MF1523 4x4 FEL

[kendive]

Originally Posted by 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

Yea I got to agree with you... I decided on the MF GC2400 with the Loader... I also think it's the best sub compact.

[new2MFfrank]

I think you will enjoy your purchase.

Frank

[kendive]

Originally Posted by new2MFfrank

I think you will enjoy your purchase.

Frank

Yes Sir....

[73jeep]

[quote=Snead Tractor LLC;1794414]I would suggest the GC2400 over the 1523. The GC 2400 has 1 more hp at the PTO over the 1523. Plus the HST pedals are side by side on the GC. Much more easy to operate. Plus the 1523 unit is being discontinued!!!! The 1523 is a LOT MORE Expensive than the GC. The GC engine specs out the same as the 1523 and the lift cap on the 3pt is the same as well. So, I have showed you right off the bat where you can cut cost.


true, they share the same engine, but it's kinda like comparing a ford f-150 with f-250. you can have the same engine in both, but the 250 is built with a more heavy-duty frame.

[WilliamBos]

[quote=73jeep;1802791]

Originally Posted by Snead Tractor LLC

I would suggest the GC2400 over the 1523. The GC 2400 has 1 more hp at the PTO over the 1523. Plus the HST pedals are side by side on the GC. Much more easy to operate. Plus the 1523 unit is being discontinued!!!! The 1523 is a LOT MORE Expensive than the GC. The GC engine specs out the same as the 1523 and the lift cap on the 3pt is the same as well. So, I have showed you right off the bat where you can cut cost.


true, they share the same engine, but it's kinda like comparing a ford f-150 with f-250. you can have the same engine in both, but the 250 is built with a more heavy-duty frame.

Exactly. Better bang for the buck, IMHO.