tn60a

dapper · Nov 17, 2005

Hello all. Long time lurker, new member. Lots of good info on this board, so here is my question. Looking at new tn60a, 2wd, 16.9x24 rear, & 9.5lx15 frt (r1) loaded, 2nd r remote, block heater, horizontal exhaust grill guard & 32lc quick attach fel 78" hd bucket. Slightly under 25k delivered. Will add 42-48" fork set & box blade and 78"tooth bar to this.

What is your opinion of this tractor, and the price. Can you think of anything I am missing from this setup? Would like to include all in one shot. Tractor will be general use on small acreage in mid ohio. Value your opinion. Thanks all.

Osconda · Nov 17, 2005

If you're getting a toothbar for the bucket, sounds like you'll be doing some dirt work. The increased traction of FWA will go a long way in your productivity. If you can afford it, I'd really consider this option. I think the rest of your list sound good.

What kind of box blade and forks are you looking at?

What is "small acreage"?

Chuck_Lind · Nov 17, 2005

I, essentially have the same setup but a TN65 with 4WD. Believe me....I've tried doing loader work while in 2WD (forgetting to put it in 4WD) and wondered what was wrong. Made all the difference in the world using 4WD.

Bought my TN65 4WD with 3 remotes, rear tire chains, 32LA loader with oversized bucket for $23,000. Mind you, it wasn't brand new...it had only 206 hours on it; so I considered it just broken in.

RedDog · Nov 17, 2005

The increased traction of FWA will go a long way in your productivity. If you can afford it, I'd really consider this option. 

I agree. I would be looking at a different model NH. (4x4).

RedDog

dapper · Nov 17, 2005

Osconda,
Thanks for input. Yes will do some dirt work, but not major use for tractor. know that bucket will work better with teeth than without for dirt. Have access to larger tractor for more serious work, so not looking for fwd on this tractor. Would have a hard time justifying cost for fwd at this time. Do you think it is really needed if only occasional dirt digging?
Would be open to suggestions on box blade and forks as I have decided that I would like to have them, but have not added on to sales quote.
Thanks!

dapper · Nov 17, 2005

RedDog,
Why do you say different model nh? Because not 4x4? or is there something you are concerned with in this tn60a set up?
Have used other fel (4x4 and 2wd) and for occasional dirt work and loading I don't feel it is worth the extra $$. I understand your concern if this was primary use of tractor, but will probably see more use with out fel than with.
Thanks.

Osconda · Nov 17, 2005

Dapper,

Here's another suggestion. Take if for what it's worth, since it's easy for me to spend your money /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Why not get a smaller FWA tractor in the same price range as the TN60? You didn't mention you were going to get a shredder, so I'm not sure why you need that much PTO hp. A TC48DA might fit the bill. The FEL capacity is not as good but you may not need it. Not being able to get the HP to the ground may be an issue with the TN60 if you don't have FWA. So a smaller FWA tractor might actually be able to pull a heavier load although is couldn't whirl the same size shredder. As you can see, this is all application specific and only you know all the applications you'd be getting into.

It's alot cheaper to change your mind before you spend money.

dapper · Nov 17, 2005

Chuck,
Thanks for input. Good to hear from someone with sim set up. Salesman says there is very little diff, other than age between the 65, and 60. True?? I have looked at couple of 65’s, hence the decision to go with the 60. For 48 mo. 0%, it makes more sense to use their money than mine.

Since I have access to 4wd I could not justify the $$ on this tractor. Is your opinion that this is a necessity for this tractor & loader combo?? Would you recommend any thing else that I may have forgotten. The deal is not done, and would like to make this a one shot to get all that necessary this time.

I have been riding a 57 Ford 600 for about 25 yr, and it is just time for an upgrade.
Thanks.

dapper · Nov 17, 2005

Osconda,
I have tried a few of the CUT, and I could probably do all the things that I need it to do. Personally I just like the size and feel of the utilities.
I have to admit that the 55 was a serious contender, but I am not sure that I like the idea of a turbo. Just think natural aspiration should be less maintenance in the long run. Sure do like the size of the thing though. Fits in my woods nice and easy. I am hoping that the 60 will work as well under the trees. FEL will help when cutting the low limbs. 
Thanks.

