What I need vs. What I want

[art]

I like SoundGuys response! Most people use two tractors or more when making hay. The difference in the price for the two would allow the 40 and even a older 60 to 80 horsepower tractor to run the baler and tow the hay wagons if you have the kicker. The 60 horse is a minimum for most discbine type hay cutters with conditioning.

 

[Osconda]

You would save money getting a tc40 instead of a tc55. You'd also save money on a used tc40 vs. a new one. Be sure to consider all the advantage of buying new, like the lower cost financing. Going with a used tractor would put more money in the cookie jar when time to get the bigger tractor. Ain't all this fun????

-Osconda

 

[Doc_Bob]

So, the way I see it is I should save the $4,000-$5,000 and get the TC40A instead of the TC55DA. Then if I ever do want to start making hay, I will already have half or more of the money for a new-to-me used ag tractor.

Since I have used my TN70A for quite awhile and have used a TC40DA and a Kubota Grand L3830 and a Kubota B21, I have never wished I had less HP. I have wished I had more HP. But, I do not do any work in tight spaces. If I moved a lot of pallets, worked in tight spaces, required a lot of back and forth, I would go with a Hydro and a smaller frame. But, like I said, that does not apply to me. I wish I had a TN95! I don't need the power, but I know I would use it and love it.
Bob

 

[PineRidge]

Since I have used my TN70A for quite awhile and have used a TC40DA and a Kubota Grand L3830 and a Kubota B21, I have never wished I had less HP. I have wished I had more HP. But, I do not do any work in tight spaces. If I moved a lot of pallets, worked in tight spaces, required a lot of back and forth, I would go with a Hydro and a smaller frame. But, like I said, that does not apply to me. I wish I had a TN95! I don't need the power, but I know I would use it and love it.
Bob

Maybe Doc_Bob doesn't suit you as well as Bring_On_The_HP

 

[Doc_Bob]

Maybe Doc_Bob doesn't suit you as well as Bring_On_The_HP

You are right! I would love to try a TN95 for a few hours. Maybe my new name should be Stuck_At_70_HP
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

Maybe Doc_Bob doesn't suit you as well as Bring_On_The_HP

I have a bit of Tim Allen from Home Improvement, "more power".
Bob

 

[PineRidge]

Bob have to admit that from time to time I wished that I could operate one of the New Holland Bi-Directionals for a few hours. But I'm not running out to buy one, and no, that doesn't make me Bi either.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Bob have to admit that from time to time I wished that I could operate one of the New Holland Bi-Directionals for a few hours. But I'm not running out to buy one, and no, that doesn't make me Bi either.

What is a bi-directional??? Now you have my interest! Do I ned to go "Bi"?
Bob

 

[PineRidge]

Bob a bi-directional New Holland has a 3-point hitch on both ends of the tractor. The drivers pod rotates within the cab so you're always facing the direction that would best suit your needs.

Here's a used one for sale.

 

[meledward23]

I would go with the two tractor thing. A nice small tractor for the daily tasks and a bigger one for the monster work.

I did that inadvertently. I bought the TC55DA which I wanted due to the FEL power. It has not disappointed me, I logged over 70 18+" diameter trees that came down in a storm. Moved a lot of earth, and manure with it. THE TC-55 is a great tractor and really is quit manuverable in my experience compared to a typical 50+ HP unit (like a TN-60)...

The down side is it is still a large machine. and since it was geared there was no way I was letting my uneducated farm hand drive it. ( that thing could take out a support post in mr 40,000 sq ft barn in a second.) SO I bought a cheapy TC-30. for the farm hand, to move manure, do small FEL work, and general farm maintenance. He loves it. I love it. I sneak off and grab the little tractor every now an then. Small is nice sometimes. It has a lot of flexibility for work around the house and other really manicured areas. The TC-55da is a Hog in terms of weight compared to the small tc-30. I dont know about compared to a TC-40.

In summary, I personally would evaluate your needs and consider a small tractor to handle core daily tasks and be litteraly a farm hand, and a used bigger tractor that can handle the dirty, little tractor breaking type work....

I am evening thinking of a 3rd tractor... One of those little ones a TC-24 thing for my house 1.25 acres as I live 10 miles from the farm. It'll never happen though. I am still paying for the backhoe on the TC-55....