It's good to be back on, after several days of prostrating myself on my cold garage floor, with the stains of my late Ford 860 on my face, as I agonized over which GORGEOUS tractor to associate with for the rest of my life-- the JD4700 or the TC45D. The decision is-- the JD4700, by a hair. Everything everybody has said about everything is true (better than average, for our times!!). The ergonomics of the NH are great; I love the adjustable seat, the joystick, the styling, the rear fuel tank, the heavier impact resistant fenders, and it is quieter than the JD. The JD turns better in 4WD, I like the loader better (and it does come off and on somewhat more easily), it has a bit more power, and I decided the PowerRev tranny was for me, since there will probably be field work on the 120 in the future, and only intermittent loader work. I do not like the increased protrusion of the NH 16LA quite as much.
Both dealers were good, the JD salesperson was great. He twice has made me rock bottom deals, he tells me that's the way he does things, and I believe him because of the price data on this board. THere was a nice complete lineup of JDs all the time, while I sort of had to chase down the NHs to test. Bottom line: JD4700, telescoping 3pt, 460 loader, R4s, PowerRev: $24,000. NHTC45D, 16LA, R4's, regular bucket: $22,500, could have gotten it for less, I think. And JD has 0% for 12 months, monthly payments (thru April 30); NH: 25% down, pay the rest 12 months later at 0%( renewed April 1, 2001)-- a wash. Both dealers within 7 miles.
A final consideration is that I can see more JD machinery in the future for fieldwork.