MF1523 4x4 FEL

[kendive]

Thanks for the differences on the two...

I will probably goto the MF dealer tomorrow and try them...

The Kubota they told me for the BX2360 4x4 R4 tires and WA304 Loader and a 4' bush hog just with a break away key and two wheels. 14,357 out the door and 237.06 a month for the 0% for 60 including the Kubota insurance.

I was looking in the Tractor House Mag and they have a Branson Brand and they seem like the most bang for the buck and I have read that people are happy with them.

Thanks again

[ChuckinNH]

When you are comparing tractors of any size, it's always a good idea to look at the cost of ownership, and not just the purchase price. While I'm not saying in any way that the top three are the best tractors, they do have the best service networks, and resale value. If you are looking at Kioti, Branson, Mahindra, etc. I think it would be a very good idea to try to buy used the first time. The initial depreciation on those tractors seems to be more in this area, and some very good deals are around. I remember that Islandtractor did that, and his cost of ownership on his CK20 was quite low when he decided to move up to his DK40. We all think we are going to keep this stuff forever, but it often doesn't work out that way.

Another thing to consider is that if you are looking at smaller tractors, it might be wise to get something that has a mid pto, and a good selection of matched attachments for it. Many of the 2nd tier tractors don't have that, or have a spotty history for availability of things like mmm's, snowblowers, front blades, etc. If you know you will never consider these things, then it isn't something to be concerned about, but my crystal ball isn't that good.

[kendive]

Originally Posted by MFRED

Yes, you can put a post hole digger on the sub compact. There a versions that are shorter in height to allow clearane for the shorter tractors.

Ok that's is what I thought from looking on line. The salesman at the Kubota dealer in Pensacola, FL was telling me no way because it was too low to the ground, but what was funny is that they showed a BX2360 in there brochure with a post hole digger on it... He was very confused... and could not find one to sell me for it.

[kendive]

Posted twice for some reason. Seems like site is being slow also...

[kendive]

Originally Posted by ChuckinNH

When you are comparing tractors of any size, it's always a good idea to look at the cost of ownership, and not just the purchase price. While I'm not saying in any way that the top three are the best tractors, they do have the best service networks, and resale value. If you are looking at Kioti, Branson, Mahindra, etc. I think it would be a very good idea to try to buy used the first time. The initial depreciation on those tractors seems to be more in this area, and some very good deals are around. I remember that Islandtractor did that, and his cost of ownership on his CK20 was quite low when he decided to move up to his DK40. We all think we are going to keep this stuff forever, but it often doesn't work out that way.

Another thing to consider is that if you are looking at smaller tractors, it might be wise to get something that has a mid pto, and a good selection of matched attachments for it. Many of the 2nd tier tractors don't have that, or have a spotty history for availability of things like mmm's, snowblowers, front blades, etc. If you know you will never consider these things, then it isn't something to be concerned about, but my crystal ball isn't that good.

You make a very good point there. and you are right I see Kubota for sale all over the place and they seem to hold there value very well and I know the BX2360 has a mid point PTO for sure...

[kendive]

ok I just got off the phone with the MF dealer here and they quoted me 12,700 for the GC2400 4x4 R4 Tires and the Loader.

A 4' Bush Hog SQ148 $1150, Post Hole Digger with auger $750, 4' Disk 1100, and a Rake $320

They have the 0% for 72 and I can get the MF insurance...


Just FYI... Hard choices...

[Snead Tractor LLC]

Originally Posted by kendive

ok I just got off the phone with the MF dealer here and they quoted me 12,700 for the GC2400 4x4 R4 Tires and the Loader.

A 4' Bush Hog SQ148 $1150, Post Hole Digger with auger $750, 4' Disk 1100, and a Rake $320

They have the 0% for 72 and I can get the MF insurance...


Just FYI... Hard choices...

Just be aware that you will not be able to finance this equipment with the tractor and still get 0% for 72. Your rate is going to be a blended rate.

[ChuckinNH]

The Massey GC2400 series are great tractors. I don't know anyone that has one that has been unhappy with it. They are not quite as common around here, but that is partly because there aren't as many dealers as there are for JD, and Kubota. New Holland is not really covered that well either though one of the local dealers is very good. (local for tractor dealers around here is 1 hour plus, or minus)

[kendive]

Originally Posted by Snead Tractor LLC

Just be aware that you will not be able to finance this equipment with the tractor and still get 0% for 72. Your rate is going to be a blended rate.

Yea he told me that. He said he may be able to get just the bush hog in the same 0%.

That's no problem as I will pay cash if I have too... I also am going to pay cash for a Trailer.

Thanks

[new2MFfrank]

I just bought a new MF1523 gear drive (my first tractor) a couple of months ago and I am extremely happy with it. I am going to work on my 50 hour service this weekend. I purchased it at Georgia Deer Farm near Carrollton, Georgia out side Roopville to be precise. I paid $13,400 (no sales tax in GA) for the 1523 with a front end loader and a 4' International rear rough cut mower delivered to me. I added a 4' United box blade a couple weeks later. When I bought mine, they had a 1523 hydro and I think he still has one. When we started talking the hydro was $500 more than the gear drive I ended up with. Also, I did not finance mine so I don't know how that might change the price.

When I started tractor shopping I was looking at sub compacts units. We are fortunate to have Kuboto, John Deere, and Massey Fergussen Dealers all within 20 to 30 minutes of home. As I said in other posts all the dealers were very, very, tolerant of my endless questions and very willing to let me test drive all the subjects. I really started off thinking that the JD would end up at the house. I am a new guy remember, so I was thinking likely purchase order would be: JD, Kubota, and better look at the Masseys, they are just down the road too. I only rode around in the parking lot to test but with no experience that was my only real option.

I liked the Massey GC2400 the best of the sub compacts that I tried, but Roger had the two 1523s and after my description of my needs he suggested trying them too. The main items that steered me toward the 1523s were the additional ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, suspension seat (getting old ya know), more upright seating position due to the height of the steering column, and the overall more roomy rider/operator compartment, while still being narrow and short, i.e. super maneuverability. The gear versus hydro 1523 decision was two fold with the floor area being less cluttered on the gear model (hydro pedal location mostly) and I was just more comfortable with the manual transmission. I am sure that I would adapt to the hydro but remember my major newbee (sp) status, and also I just felt really comfortable with the super low granny first gear on the non-hydro model.

Take it for what it's worth, but as I said I feel I made the correct purchase.

Also I don't know if you are considering used but Roger had a used 1528 with a loader and rough cut mower, and a GC2310 (back hoe) last weekend. I would think that low hour used compacts and sub compacts are few.

Gotta love this place. Frank