How many hours on your Ford 1720 and how would you rate it on a scale of 1 ~ 10

90cummins · Aug 8, 2012

I have a 1988 Ford 1720SSS with FEL that I purchased in 1995 and currently have close to 2300 hours on it.
In that time all I have done is maintenance, it has never broken or failed me.
I mow, bush hog, snow blow, till, landscape and log with it. The only issue I have had was not enough power in the winter using my 60" snow blower. I resolved the HP issue with the addition of a turbo from a Saab. I thought about a turbo for years and when I found one at a swap meet for $35 the fun began.
It now does everything better, it has much more power to pull through tough sections when mowing or snow blowing or tilling.
I also found when running my 25kw PTO generator that it has much better control during heavy surge loads.
Overall I would give my tractor a 10 for reliability and capability with the additional power.
Now having said that I hope I didn't curse myself.
90cummins

big lar · Aug 13, 2012

I have a 1920 which I bought new in 1988, and similarly have had no mechanically problems. However, fenders and rear rims rusted out badly, had to replace them after about 15 years, though always under cover andf not used in winter (i.e., no road salt) Starter went this year, an odd year so starters was very , very expensive from dealer. Tracked a brand new mitisbushi from a small starter/generator shop in my area. don't know if it is same with yours, but that is my only beef, still on my only 3rd battery in 25 years!

72RR · Oct 2, 2012

I have a 1995 1720 that I really like. More power would definitely be nice though.
How hard was it to add the turbo and assorted plumbing?
Did you take pictures as you went?

90cummins · Oct 5, 2012

Yes I did.
If you go to the review section you will find photos under Ford 1720 Reviews.

72RR said:
I have a 1995 1720 that I really like. More power would definitely be nice though.
How hard was it to add the turbo and assorted plumbing?
Did you take pictures as you went?

roman · Oct 21, 2012

I have a 1988 1720 sss I bought used 3 years ago. It had 1950 hours and have added 250 to that. I plow snow, slpit wood, log, backhoe, move material and grade with it. Previous owner replaced the starter. Replaced the glo-plugs and hydro filter. Besides oil-filter and grease, thats it. (knock-knock)
The battery will be changed out before snow flies.
There is a little surface rust and some at the valve stems from calcium. The shifter pops out of 2nd while not under load.
I have had few times when more power would be great but I just choosr aother gear. If I mowed or blowed it would be more prevalent.
Over-all this is a great tractor. I had a 1310 prior to this and that was a good unit too. I would give it an 8.5. Reliability, a cab that keeps me and the controls out of the elements, fuel economy being the top positives.