirt in wet weather and they load up with clay, but I guess I can live with it. I'll just have to find something else to do on rainy days.

I'm not planning on getting a mower right away, but if you asked me today I think I would go for a rear mounted mower. The belly mower seems like a pain since I wouldn't want it on there all the time.

 

[mjcbluridg]

I agree with your preference for a RFM. I mowed with a Ford 1210 with MMM for years and was pretty pleased overall, other than the pain to pull it off, flip it over, and sharpen the blades. I got a 72" Woods RFM with my new TC34 and don't regret it one bit. ON/OFF is obviously very easy, but the ability to raise it up, block it, and get underneath to clean the underside of the deck and sharpen the blades is a huge plus. Also, routine maintenance such as greasing is easier too. I believe it provides a better quality cut as well. It is a little trickier to mow with, as far as obstacles and corners, so you have to think about it more.

 

[schmism]

Ive got a TC33

I looked at a superstear but after i saw how tight the reg one would turn i figured it wasnt worth the extra $$.

Ive got a MMM and love it for cutting the lawn.

Ill see how much like it if i end up getting a hoe.... It doesnt look like its that easy to pull off.

And while you can pin the deck up to use the rear 3pt, the inverse isnt true, ie i cant leave my rear blade on and use the mower deck at the same time.

 

[johnnylight]

I have the TC34DA and I love it..
I went with the R4's with no weight--my dealer felt it would be a better for grass cutting without adding weights or the liqiud types -when working the FEL my backhoe resolves any weight issues.
How is your soil?
you dont want to get stuck in the mudd with turf tires --and it going to happen even with the the R4's if i had turf tires I would not be able to 3/4 of my work.

I have the QA - it takes about 2 minutes for me to change from bucket to fork just relase the 2 levers and off she goes.

My back hoe takes about 10 minutes to remove.
Installing takes practice level ground always helps about 30 min for me newbe.

I have the Landspride rr mower--it works fine am still in the learn stages for cutting heights with the spacers--installs in 5 min same with the york rake very simple on and off.

I installed about 1200 ft curtain drain used plenty of stone.
installed over a 100yds of top soil.
cleared and move large trees that I cut down with QA forks
move large rocks.
cut grass
underground drain for house gutters.

I have the TC34DA HST since April and 175 hrs later -I love it
my wife call the Tractor Christine.

my recc:

go with the TC34DA or TC35DA for the bigger FEL 16LA not much of a price difference
tires R4's.

 

[wild4nature]

Johnny,

That's quite a lot of hours for a few months. You must really get some use from your machine.

I'm still waffling on the tires. I'm back to liking the R4's.

Greg

 

[johnnylight]

Greg,

next time you visit the dealer try the R4's on the grass or stop by when you see a neighbor/any tractor cutting grass with R4's-ask questions

What is my main reason for buying this tractor ?
if cutting grass is your main reason then go with the turf's

lots of hours, lots of work, finally slowing down.
The hrs question would be my next thread--kinda worried about the hrs.


John