Looking for comparable tractor to New Holland 1920

Stimmy60 · Jul 28, 2004

Hi I'm looking at New Holland TC45D with 16LA loader and 758C backhoe or a Kubota L4630 with LA853 loader and BH90 backhoe. Any comparison or info on these two machines would be appreciated. Looking for something as strong and reliable as the 1920 has been. Buying all attachments at one time this time as this will be a long time keeper. Should have done this originally with the 1920. Oh well hindsights 2020.
Thanks for any info.
Tim

_RaT_ · Jul 28, 2004

As one who uses a NH 2120 frequently (about 500 hours time) you will be happy to know that either tractor you mentioned will be a impressive replacement over the 1920. I'd take either over the 2120.

AndyMA · Jul 29, 2004

RaT

I know you've had some problems with your 2120 but that's not typical , it's been one of Ford New Hollands most reliable models and the TC45 is in no way a replacement. Quite a bit smaller. The only model that really replaces a 2120 with HSS is the TC55 with ESS. As I'm sure you know the 2120 and TC48/55 share the same frame. I suspect a TC45 would be roughtly equilavent to a 1920 and would give good service.

Andy

_RaT_ · Jul 29, 2004

Actually Andy, since I joined TBN back in early 2000 and was actually perusing the board back when it was called Kubota something, I have counted at least 4 folks who had the same identical problems we experienced. First was the seperating of the transmission to the bell housing breaking the seal and allowing hydraulic fluid to leak out relentlessly. My other issues are still to this day the linkages on the column to the transmisson gear selector, to many universals that wear quickly. Perhaps the most annoying is the relative low power for a larger tractor. Rowski seemed to experience the same problem although he did not have the 12X12. Not necessarily saying the 2120 and TC 45D are of the same size, I would just take it over the 2120. For that matter, I much prefer my L3830 over the 2120. I still have about double the time on the 2120 over the L3830, but in terms of what I can get done, the smoothness and frankly the power, it works in favor of my smaller tractor. The 2120 has about a 5 cu ft larger bucket and admittedly that is nice, but the hydraulics are painfully slow. The 2120 is a good tractor in my book, just not great.

Soundguy · Jul 29, 2004

Wow.. I'm surprised. My ex-1920 was awesome. If it had had about 10 more HP and been heavier ( i.e. .. a 2120 ) I'd probably still have it instead of this 7610S...

Though I did look longingly at a 3010s a while back.

Soundguy

jinman · Jul 30, 2004

( Looking for something as strong and reliable as the 1920 has been. Buying all attachments at one time this time as this will be a long time keeper. )

I think you will find the TC45DA to be a much stronger tractor than either the 1920 or 2120. Since the TC45DA is a hydrostatic, you may feel like you don't have as much power to the ground, but I think the loader's added strength and the hydro convenience will more than make up for the lost power. The Kubota would also be a good choice. In my opinion, I think the TC45DA is structurally stronger than the Kubota. NH's operator controls and layout is the best I have ever seen on any tractor of this size. I'd say whichever suits you best is going to be just fine. Either tractor will put a big smile on your face. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

When you say you are going to buy all attachments with the tractor, I'm curious if you don't already have attachments with the 1920 that will work fine with the new tractor. What attachments will you be buying besides the loader and backhoe?

Finally, since you have had New Hollands in the past, are you happy with your NH dealer? If you are, you might want to continue that relationship. If not, this might be the best time to see if the Kubota deal might be better in the long-term.

Have you driven both tractors? What's your opinion of them? If you can be specific with your questions, I'm sure you can get specific answers here. There is lots of both blue and orange experience here to help you. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

slowzuki · Jul 30, 2004

I don't know about the NH but the L4630 has a strong front axle and an excellent loader. I used to maintain an L4610 for a golf course which is a bit different but it was reliable.

Soundguy · Aug 1, 2004

( think you will find the TC45DA to be a much stronger tractor than either the 1920 or 2120. )

Than a 1920 yes... however the 2120 has almost identical specs to the 45... except that it weighs more.

The big difference will be tranny. the 2120 could be 12x4 or 12x12 shuttle... whereas the tc45da is hydro.

Under similar conditions, with similar equipment.. I doubt you would see/feel a large HP difference as you mention. Loader work would be made easier with the hydro.. however raw HP uses, or tillage would seem to be more in favor of the 2120..

Soundguy

jinman · Aug 1, 2004

Soundguy, if my info is correct, the 2120 is only 35 hp even if it is about 300 lb heavier than the TC45DA. It's loader's (7309) lift specs are similar to the 16LA, but I don't think it has the hydraulic flow of the TC45. I'm sure the 1920 at around 28 hp and a 7308 loader is very much less than the TC45. I also believe head-to-head, the TC45DA would come out slightly ahead of the 2120. I think I've heard people complain that the speed of the loader was pretty slow, although for plowing, the 2120 might beat the TC45.

Now, I could sure be wrong, but those are the reasons I said what I did. Am I wrong about the 2120's hp? It would be interesting to see a competition between the two tractors. Certainly, the TC48 and TC55 with thier additional hp, weight, and that 18LA loader are far superior to the old 2120 and the Class III Boomers. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Soundguy · Aug 1, 2004

I think you are wrong on the 2120 hp.. it is 43hp as far as I know. 4 cyl 138.5 ci .

Also.. the one big thing I didn't like about the 'boomer' / tc series was that they went to smaller engines.. in some case 3 cyl's.. and smaller ci.. ran them at higher rpm..and then rated them at that HP.

For instance the engine in a tc 3 is 3 cyl.. and much less CI than my ex-NH 1920 which was 4 cyl. And developed its rated HP at a lower rpm. After driving both.. I must say the TC 33 was MUCH less of a tractor than the 1920.. felt.. um.. more fragile... for lack of a better word.

I like the older series tractor.. more metal.. sheet metal parts.. not plastic and fiberglass... etc.

I actually looked at a TN 55 and 60 series before getting my 7610S.. just really no comparisin in those tractors.. not even the 70 series... Axle castings and engine / drivetrain looked more beefy on the 7610s.

Soundguy

Soundguy