AndyMA · Nov 17, 2005

( Since I have access to 4wd I could not justify the $$ on this tractor. Is your opinion that this is a necessity for this tractor & loader combo?? Would you recommend any thing else that I may have forgotten. The deal is not done, and would like to make this a one shot to get all that necessary this time. )

No the TN (of which I've had 2) will load just fine in 2 wheel drive (with rear diff lock when necessary) and with rear wheel loading or weights. It easily pully the rear end off the ground if you don't carry substancial rear weight. Of course if you are in mud or other "sticky stuff" you may want 4wd. Solid ground no problem. The TN does much better in 2wd than my 2120 (TN48/55 size) does in 2wd.

Andy

Chuck_Lind · Nov 17, 2005

It is not absolutely necessary to have 4WD; but in my case - on a hilly farm - I load round bales using the FEL. When on a hill - and especially backing up - the rear wheels will spin, even with the differential locked up. I also have filled tires.

Here again...I'm backing up on a hill or some similar terrain and I need the 4WD.

I guess it all boils down to terrain, soil conditions, what you're using the loader for, etc.

My TN65 is a year 2000; rated at 57 hp at the drawbar.

RedDog · Nov 17, 2005

Why do you say different model nh? Because not 4x4? 

Yes because of not being 4x4.

 Have used other fel (4x4 and 2wd) and for occasional dirt work and loading I don't feel it is worth the extra $$. 

I always seem to be doing dirt work, and works a whole lot better in 4x4.

I agree with what Osconda has been saying.

Good luck, RedDog

AndyMA · Nov 17, 2005

I agree with chuck. Backing up a hill with a heavy loader weight is definately a problem for a 2WD machine. That just slipped my mind as all of my modern machines are 4wd.

Andy

jinman · Nov 18, 2005

( Have access to larger tractor for more serious work, so not looking for fwd on this tractor. Would have a hard time justifying cost for fwd at this time. Do you think it is really needed if only occasional dirt digging?
)

I don't understand why you need a loader on this tractor at all. If you have access to other tractors, why not save yourself some big money and skip the loader? You can use a 3PH bale spear and borrow another tractor for FEL dirt work. I would not buy a tractor without FWA if getting a loader. Heck, the loader is more expensive than the FWA. Over the life of the tractor, the cost of FWA is a bargain. I just think you are being "penny wise and pound foolish" about the loader without FWA. I'd skip it altogether or get the tractor properly equipped for it. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Robert_in_NY · Nov 18, 2005

I don't know if it is still the same (been a while since I priced a TN) but the loader for the TN did cost about the same as the FWA option. If one was more then the other it was only by a few dollars.

As for my two cents, get the TN-A with FWA. Just make sure you order it loader ready so when you decide to spend more money for the loader your machine would be ready for it. It is cheaper though to buy it all at once and your dealer might be more willing to deal if you buy everything at once also.

dapper · Nov 18, 2005

Thanks Everyone. Seems everyone agrees 4x4 is must with loader. How about bucket size? I believe I was quoted 78” bucket, with 84” next size. 84” seems to large, especially if 4x4 not included, but 78 just barley covers wheel tracks. Opinions?

Also opinion on box blade? Make and size? Looked at Woods, and Bush Hog? Also looked at Woods “roll back”. Nice… but $$$.

42”fork set or 48”? One more useful than the other, and why?

How about the tires? 16.9x24 rears. Too low do you think? I am concerned that 16.9x28’s will rise to high to fit space in barn (old tobacco barn) without removing beams.

One last question. Was looking over option brochure, (always a bad thing to do) and noted that they offer a “hydraulic filter protection kit”. This seams like it should be standard equip. What Ya think? Worth the $s?

Thanks Again for the thoughts.

dapper · Nov 18, 2005

Thanks Robert,

Still looking, and was given a quote on same basic tractor of 28,700. Not in stock. They did have a 2004 new tn60a 4wd. Quoted 30k even for tractor and 32lc fel. Did not have second rear remote, horz exhaust, grill guard, nor loaded tires. Didn’t think much of the deal myself. This would make the 4wd aprox 5k more. Loader when added up would be approx. 5800. Again, didn’t think much of this deal.

The search goes on!

Trail_Time · Nov 18, 2005

4wd is a must. Keep looking, you can get a better price than what you have been quoted.

AndyMA · Nov 19, 2005

I run a 84" HD bucket and a 72"HD bucket on my TN. The 72" digs a lot better, but for moving snow and loading trucks if the material is "soft" the 84 is fine. I run the same Land Pride 8' Box Blade on both my 2120 and TN. I think anything less than a 8 footer on a TN would seem like a toy.

Andy