New NH TC40 vs. used NH 2120

[AndyMA]

I'm curious why you wondering if it's an older Ford. Also what trans requires you to use the clutch to shuttle between forward and reverse. My 1988 Ford 2120 with shuttle trans does not require you to clutch to go between forward and reverse. You just flip the lever. It has 12 equal speeds for both forward and reverse and works great for loader operation.
Also don't underestimate the size differential between the TC45 and the 2120.

Andy

 

[markie61]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Also what trans requires you to use the clutch to shuttle between forward and reverse.)</font>
There were two shuttles on the 2120 - one requiring a clutch and the other like yours.

 

[djradz]

Wow, I guess I'm getting an eduction here. All the older Ford/NH shuttles I'm familiar with such as the 1720 and 1920 were synchronized shuttle-shift (SSS) and you had to clutch to change gears or change direction. I guess the 2120 had a Hydraulic Shuttle Shift (HSS). It appears you still may need to clutch to change gears however, but this I'm not sure of. Certainly, if you can change directions without clutching, your pretty close to a Hydrostatic Tranny and that makes the 2120 better yet.

 

[JATO_RaT]

You must use the clutch to change gears. You must come to a complete stop to change from high, to medium, to low range. When using the shuttle, it is best to be almost at a complete stop or your going to get jerked around. There is also a rabbit or turtle hydraulic shift speed. We only use rabbit. If you did not need to clutch to change gears, you would not be so much like a hydrostatic as you would be to a glideshift transmission. The only weakness in the 2120's shifting is the abundant number of joints in the shift lever located in the steering column. When those start getting sloppy, you must replace them as shifting becomes nearly impossible. The HSS works well. Rat...

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Bulldogger: I was in exactly the same position as you a few months ago i.e. choice between a new TC40 & a used 2120. As others have pointed out, the 2120 is heavier. The TC40 uses the trans (the SSS, not the HSS) out of the 2120 (with an adapter plate) to match with the engine out of the 1920 series. Thus, the drive train has been around for awhile.

I ended up going with a new TC40 mainly because the price differnce equiped as desired (FEL and BH) between the two was less than $5k. An engine overhaul could have cost that. Also, the TC40 has some ease of repair advantages. For example, the hydraulic pump on the 2120 is in the transmission case while on the TC40 it is mounted externally on the engine (guess which is simpler to replace). Also, there are certain ease of access/service issues which favor the TC40 over the 2120. Visibility for some operations (especially loader work) is much better with the TC40. In other words, the TC40 is a newer design with the same basic, proven drive train as the 2120/1920 series. Unfortunately the TC40 has plastic type sheet metal, doesn't come with the nice metal toolbox behind the driver's seat (like the 2120), the 2120 has more weight in the chassis, etc., etc.

Probably would have gone with the 2120 myself if it didn't cost almost as much as a new TC40 (since with a new one, you get the break the engine in yourself, have full factory warranty, etc.). The price you stated on the 2120 seems good especially if in cherry condition (not banged up or abused). As others have mentioned, do a search for the 2120. Reports on this site by those using the 2120 for years are most favorable. Did you enquire why the thing was being sold with only 128 hours (practically new)?

JEH

PS The TC33 and smaller NH are not really directly comparable to the 1920/2120 series & TC35/40/45.