Which FEL for TC33D??

   / Which FEL for TC33D?? #1  

Dafixer

New member
Joined
Nov 23, 2006
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24
Location
Central NC
Ok, you guys helped me decide on a TC33 (used), now I'm asking for some help on a FEL. I'm buying this tractor for an individual, and I'd like to buy an FEL and include it on my Farm Credit loan. My first instinct is to get a NH loader, but I've heard that aftermarket loaders like Bushhog brand are a lot less and just as good. I don't mind spending money, but an FEL isn't the only implement I need, so this isn't one of those "price is no object" type of questions. I don't want something that won't hold up either...
I'm going to be doing occasional loader work. Moving material, some grading, and some fork-lifting...
So, any input will really help!
 
   / Which FEL for TC33D?? #2  
Buhler, Bush Hog, Rhino, Woods all make good loaders. All are probably somewhat lower priced than the NH loader too. Some may have slightly more capacity, some may have slightly less than the NH loader.

Now which is the best for you?

If money is your main concern, buy the cheapest one. All will lift a buckload of whatever you put in the bucket.

If you want the advantages of the curved arms, with its clearly superior visibility, then choice is also obvious, go with the NH loader. Those of us who have both, or used both, typically prefer the curved arm loaders, but even those of us who prefer the curved arm loaders admit that any loader is better than a bucket & a shovel :D

I prefer the NH loader. I believe that I am more productive with the added visibility and I believe that I can work faster and more accurately with the added visibility. I've proven it to myself and typcially choose my smaller NH for loader work over the larger Kubota. I'm not sure I can prove it is more productive to others. But on commercial loaders you will notice that they typically have very low profile loader arms to increase visibility.
Just a note of warning, when comparing "capacities" of loaders you need to compare the proper measurement points. Pivot point measurements are going to rate a loader higher than bucket center or bucket lip measurements.

Further aftermarket loaders typcially specify a hydraulic flow rate/psi at which their capacity is rated, not all tractors are capable of putting out that hydraulic flow and thus the ratings may be accurate on one tractor but inflated for another. If the tractor is has an output higher than the loader's rating, be aware that the loader will not have a corresponding increase in capacity as it will typically have a pressure regulator in the valving to prevent damage to the loader's hydraulic hoses, est.

 
   / Which FEL for TC33D?? #3  
Do you plan on using forks? My set of pallet forks come in real handy and I regularly move pallets for my business. With the curved arms, its easy to see my fork tips for picking up pallets. Just a thought.
 
   / Which FEL for TC33D?? #4  
I fully understand that cost is a concern, but I would not scrimp on this purchase. I would buy the one I absolutely felt was best. I think you will use your loader more then any other implement on your tractor. You can go back and get the QA later, but I would try and get it all set up at once.

We like to say that we have a loader, it just happens to come with a tractor.

Pallet forks will come in handier then you think.

Oh, and if you get QA in the Bob Tach or universal skid steer or whatever they are calling it today, that can open a whole world of things to hang off the front of your toy... uh, I mean tractor.
 
   / Which FEL for TC33D??
  • Thread Starter
#5  
I'm definitely going to want a set of forks.

So, is the consensus so far to go with a NH FEL?
 
   / Which FEL for TC33D?? #6  
Any chance the dealer has a curved arm loader and conventional dog-leg style loader already set up on tractors that you could try for a comparison? I really like the curved arm on my smaller TC-24D with the 12LA loader, but no one is asking me to write a check to pay for one right now! Have you priced them out to see how much of a difference you are looking at in costs?

Brad
 
   / Which FEL for TC33D?? #7  
Dafixer said:
I'm definitely going to want a set of forks.

So, is the consensus so far to go with a NH FEL?

I have a bush hog loader on my NH TN70A. Once you use any brand of FEL/QA, you will do fine. Go with the one you like and don't worry.
Bob

PS The Bush-hog FEL has a BH specific QA. Will not work on anyone elses stuff :( . But, I bought everything used and saved so much $$$$ it does not matter. Just be sure you get a universal QA system.
Bob
 
   / Which FEL for TC33D?? #8  
One quick note. I have no experience with the dog-leg loaders, but would think that the curved slope of the hood on the TC33 would have as much to do with visibility if not more than the style of loader. You might lose some visibility on the right and left edges but I wouldn't think it would be a huge amount.

Also, I think woods has the curved style of loaders as well as the dogleg now. If you decide on curved, woods may be an option as well as NH.
 
   / Which FEL for TC33D?? #9  
I think you will use your loader more then any other implement on your tractor. You can go back and get the QA later, but I would try and get it all set up at once.

Can't agree more, but go ahead and get the quick attach now if possible if your going to get a set of forks that way your bucket will be setup for quick attach as well. This makes switching between the two a breeze and I would never do without it in the future.

Also, when selecting forks, make sure that a single fork is rated at least equal to your FEL lifting capacity. In other words, the set will be rated at twice your FEL capacity. There are alot of situations lifting with my forks that I've only been able to get one fork underneath. One note for the NH FEL, I see alot of posts about not lifting with one side of the bucket, etc due to the stress and tweeking of the FEL. I've use my forks set apart at the widest possible setting and done a lot of lifting with only one fork, sometimes to the point of lifting one wheel with alot of ballest weight. The FEL and bucket still set absolutely level on my shop floor. No problems at all.
 
   / Which FEL for TC33D?? #10  
And be sure to checkout where the loader controls may have to go. Don't know if other loaders will come with the NH controller and hydro line setup, but I wouldn't want one that wasn't setup for easy reach from the drivers seat.
 

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