Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to provide input on my contemplated tractor purchase so far (more is welcome). A little update; I went to the local dealer - Steve @ Winkler's in Holley, NY - a real decent gentleman who spent almost three hours with me on "tractor 101" and I'm happy to say that I got on a few of the tractors (first time I ever drove a tractor) and drove em like an old pro (gound the gears, stalled em out, got stuck in a ditch...only kidding!) I test drove a 2420 and 2425, an 8N, 9N and Ferguson something or other. Yup, the 2425 had noticeable more power and traction than the 2420 (the 2425 w/loader and 6' finish mower was about $9,900...I seem to recall that a New Holland w/25 hp, 6' finish mower and FEL was about $18K and change).
However, I was more intent on comparing the 2420 to the older Fords and Ferguson. Let me begin by saying that this guy keeps his machinery in A-1 shape (that's based upon his reputation and my insight after speaking to him and testing the tractors) so my little comparison (which in my mind was comparing to relatively sound older tractors) noted that the 2420 (even with only 3 hours on it so, it;s not broken in) seemed to have a bit more power than the older tractors both on dry ground and in some tall grass (6 - 7") and pulling a 5' finish mower. The "live" PTO (I think that's what you call it) on the 2420 was handy compared to the older ones w/out it. I was disappointed with the 2420's use of fiberglass wherever it could. Overall I was satisfied with the 2420 and am more comfortable with that over the older tractors. Now back to my intended use (revisions) - I'll be mowing about 12 - 14 acres, no brush hogging (all I have is grass, I'll have the tall grass bush hogged by a neighbor and keep it mowed thereafter). The land I want to "maintain" is all flat; the rest of my acreage is leased to farmers) so I kind of sum it up by saying that all I really need is a big mower; but I also want the versatility of a tractor for some attacments down the line(a post hole digger and small cultevator which I plan to occassionally use). So, I'm getting ready to purchase the 2420...any final thoughts?
However, I was more intent on comparing the 2420 to the older Fords and Ferguson. Let me begin by saying that this guy keeps his machinery in A-1 shape (that's based upon his reputation and my insight after speaking to him and testing the tractors) so my little comparison (which in my mind was comparing to relatively sound older tractors) noted that the 2420 (even with only 3 hours on it so, it;s not broken in) seemed to have a bit more power than the older tractors both on dry ground and in some tall grass (6 - 7") and pulling a 5' finish mower. The "live" PTO (I think that's what you call it) on the 2420 was handy compared to the older ones w/out it. I was disappointed with the 2420's use of fiberglass wherever it could. Overall I was satisfied with the 2420 and am more comfortable with that over the older tractors. Now back to my intended use (revisions) - I'll be mowing about 12 - 14 acres, no brush hogging (all I have is grass, I'll have the tall grass bush hogged by a neighbor and keep it mowed thereafter). The land I want to "maintain" is all flat; the rest of my acreage is leased to farmers) so I kind of sum it up by saying that all I really need is a big mower; but I also want the versatility of a tractor for some attacments down the line(a post hole digger and small cultevator which I plan to occassionally use). So, I'm getting ready to purchase the 2420...any final thoughts?
