Ford-New Holland 1720 4.80 star(s) (4)

Hobby Farm Special
Model Year: 0

Needing a compact Diesel tractor for reclaiming and mowing fields, clearing out snow from almost 1/4 mile of farm roads, and all around chores I bought the largest tractor I could afford at the time a Ford 1720. For a tractor of this size I was very pleased with the engine power; and even more pleased with the hydraulic speed and power. I bought several attachments a 60" loader, 72" finish mower, 60" brush mower, 60" snowblower, 60" rototiller, 72" Rear blade, 72" Rock rake, and 8'6" backhoe. The tractor handled them all very well. The variety of equipment made this a very versatile unit. I modified the tractor by splitting and widening the wheel rims and installed 14.9x24 R4s rear and 10x16 R4 skid steer tires in front. These tires matched the rolling ratio of the original equipment. I added a disk mower, tedder and hay rake and last year brought in 300 small square bales. I use another tractor for baling.

Pros: Hydraulic power, 12 speed shuttle shift.
Cons: Tire size and no available R-4s.

The Best Thing I Ever Bought
Model Year: 1989

It is the most dependable thing I ever bought. It's always been there when I needed it. Ford did put an engine in it for me when it was new. A stick causing a coolant loss did it. The hot indicator never came on. Found out the sender for the coolant system is in a pocket of coolant and isn't use full in a situation as I had. Ford started denying the warranty claim, however it didn't last long. I remember paying for the oil change/or something to that effect. I always wished I bought the 2120 for the loader sizing. At the time money was tight, the 2120 weighted more (problem with lawn) and it was all I could swing.

Pros: Dependable, strong, part billy goat & versatile.
Cons: Loader doesn't have enough power for break out; bucket quite small.

It Works!
Model Year: 1995

The tractor is a worker. I aim it ... it takes on the job. It lifts dirt and tree trunks, snow and storm damage rubble. It has craned roof trusses and tree house frames. I pulled 2 spin-loaders; both were bottomed out, wheels spinning in the mud. One tried to rescue the other and were stuck. As I wasn't going to wade in to un-chain them, I hooked to the easy one and skidded both to solid ground! 4WD and locked differential did the trick! I used it to flip a car onto it's roof so I could skid it up out of a hilly (1-45 degree slope),1/2 mile to load onto an implement trailer which I towed to the truck on the road. The 1720 is able to spin the 5'rotary mower through clumps of honeysuckle, privet, autumn olive, saplings, and survived an encounter with a 3/8" log chain and a fence row. It has roto-tilled (5'er) through miles of bottomland and gardens. It has ignominiously hauled a spray tank through shoulder high plots of poison ivy, chained out miles of wild grapevine, Virginia creeper and more noxious vegetation.

Pros: As a 27 hp compact tractor, it is "the best" for my tree farm!
Cons: The under-belly, mechanics and hydraulics take a beating.

Happy With Product
Model Year: 1989

Hard to make a comparison since this is my first tractor, but it is in excellent condition, been well cared for and runs fine.

Pros: Perfect size for my 21 acres.
Cons: Roll bar does not fold down.