Help on buying a 1440

[Wolfman]

Thanks for all of the information. I have decided to skip the backhoe and opt for renting since we probably won't have much use for it after we are finished with immediate needs.

Can anyone give me some opinions on the 1455V ? I was all set and ready to go with a New Holland TC40D after I decided to skip the 1440/Backhoe combo. The reason I was thinking of going that route was stronger loader (2000 lbs lift, 3500 lbs breakout vs. 1200 lbs lift, 1800 lbs. breakout), more weight (about 400 lbs more for TC40D), wider wheelbase (only a little), higher displacement engine, and hydrostatic all for about $1000 more than the 1440s.

I really liked the Massey dealer and I was bummed out that my wife and I were heavily leaning towards the TC40D. When I called the Massey dealer to say that I had decided to go with the New Holland, they made me an offer on a demo 1455V with 15 hours on it for about $1000 more than the TC40D. Now I'm confused and my wife is a little upset (she was in love with the hydrostatic tranny).

The 1455 kills the TC40D on all specs except for visibility and hydrostatic tranny. The one thing I didn't understand was that the lift capacity on the 1050 loader is 3200 lbs. while the breakout force was only listed as 2500 lbs. It's the only loader I have seen where lift capacity is greater than breakout capacity. Why would this be? What type of work would breakout capacity really help with. Is there anything a loader with 2000 lb. lift/3500 lb. breakout could do better than a loader with 3200 lb. lift/2500. lb breakout ?

Also, any drawbacks to having the muffler sticking out of the hood vs. having tucked under the hood (besides visibility)?

Thanks for your assistance. I have a tough decision ahead of me now. Hydrostatic will be a big loss for my wife, but I don't know if I could live with myself turning down a deal on a much more powerful tractor.

[Glenn9643]

"Can anyone give me some opinions on the 1455V?"
I've had mine for about two months and have put 85 hours on it. I like the R4's on it. Watch for nuts/bolts loosening. Bolts holding the ROPS to the axle assy loosened on mine. I was a little concerned about smelling hydraulic fluid at times when using the loader, but apparently that was from the agitation of the fluid and coming from the vent underneath the seat. Several others responded that they had the same smell. Right now I'm not happy with my power steering. I often start to turn the wheels before moving forward or back, especially working in tight places. I've noticed that at times the steering will refuse to turn until I begin to move forward or backward. Then it turns easily as it should. I tried bumping up the throttle a little to see if it might be starving for pressure, but that hasn't helped. I don't think it's operating just as it should and I'm sure the dealer will take care of any problem. I just need to break down and get it back to them and get it checked. It may just be the nature of the beast, but I hope not. Your observation about the lack of visibility is right on track. The 3ph arms are shorter on this tractor than my last and with the fuel tank right behind the seat I can't see when trying to hook to implements. You cannot reach from the back of the tractor to adjust your 3ph lift to hook up either becahse of the fuel tank. Because of this I had them install the joystick controller for my dual remotes at the rear of the tractor where I can reach it from the seat or from the ground if trying to connect to an implement. Other than that I've been very satisfied with my 1455v.

'lift capacity on the 1050 loader is 3200 lbs. while the breakout force was only listed as 2500 lbs.'
Everything I've seen indicates the 1040 loader is the only MF loader used on the 1455v. That's what I have on mine. I would bet the 2500 lbs figure on the 1050 is a typo error. The 1040 breakout is 3400 lbs with 3000 lbs lift capacity. There is a dealer modification required when installing the loader wherein they weld some "shims" underneath the side loader supports. If this is not done you will have some terrible rattling when moving across rough ground. Mine has been fixed and I no longer have the rattles. I went with the 72" HD bucket in hopes of preventing bending and twisting the bucket down the road. A toothbar is highly recommended if you intend to dig. The quick-attach system is fairly cheap and allows you to change the bucket out in minutes. Very worthwhile if you think you might ever need pallet forks or a bale spear.

'any drawbacks to having the muffler sticking out of the hood'
When I'm in an area dense enough to worry about a limb or something hitting my muffler I raise the FEL to protect it. That also helps keep it off me.

I don't recall if you mentioned what you would use it for. In my opinion it's too big to mowing, but it handles a 286 Bushhog fine. You should go to the dealer and drive it around the lot for a while and see how it feels to you. There are a few drawbacks, but I've found drawbacks in the others too. The mechanical shuttle works fine for me, but I'm used to geared tractors. Like your wife, mine prefers the hydro like we have on the JD 455 we use to cut grass. Good luck with your decision and let me know if I can be of assistance.