workmaster 55
- Thread starter Teaspoon
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RollingsFarms
Veteran Member
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- Mar 26, 2007
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- South Carolina
- Tractor
- Few John Deere's and one Ford 3600 diesel.
I honestly don't know many who own them but I've heard they have the drivetrain of the old TN line which were solid tractors.
vtsnowedin
Elite Member
I was considering a Workmaster 45 or 55 when I was in the market last spring. They seemed to be light for the horsepower rateing and I wanted a good power to weight ratio. Other then that they have a good reputation and my local dealer was both close by and good to work with. Several neighbors have NHs of varing sizes with no complaints but when I sat on a JD 5045E with a 553 loader there was no comparison and I was all done. Test drive one and you will see what I mean. Oh and the $$$ were almost identical.
jinman
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2001
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- 20,387
- Location
- Texas - Wise County - Sunset
- Tractor
- NHTC45D, NH LB75B, Ford Jubilee
The Workmaster 55 is essentially an economy model of the older TC55DA model but without the Deluxe features. It's a simple, no-frills design meant for work more than pizazz. I would suggest not leaving the 3PH empty when using the FEL to handle bales. At least have the tires loaded. Putting a heavy boxblade on the 3PH also works.
I understand there are times you'd have to use the FEL first for a round bale. If you unload off a truck or double high bale from a stack with a spear on the FEL, only the first bale has to be unloaded with nothing on the 3PH. After you unload one, transfer it to the 3PH and then unload the rest using the one on the 3PH as ballast. So my suggestions are:
1. Don't use the FEL to move a round bale without ballast or a bale on the rear.
2. If you must unload a 1st bale with the FEL, transfer it to the 3PH before continuing.
3. Always transport bales on the FEL with minimum ground clearance. Drop the bale to within a foot of the ground and curl up to keep the bale stable.
4. When unloading a trailer or truck, always have your approach on smooth flat ground if possible. Make sure the ground is firm and the front tires won't sink or one tire sink causing the tractor to lean.
5. When carrying a bale high, move very slowly until you are clear and lower the bale immediately.
6. Transport single bales on the 3PH when possible.
I understand there are times you'd have to use the FEL first for a round bale. If you unload off a truck or double high bale from a stack with a spear on the FEL, only the first bale has to be unloaded with nothing on the 3PH. After you unload one, transfer it to the 3PH and then unload the rest using the one on the 3PH as ballast. So my suggestions are:
1. Don't use the FEL to move a round bale without ballast or a bale on the rear.
2. If you must unload a 1st bale with the FEL, transfer it to the 3PH before continuing.
3. Always transport bales on the FEL with minimum ground clearance. Drop the bale to within a foot of the ground and curl up to keep the bale stable.
4. When unloading a trailer or truck, always have your approach on smooth flat ground if possible. Make sure the ground is firm and the front tires won't sink or one tire sink causing the tractor to lean.
5. When carrying a bale high, move very slowly until you are clear and lower the bale immediately.
6. Transport single bales on the 3PH when possible.
jinman
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2001
- Messages
- 20,387
- Location
- Texas - Wise County - Sunset
- Tractor
- NHTC45D, NH LB75B, Ford Jubilee
Not at all. Carrying a bale on the 3PH actually reduces the load on the front axle from the bale on the FEL. When you don't have a bale on he FEL, it will provide plenty of ballast to have good front wheel traction. If you ever carry on the rear with the FEL removed, you will probably notice the front end gets light and you'll understeer, but with the FEL on and a bale on the 3PH, you will be fine. The 3PH is stronger than your FEL and has higher lift capacity. That configuration will be the most stable also. The only problem with the 3PH is that you can't lift bales from high on a stack nor place them very high off the ground. You are height limited with the 3PH.