JD750 vs NH/Ford 1620

[Whitbread]

Hello folks, I've searched the net and haven't found anyone discussing these two in the same conversation. The reason for these two is there is one of each for sale within reasonable distance of me for what I feel are reasonable prices (as reasonable as compact tractor prices are anyway :shocked.

The JD750 only has 1100 easy hours and is essentially as close to brand new as one will ever find this age tractor for. However, it doesn't come with any attachments, no cab, 4wd, no front pto kit, gear trans, and has manual steering. Owner is asking $5800.

The 1620 has 2800 hours, 4wd, newer tires, soft cab in good shape, in cab heater, hst trans, and a front mount blower for the asking price of $10900. It shows it's age from very slight surface rust/sun fading here and there but overall very sound mechanical shape.

My intended uses are: front mount blower to deal with 500 yards of twisty/hilly driveway through the woods in northern michigan winters, box blade for said driveway, and a FEL for moving dirt around, firewood duty, and using forks to unload a pallet off a truck/trailer with a ~900lb capacity.

As for hydro vs gear, I myself don't mind gear as every vehicle I own is a manual, however I recognize the HST is far more user friendly for non mechanically minded people, AKA my dad who I know will want to play with it.

So here's where I'm asking for the opinions of the wise ones here; should I spend the extra on the older 1620 that already has the blower and hunt down a 7108 loader for it? Or get the much cheaper 750, add power steering, get a loader from coldwater for ~$2000, and try to find the JD359 front mount blower/pto kit for it? Seems like unless I find some screaming deals on oddball parts, to equip the JD to the same as the NH I'll be in the same ballpark, just more spread out.

I'm a professional machinist/welder/diesel tech by trade, but compact tractor dealings are new to me. Thanks for the insight!

 

[crashz]

You might be better off finding a machine with the loader on it. Either one will cost some money after the purchase price, for a total of say $14k.

I was pre-disposed to the JD since my 770 is a mild refresh of the same tractor. But mine has the factory loader and PS. Same hours and totally bullet proof. Good machine, but not quite spec'ed out for what you need.

But both maybe a little small to lift pallets of 900lbs. Make sure to ballast the tractor well.

 

[moship]

I owned a JD750 for a number of years and was very happy with it. Finding a power steering kit and/or front PTO might be prove to be very difficult. It seems like you've found a source for the front end loader already at a very economical price, but the stock JD loader designed for this model will struggle to lift 900lbs especially with forks.

I'd try to source the desired equipment prior to purchasing to make certain you're not committed to a tractor that won't meet your needs.

My JD 750 had 4x4, Power Steering and JD FEL and JD backhoe. It was a great machine, but not being able to install a front snowblower forced me to look for a newer tractor. Sold it about 10 years ago along with a 5' rear snowblower... Still wish I had kept it for its compact size and durability.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Whitbread]

Thanks for the opinions guys! I fell into a perfect deal by accident on a 1620 with soft cab, heater, factory 715b blower, and only 250 hours for $5000. Only downside is it was 600 miles away, but the diesel jeep only burned $225 of fuel to for the round trip to pick it up.

Plan is to sandblast/wire wheel to get rid of the crusty-ness from only being used in winter by the state of NY. I'll order a loader from coldwater and that should make the machine perfect for what I need .

 

[crashz]

Nice find Whitbread!

 

[void777]

Whitebread:
Whitebread :welcome: to TBN congrats on the new to you tractor and as far as coldwater frontend loaders i have one on my tractor and am very happy with it good luck and happy tractoring.