TN55 vs. TC40D/TC45D

gandalf · Sep 3, 2001

After having put 500 hours on my NH TC40D, I have come to really appreciate the AUTO-TRANS-HST, cruise control, 4 wheel drive, comfortable seat, sloping hood, joy stick loader etc etc. I recently went to my NH dealer to look at a larger NH tractor, maybe 70-80 HP or so, so that I could cut, rake and bale my own hay, but when I was told that the HST wasn't available in anything larger than the TC45, I changed my mind. With the HST, the whole family can use the tractor. It's safer and easier than the "stick shift", especially in tight areas or when doing loader work. Apparently no one makes an auto trans in a "large" tractor!! Have fun and be safe! Sam

"I love the smell of diesel in the morning."
Cummins powered 24V Dodge Rams rule!

Bird · Sep 3, 2001

Sam, of course I don't know enough about the big tractors to know what all is available, but I've baled just a few round bales of hay (just enough to try it out) with a Deere with a Power Shift transmission (and assume the Kubota Power Shift is about the same thing?), and it's pretty darned nice to operate. I don't even know what New Holland has, but would suspect they have something similar.

Bird

JerryG · Sep 3, 2001

gandalf
Check out a Fendt tractor. The FENDT Vario transmission, which offers stepless shifting through an unlimited number of speeds.
Drive over to Heuer Sons Implement at Cape Girardeau Mo. and look at the Fendt tractors. Cape Girardeau would be a nice drive from where you live. Or you can see them on line at
http://www.agcocorp.com/Home.asp?BrandName=Fendt
They are the Rolls Royce of tractors.

Robert_in_NY · Sep 4, 2001

The only problem with Fendt tractors is that besides being the Rolls Royce of tractors the carry the same price tag as well. HST is designed for smaller tractors and it is suited for them but larger machines run just fine with the Powershifts and other transmissions that different dealers have. I still like the hand clutch my old WD 45 had for round baling, that was a fun tractor to operate.

Robert Turk Jr.
Whitetail Splendor Deer Farms
Silver Creek, NY

Bird · Sep 4, 2001

I still like the hand clutch

Personal preference, I guess. I haven't had to use a tractor with a hand clutch in over 45 years; didn't like it then and wouldn't want it now./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bird

Blackberry1 · Dec 29, 2001

Dan, I too am facing a similar decision except it is between a tc45d and a TN65 with the8x8 syncro-command transmission.
The tractor will be used for spraying our 4 acres of peaches and bush hog work on another 10 acres. There is a 2200.00 difference in the two machines(both 4x4). I have driven both and really like the hydro on the Boomer. If I buy the TN65 I can use our current 10ft. rotary cutter but if I go with the Boomer the dealer recommends no more than a 7ft. cutter. After buying a new bush hog for the boomer there is little difference in cost. What do I do? Decisions,decisions,decisions.

Anonymous Poster · Dec 29, 2001

Are you also getting a loader? What is the price quoted on the TN65 with loader?

I think you'll notice a substantial difference in torque and brush hogging between the two machines... $2200. is spit over the next 20+ years... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Blackberry1 · Dec 29, 2001

The price for the tn65 with loader is 23,450 or 20,350 without.
I believe this is probably a good price for the loader but I'm not sure if it is in the budget. I can get along without one but it'd sure be fun to have one. I find myself leaning toward the TN65 because I rarely find anyone complaining about having too much power. For the applications I will be using it, I don't think the larger size will be a hinderance.

Robert_in_NY · Dec 30, 2001

One problem with going to the larger tractor is once you have the extra hp you find you start buying larger implements to use the extra hp and before you know it your tractor is maxed out. For what you are doing you can get buy with the compact as my neigbor sprays 10 acres of apple trees and 4 acres of grapes with a 1920 and has no problems. If you do look at the TN-65 you might want the TN-65F. I know my tractor is too wide for working around the apple trees here but most of them are dwarf trees and I do not know how your orchard is set up so size might be a concern. The TN-65F does cost quite a bit more but you get an extremly compact tractor with a great cab that is great to operate when spraying. Most of the grape farmers are using these tractors now to run between the grape rows as the tractor is roughly 5 feet wide and short enough for under tree limbs since most of the grape farmers have small orchards as well. Good luck and let us know how you decide.

Blackberry1 · Dec 30, 2001

The rows of peach trees are spaced 20' apart so a narrow tractor is not really necessary. If I decide to get into the berry part of the business more seriously The TC45D will get the nod for sure. I'm just not sure how busy I want to be seeing this is a business apart from my regular job.