Trying to pick between TC29D and B2710

MarkLeininger · Jan 20, 2005

I need help thinking this through. I need a tractor 25-30HP for primarily FEL and box blade work, but some mowing and snow removal. I've used B21 and L35 TLB extensively for construction and like Kubotas. I've tried B2710 and TC29D at the dealer, but can't say I've used them enough to know either's characteristics. I realize these are not really equivalent machines, but that's what's available so that's what I'm comparing.

Dealer A is Kubota only, price on new 2710 w/FEL is $15,900. Dealer B is Kubota and NH, price on demo 2002 TC29D with 100 hours is $15,750. Powertrain warranty until 11/05.

Dealer B who sells both gave me the sales pitch that with NH I'll win more elections, etc. He says TC29D is heavier tractor, but I can't find the weights online anywhere. I like the fact that 2710 is 4 cylinder as opposed to 3. There's also a part of me that likes the longer new warranty.

Anyone with experience with both or any thoughts?

Tom_H · Jan 20, 2005

Would the TC have Super-Steer? That's the one major ability the TC could have. If you don't need the Super-Steer, it's a lot closer call.

Bob_Skurka · Jan 20, 2005

Mark, I have the next larger size Kubota (B2910) and the next size smaller New Holland (TC24D) so I can only give you general impressions.

The Kubotas have the smoothest running engines of any tractor I have ever been on, in every size range I have ever tried. Mine has been mechanically flawless for about 4 years and I can say there is nothing I can complain about mechanically or ergonomically. The loader (I have the 402) is good. The biggest issue I have with the tractor is forward visibility and I only have that issue because I also have a NH to compare it to. The fact that the B2710 comes with a full warrenty is very compelling and something to consider.

The NH tractor has very good ergonomics, but not perfect. The 2 ergonomic flaws I see with my TC24D have both been corrected in the newer DA version and I don't know if either flaw would even be an issue on the TC29 because the operator platform is larger than on the TC24. NH really excels with their FELs, and if the model you are looking at has the curved arm loader then I would opt for it just based on the strength and the forward visibility.

Many will say that NH does not have the same reliability as the Kubota, I can't say as I've owned my NH for just under 2 years. But in my case both tractors have been mechanically 100% reliable. Maybe I'm just lucky?

ronjhall · Jan 20, 2005

The TC29D has some of the features that my B2910 has. I would miss the deluxe seat, extendable lower 3PH arms and other upgrades that are not on the B2710.

ericinmich · Jan 20, 2005

I went through similiar questions the end of last year and ended up with a 2001 TC29D. I was looking at the B2710/7800/2910 and NH's.

The NH specs are best determined by looking at both NH and Case sites and combining the data. What I learned is the the 29's are about 2750 lbs without loader. I think that the Kubota's were about 700-1000lbs less. I'm glad to have the weight... but can't give you a '500 hr' opinion as the real work with the TC29 hasn't started...

- Eric

MadReferee · Jan 20, 2005

I have a B2710 with now just about 942 hours. Mostly loader work. I do not mow with this machine. My B2710 has moveable arm rests but no "real" cruise control and no tilt steering and no fancy 3pt hitch arms. It will do everything my neighbors B7800 will do. Mine has been a real dependable workhorse. Someday it will grow into an L4330 w/cab but that is for another post.

Ledgemere Farm · Jan 20, 2005

The warranty on the Kubota is particularly appealing. It is not that much more for new. I think this model Kubota has the double frame and long wheelbase (correct me if I am mistaken). The two thingsI prefer on the NH (looked at their DX Farmall twin) is the forward visibility and the construction of the loader arms. If you look at the NH (Farmall) where the arms attach to the uprights, they are solid and not tubular. It may be nothing, but it really stood out when I checked out the DX.

Good luck. Either way, they are good machines.

MarkLeininger · Jan 20, 2005

Thanks for all the good thoughts. I have one more question. The loader on the machine is a 7308, which does not have the curved arms like the newer LA loaders. The mechanic said the 7308 has the same performance characteristics as the newer LA loaders. Is that correct?

Will post pictures when/if money changes hands.