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I couldn’t maintain my little farm without the help of my New Holland Compact Tractor, a TC29DA Boomer. This tractor is just the right size to maintain my farm and allows me to do many things that I could not otherwise do. She makes all my tasks easier and a lot more fun!

As my son said to me, “A Boomer for a Baby Boomer”! Yes, he was right, although he had a lot of fun on it also.

Several friends and acquaintances have asked how I made the decision to purchase my New Holland Boomer, instead of one of the other popular brands, and if she really has enough power to do anything besides mow the fields.

My compact tractor, Blue Bessie, is a workhorse that made the following projects possible:

• helped put in a new septic system
• built a road
• dug the foundation for a house
• dug the ditch for the power
• dug ditches for foundation drains
• spread 450 yards of soil
• dug drainage ditches and filled them with gravel

Then she has her regular jobs:

• mowing the fields
• moving fallen trees
• re-doing the gardens
• moving shrubs and plants around
• grading the driveway

Twelve years ago we down sized to a little 6 acre farm. My husband maintained our farm with his two Ford tractors a 1939 9N and a 1942 8N. We looked at new tractors and decided to keep the old ones running as they did what was needed.

After my husband passed away, we were unable to get his old tractors going; spring was upon us and the fields were growing and needed to be cut. I made the decision to buy a new tractor.

My husband had told me when it came to machinery always talk to the people in the service department. He said you’ll probably have to go through a salesman but then talk to the service department and find out which models are the most reliable, what are the usual problems one can expect to run into, and then the parts department, basically get all of your questions answered. He also said to research at least three different brands.

I took the tractor folder out of his desk and looked at the fliers for the New Holland. He had also noted on the flier that the salesman, Brent, was a good man, no double talk. My decision was made to start there.

We had looked at the New Holland Boomers 3 years earlier. The salesman, Brent, whom we had talked with, was still there and was now the sales manager. He also remembered us, the size of our farm, and what we would be using it for.

Brent showed the model to me that he thought was right for my farm. He then went over everything on it as I knew nothing about tractors and had never been on one. He explained the benefits of the HST, hydrostatic transmission and the HST foot pedal, the 4WD, the clutch pedal, differential lock, dashboard, and all of the gears. As well as the front loader, the snap release hoses, the PTO, 3-point linkage, and the seat; if you get out of the seat while the tractor is running, the tractor will stop. Brent also went over the importance of wearing the seat belt when the Roll bar is in the up position.

After showing the tractor to me and answering my questions, he introduced me to the Service Manger, Tom, and the Parts Manager, Dan. He also had me drive one in the parking lot. When I asked about trading in the two old tractors, Brent said no problem. We went over what attachments I had to make sure they would work with the new tractor. I left with my head swimming with a new education on tractors.

Next was the Kubota dealership. The salesman was nice and showed comparable models to me. He thought I should have a smaller tractor; no offer was extended to drive one. He couldn’t take my old tractors in on trade but offered to consign them. The service manager was at lunch and I didn’t get a chance to talk with him.

The third dealer was John Deere. This was the first place where I had trouble just getting a salesman to talk with me. When I tried to talk with anyone in their service department, they suggested I come back with my husband. A salesman finally talked with me, acted offended when I asked if they would take my old tractors in on trade, and gave me the ‘dumb woman’ treatment.

I then did my research online for a complete comparison of the three tractors. The price was about the same. All three had the features I was looking for and were the top 3 brands. The most important feature to me was who was going to be there when I needed help, who had the best support. That was Brim Tractor Company, the New Holland dealership.

I went back and talked with Brent two more times and the last time my son went with me. He talked with Brent and agreed with everything Brent had to say. He test drove the tractor and felt it was a safe machine and that I would be able to handle it.

I purchased the New Holland TC29DA Boomer Compact Tractor with front loader and a backhoe. When it was delivered my son and son-in-law were here to give me lessons on it. My husband wouldn’t let me drive the old tractors; I never knew driving a tractor could be so much fun! It gives one a whole new perspective on tasks that need to be done. The tractor has replaced the wheelbarrow and given me a new freedom.

The New Holland service department is always there for me. I can call up and explain the problem I’m having and they will walk me through the solution. I am treated with respect, courtesy, and they answer all of my questions. When a service man comes out to service the tractor they explain what they are doing and why.

Tips in purchasing a tractor:

• Do your research: be prepared to tell the dealer why you want a tractor, what kinds of work it will be performing, how much land you have, and what the terrain is like.
• Research the brands you are going to look at so you are familiar with them and can get your questions answered.
• Learn the terminology before you look at tractors.
• Test drive the tractor, just like you would if it were a car.
• Talk with the service department as well as the salesman.
• Go with the dealer that spends time with you and has a good support department that is willing to give phone support.

Once you have purchased the tractor:

• RTM: Read the manual, make notes in it. Take it out and go over the different parts of the tractor with the manual.
• Become familiar with the correct terminology so when you call support they will know what you are talking about.
• Familiarize yourself with the different sounds it makes so you will know if something doesn’t sound right and can describe it to support.
• Keep the maintenance up on it.
• Even though it seems like a toy, its not, it’s a machine; stay alert and aware so you don’t get hurt.

Enjoy yourself and have fun!

I am an herbalist and have grown and used herbs for culinary and medicinal purposes, along with making herbal wines for the last 30 years. My tractor is one of my gardening tools. Please visit my website for tips on growing and using herbs. http://www.homeherbgardenanswers.com