I’m no expert on the topic, as my dad uses an old 8N Ford just fine, but I have plenty of family members who do have Deere products and honestly, they all swear by ’em. If you feel the Deere is built better, don’t sacrifice that over 2hp. The Deere is still going to have plenty of power and likely all you’d ever need. I’d say that if the Deere can’t do it, the NH’s 2hp isn’t going to be the difference. I’d be more concerned about breakage than power. These things usually pack more “oomph” than some of it’s components can handle. I mean, tractors have enough to snort to wreck themselves, the implements, and you. So I’d go with the better construction as the most important issue. All the power in the world won’t aid the value of a broken tractor.
Comfort…… is important if you’re going to spend much time in it. So, is it uncomfortable or is it just more roomy? If the controls are easily getting the way of each other or rubbing a leg……. it gets on the nerves! But the question is comfort. If you can work comfortably with the controls, do you need the extra space?
Will both brands let you “test drive” at all? It’d be interesting to have a sampling of how each one feels to you when using it within your applications.
Is width any concern for you? Stability was a strong suit of those old Fords on hilly terrain. I don’t know what the newer tractors are like. I haven’t worked one myself since 1983 and I’m sure they’ve changed some.
Anyway…… all my relatives have gone to another brand over New Holland, but never seemed to talk poorly of them either. Most broken equipment was a result of neglect and they’d be critical of “why that guy doesn’t understand that.”
I guess if I were to offer anything concrete, I’d go talk to someone that owns one of the models you’re interested in and get their opinions and satisfaction levels. I don’t think you could be any more thorough than talking to experienced consumers.
Good luck buddy! 
