Comparison WM75 vs. TD5030 vs. T4030

[mundamanu]

Obviously, from the thread title, I am in the market for a 75 hp New Holland (primarily because of dealer support and a good five year experience with a TC-40a) tractor. I just can't decide which one. Whichever one I get will have a FEL, be FWD, and have two rear remotes.

Land base: 75 acres

Uses:
Plowing 40-60 acres

Pulling disc (8' right now, will probably bump up to 10-12')

Seeding with broadcast spreader and two row corn planter

Grading and trenching with a back blade

Bush hogging

Carrying skid tanks of water up hills up to a quarter mile on rough terrain (the TC-40 can carry 150 gallons, but after four years of it it is getting beat up)

Frequent loader work, including turning compost piles, loading manure spreader, cleaning out barns (clearance important)

Plowing snow with loader and/or back blade

Moving/transporting round bales (baleage and dry hay)

Very likely making straw and hay in the next two to three years -- both round bales and small squares


Issues:
Economy important, but willing to pay for real value added (not just ergonomics, for example)

I had an AC160 that had, if I remember correctly, an 8x2 transmission and I remember being occasionally frustrated by not having just the right gear available.

Toting water around the farm to the pigs is done two to three times per day. Loader capacity and front end durability therefore extremely important.

Assuming good maintenance and care, I want to be using this tractor twenty years from now.


Any thoughts, comments, questions would be extremely appreciated. Also, any ballpark figures for what to expect to pay for the various models (again, outfitted with a FEL, FWD, and two rear remotes)?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[bigbull338]

since your wanting todo all of that id step up to a TD5050 tractor 4x4 w/fel.it has 90hp engine an 80hp on the pto.im priced 1 the other day for fun with the cab an 4x4 for $38500.

 

[KNOWITALL]

From the work load you described I would strongly reccomend the T4030. I know the price tag is higher...but as the old saying goes " you get what you pay for". The transmisson in a T4000 is hands down worth the extra money. I'm lucky enough to have a job selling this beautiful blue machines! The 4030 will be a tractor you will be very happy with and if maintaned will last you a life time.

 

[jdbnh]

I would defiently go with either the TD5030 or TD5050, or T4030. the Wrkmaster 75 will be a little light i feel for what you are wanting to do, especially plowing with anything bigger than a 8 footer, and the other jobs you mentioned. i sell Blue too and the workmaster is a great tractor but when i ave customers in the same situation as you, for a little more $$$$ you get a lot more tractor, that is usually the way to go. they all have great financing so you cant go wrong there, but again for your jobs, a bigger heavier tractor sounds liek it woudl do you better

 

[KNOWITALL]

If we ever get to see them...a Powerstar 75!

 

[jdbnh]

i was gonna mention it but who knows when that will be

 

[Bigfoot62]

I would suggest the T4000 series. That's what the TN-A series morphed into. (to quote a dealer, the T4000 series is the TN-A with a higher price tag)
My TN70A has about 370 hours on it now. It's never been back to the dealer for service. There are no issues, it just works like it's supposed to.

The WM is a bare-bones tractor. From your description of intended use, you won't be happy with it. The TD series is a middle-of-the-road compromise between the WM and the T4 series. Both the WM and TD have "bull gear" rear axles. (outer planetary drive) That's a cheap way to gear down a tractor without using a better transmission.

My TN70A has the "Syncro" mechanical shuttle 12x12 transmission. The new T4000 series can be had with the 12x12 or a 16x16 transmission, with a mechanical or hydraulic shuttle. The clutch is actuated by hydraulics. (you can literally depress the clutch pedal with one finger) But the WM75 comes with an 8x2 and a mechanical clutch pedal. (think old technology here)

There are other differences as well. The T4 series will be more comfortable, easier to operate, turn a tighter radius, have faster hydraulics, come with extendable lift arms and adjustable sway bars, (a huge advantage over the other two) better lighting for night work, etc, etc, etc.

BTW, the T4 series is also just built better than the other two. Compare them, side-by-side, on the dealer's lot. Look at the difference between the drawbar, the lift arms, steering cylinders, etc.

 

[mundamanu]

Thank you all for the advice. It seems we can definitely rule out the WM75 and add theTD5050 into the mix.

 

[mojoinco]

I'd put together a regular trailer with the water tank, that much movement sounds like you need a dedicated piece of equipment that allows you to take more water and leave it where you need it. And a lot less wear on the loader and front end.

Sorry, not much help on the tractor pickin' part. I have a Tn55S with 8 x 2. More gears never hurts. Less makes you work to its limitations.

The Supersteer is sure nice in tight areas around a barn (this really isn't an inside the barn sized tractor in any case). Go to your dealer and take one for a spin. Initially it is really strange. Any size will do, just use it for a while and move some dirt with it or move some pallets. You get the hang of it and likely enjoy using it. Mine will turn a radius 1 ft more than turning brakes will, and most of the time it will turn (at a stop) tighter than it will take off, as it crabs at full lock from a stop.

Also, got the Nebraska Tractor Test page. You should be able to find tests of the tractors you are interested in, including TN75 models (the largest of the TN-55/75 model line).

Have you identified the baler and mower you would like to use? Or maybe what the tractors of interest can operate?

I use mine for clearing snow with an offset 8' blade and the bucket. We don't have enough snow often enough to have an issue with this method. I think NY gets a lot more (and colder) than I get. I find a cab a real plus, but gave up going into the existing horse barn (I push large bales in with the forks) and garage to do it. I do have a 12' clearance shop/pole barn so not too much loss. Cab is + 8' clearance.

The TC40 was my original choice until my wife bought a small skid steer for stall and barn work. The TN is so much more tractor.

This might be a consideration in terms of the larger field work you want to do: an older simple tractor for mowing and baling. Something cheap to maintain and that can sit most of the time. You could even sub out the bailing (I think that is the most power intensive function) and do the rest yourself.

It all sounds fun!