GC2400/2410 or move up to 1500 series

[ScottS]

We'll be moving to a 15 acre property in northwest MA in December
(assuming everything goes well w/ the closing in November), so I've
been researching mowing/tractor options. Our most immediate needs will
be mowing (3 or so acres cleared with grass, some hills/rocks/slopes,
the rest woods) and snow removal (250 ft driveway). Longer-term I will
need the loader and backhoe for working in the wooded areas, clearing,
hauling firewood, etc., and I'd like a post hole digger for fencing, etc.,
and a tiller for the garden. We currently have a walk-behind Craftsman
tiller which will probably be sufficient for the first year or so but
we expect to expand the garden over time so we'd eventually like
something quite a bit larger than the current one.

The local Massey Ferguson dealer recommended the GC 2400/2410 series
(quoted $12,900 for the 2400, $18000 for the 2410). We're looking at
$2000 for the 54" mid mount mower, $3000 or so for the snowblower and
$1900 for the tiller. I'm not sure if there's a post hole digger that
will work well with this model as the RD900 in the MF brochure is only
listed for the 1500 series.

I'm wondering if we'd be better off with the 1529 or 1532 instead. The
smaller ground clearance of the GC series might be an issue in the
woods, and the loader capacity of the 1529 is almost double that of
the GC2400. Then again I'm guessing the larger size will add at least
$6000 or so to the total price here, possibly more when the larger
attachents are taken into account as well.

In addition, it seems that the MMM might be a pain to work with --
having to remove it after mowing before heading into the woods,
etc. I'm wondering if I'd be better off with either a separate mower
(something like the cub cadet i-series which is a hybrid zero turn
mower that can also take front attachments like a snowblower and is
supposedly quite stable on hills) or a pull-behind rotary mower that
can handle grass and heavier brush, as we don't really need a
completely clean/groomed look for the grass -- so it would be able to
handle much higher grass than the MMM would. Can the 1529 handle the
5' rotary mower -- the RC500 specs say 25HP PTO min, which would
require the extra power of the 1532.

How much will the 1529 cost w/ loader? w/ backhoe? How much more is
the 1532?

[Bever22]

I had a 5' rotory on my 1528 with no issue at all. IIRC the 1528 and the 1529 have the same PTO HP. If your thinking bigger now then save yourself later with buying it now.

[WilliamBos]

Originally Posted by Bever22

I had a 5' rotory on my 1528 with no issue at all. IIRC the 1528 and the 1529 have the same PTO HP. If your thinking bigger now then save yourself later with buying it now.

I agree. That is why we bought our 1523, slightly bigger, heavier frame, etc.

If we ever do upgrade, it will have a cab!!

[jeepcj7]

Get the bigger tractor. Look at craigslist.com for used implements as you need them.

[bmarian]

I bought the 2410 at the end of last year and I have no regrets. But it is a working toy for me, I only have a 1/2 acre lot. The one thing you need to consider is if you need (want) a backhoe. I only have 18 hours on my 2410 but the majority of the hours have been using the backhoe. The 2410 is priced very well compared to buying a tractor and adding a backhoe. But if I had 15 acres and a place large enough to store the tractor I might go for something bigger. But the 2410 is a great tractor, it has good power and is a very well designed unit.

The bigger tractor is great, I have heard people say to figure out the perfect sized tractor for your needs then go one size bigger. On the Massey Ferguson website there is a tool to help you select a tractor for you it is interesting.

The additional ground clearance of the bigger tractor will be great in the woods and if you are going to be moving a lot of dirt, big logs or rocks the bigger loader will be the way to go.

Your future plans need to factor into the purchase also, will you be wanting to dig a lot of basements or foundations for barns? The bigger backhoe would be great then, but mowing 3 acres should not be a problem for the 2400 series, I think you could even get a 2600 with a 60" deck that would mow very nicely.

Drive both size tractors then decide, just remember you will have this tractor for a long time better get what you want now.

Bruce

[Snead Tractor LLC]

Originally Posted by ScottS

We'll be moving to a 15 acre property in northwest MA in December
(assuming everything goes well w/ the closing in November), so I've
been researching mowing/tractor options. Our most immediate needs will
be mowing (3 or so acres cleared with grass, some hills/rocks/slopes,
the rest woods) and snow removal (250 ft driveway). Longer-term I will
need the loader and backhoe for working in the wooded areas, clearing,
hauling firewood, etc., and I'd like a post hole digger for fencing, etc.,
and a tiller for the garden. We currently have a walk-behind Craftsman
tiller which will probably be sufficient for the first year or so but
we expect to expand the garden over time so we'd eventually like
something quite a bit larger than the current one.

The local Massey Ferguson dealer recommended the GC 2400/2410 series
(quoted $12,900 for the 2400, $18000 for the 2410). We're looking at
$2000 for the 54" mid mount mower, $3000 or so for the snowblower and
$1900 for the tiller. I'm not sure if there's a post hole digger that
will work well with this model as the RD900 in the MF brochure is only
listed for the 1500 series.

I'm wondering if we'd be better off with the 1529 or 1532 instead. The
smaller ground clearance of the GC series might be an issue in the
woods, and the loader capacity of the 1529 is almost double that of
the GC2400. Then again I'm guessing the larger size will add at least
$6000 or so to the total price here, possibly more when the larger
attachents are taken into account as well.

In addition, it seems that the MMM might be a pain to work with --
having to remove it after mowing before heading into the woods,
etc. I'm wondering if I'd be better off with either a separate mower
(something like the cub cadet i-series which is a hybrid zero turn
mower that can also take front attachments like a snowblower and is
supposedly quite stable on hills) or a pull-behind rotary mower that
can handle grass and heavier brush, as we don't really need a
completely clean/groomed look for the grass -- so it would be able to
handle much higher grass than the MMM would. Can the 1529 handle the
5' rotary mower -- the RC500 specs say 25HP PTO min, which would
require the extra power of the 1532.

How much will the 1529 cost w/ loader? w/ backhoe? How much more is
the 1532?

Being a MF dealer I can tell you that its all going to come down to how you want the transmission specs. Standard gear or synchro shuttle. Which do you like?