Help on buying a 1440

[Wolfman]

Hi Guys,

I thought that I had a grasp on the standard features of each version of the 1440, but now I'm looking at a 1440 that is not a value tractor that does not have a foldable ROPS. I thought fixed ROPS was only on the 1433v and 1440v. I thought all levels above were folding.

This has gotten me to thinking that I might be mistaken on what is included in each level. Can someone point out the specific differences between the 1440v and 1440 versions. Is it worth $1000 for the difference? The only thing that I know of that is different is 8 gears (on the non V tractors, is it Creep, Crawl, 1 and 2 that make up the 4 ranges?), an upgraded seat, I thought a folding ROPS and... is there anything else?

I'm looking at a 1440 with 50 hours on it that is equipped with a 1480 backhoe. The tractor has a new engine because the previous owner ran it low on oil. The dealer is giving me $3500 off the price for a total of $24,400.

The tractor looks like it has been through a rough 50 hours of use, it has some dents and scratches, the lower bar on the grill guard has been bent considerably and the right side front tire has almost a 1/4" chunk taken out if it the size of a dime. There is a quick detach bucket that has a lot of play in it (is this normal for quick detach?). The backhoe looks like it was used a fair amount also. There seems to be some extra play in it when swung from side to side (when compared to a new 1470 loader that I demo'd last week). Also when I pump the brakes, I hear a whistling noise - what kind of problem do you think that might be?

It seems like a great deal that I might just pass up for either a 1440v or a New Holland TC40 with a 16LA loader (my Massey dealer is such a great dealer - I am having a real tough time taking my business somewhere else - even though I have a preference for the TC40).

Although the backhoe seemed to work pretty good on regular soil, there are a lot of large rocks on my land that it can't handle - and I would end up needing to rent a bigger backhoe any way. When the going gets tough, this backhoe seems to quit (although I must admit I am not a very experienced backhoe operator - I'm sure with more experience I would learn to finesse things a little more).

What do you guys think, should I take this tractor and backhoe for $24,400 - is it a deal that I shouldn't pass up, or should I just get into a 1440v for $19900 (the dealer, Northwood Power Equipment is throwing in other incentives like extended warranty (4 years total), free lifetime pickup delivery, $300 off an implement, free first service - on both of these, so the prices are actually lower if you take those into account).

Basically, this deal means that I am getting the tractor level upgrade (still not sure exactly whats in the upgrade), the backhoe, and some wear and tear for $4500. Is this worth doing? Is this going to be something that I will be sorry I turned away from when I look back at this deal?

Thanks for your ideas and input...

[Wolfman]

Forgot to ask (and I keep forgetting that I can edit my posts instead of adding a new one like I just did!):

Does the quick attach for the bucket on the 1466 loader accept skid steer attachments?? I wasn't sure if all quick attaches were standard or if this one is Massey Ferguson only.

It doesn't seem like Massey Ferguson make many attachments for the 1466, are there any other sources for attachments for the quick attach?

Thanks again.

[JerryG]

If the tractor is a Non-V then the ROPS should fold. If it has been treated that rough, maybe the dealer had to replace the ROPS for some reason. The folding one is cheaper. I'll try to make out a list of what is different tomorrow.

[Wolfman]

Hi Jerry,

I take it you meant that the Folding ROPS is cheaper in construction, not price, right?

[JerryG]

I meant that if the dealer had replaced it, it would have been cheaper on him to put on the one piece than the folding ROPS.

[JerryG]

The quick attach is one that uses pins. It only needs a attachment that has the standard pins in the right place. There is no need to have a special plate or anything special. The QA will connect to any thing that has the right size of pin and if they have the right spacing.

[JerryG]

MF does off a few attachment for the 1466, but anything that has the right pin size and distance will work.

[Tonester]

For what it's worth...
I just purchased a new MF1433 from those folks and would recommend them to anyone. I do not think you can go wrong there...I checked 'em out pretty good. They gave me a very good package price on my deal, and a rental deal on excavators so I didn't opt for the backhoe. I don't think a Compact Tractor is very useful as a real backhoe except for fairly light work. As I have said here before, you can rent a 10,000lb excavator alot of times before you even come close to the price of a CUT backhoe, especially at Northwood Power! Just my opinion, I've used both and the real deal is much faster and ALOT more ballsy. But if you will use it alot for lighter work it would be OK.

Since the new 1440 is around $20,900 with loader (give or take) spend the other 4,000 on goodies, work up a rental deal and get a nice new shiny tractor!!! And don't forget about the "freebies" the boys offer!

Don't mind me I'm still all excited about my tractor [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Tonester]

Sorry, just read the other thread again and I'm repeating myself [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Jerry, you have a backhoe for your beauty, how is it for you?? 'Specially on rocks? Our hoe work is pretty hefty drainage and trenching...Maybe Wolfman would be OK?

[JerryG]

Yes, I have a MF 1475 hoe. As bad as it sounds, I have never used it. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] I just traded in a MF 1217 hoe. It was amazing what it would dig through. One time, I dug 4200 ft of trenches at a site, the contractors couldn't believe that I was digging through the rock layer that I was. I have some work lined up for the new hoe, but it will have to wait in line with my chicken farm. The have to do's on the farm comes first.