MF 1643 Thinking of Trading for a MF1749 or MF 1754

[onionfmr]

Currently have a MF 1643 cab with powershuttle. The MF 1643 is a decent tractor but, I like some of the features (cab layout & seating position, fuel fill location, etc..) on the 1700 series tractors. Has anybody actually made this swap? Looking for feedback. Was it worth it? Thanks is advance - Ted

 

[TSO]

Is yours paid for? Do you need more HP or more loader strength ?

Even though I constantly want a newer machine ... I don't think I could part with my 1652. It's an amazing machine, extremely reliable, bulletproof engine, no emissions BS.... if you switch, you'll be giving up the Iseki diesel.

What are the additional features that you think may be worth upgrading for?

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

I've got a 1643 with Hydro. Before this tractor, I had a 1540 with the Powershuttle (had to sell it in 2009 due to the bad economy).

IMO, the 1600 series MFs are among the best compact tractors ever made, if not THE best. I bought the 1643 in 2013 right as the Tier 4 final emissions 1700 series tractors came out. I wanted nothing to do with them.

If your 1643 does all you ask of it, save your money.

 

[onionfmr]

Thanks for the replies. My 1643 doesn't do all that I want. Mine has the MF loader bucket not skid steer bucket. My neighbor (great guy) has lots of skid steer implements for free use. Loader struggles to move some of the rocks that I want to move. My old MF 1240 would move these rocks easily. MF bucket is weak. Struggles to run some of my implements even though they are within MF specs for PTO power. Don't like the clutch. Has the 1643 power steering lag. One rear remote doesn't work for me and adding another one appears to be cost prohibitive. Cab layout on 1700 series seems to work better. I actually like the concept of the Tier IV since the tractor is stored in my pole barn and MF 1643 blows diesel fumes over my other equipment. I've found 2 used tractors a MF 1749 and MF 1754 with less than 100 hours each that are priced right. Are there problems with the Mitsubishi engines? Are there issues with the 1700 series tractors?

 

[TSO]

I think the Mitsubishi engines are very good, wouldn't worry about that. Only issues I've heard of with the 17xx series are tier 4 related. If these used tractors are at a dealership, I'd make sure the dealer has already updated all the ECU software before delivery.

Good luck!

 

[onionfmr]

Thanks TSO for your reply. Actually stopped off and looked at the two used tractors this AM. Drove a new MF 1749, really like the tractor! It's the new synch-shuttle? Anybody have experience with this trans? Lots of nice features on the MF 1749 i.e... better cab vent locations, horn, remote PTO control, 600 lbs. more lift bucket capacity, parking brake light indicator, better seating position and more adjustability. Any comments from MF 1749 or MF 1754 owners would be appreciated.

 

[onceacop]

My 1758 nicest tractor I have owned. Soot regen cycle not an issue for me, particulate filter and emissions stuff was a worry but I am past that and don't notice it sometimes when it does cycle. I like my cab on the 1700 series has been a summer from **** with humidity and bugs and storms here in MN. The A/C is a must and I am not sure how I have done without in past. top speed over 20 mph with the HST. Skid steer style loader and front mount hyd. also the only way to move snow. I can haul *** with a 96" Bobcat snowblade. Ag tires loaded and I have traction up the Kazoo but they are tough on grass. Loader and Hyd. system is strong and I really feel these are the best tractor out there in and even above their $ range. I get more done with this Massey than I did with several other tractors. Part of it is having a cab and working in weather you wouldn't be out in with a open station

 

[Wobblin-Goblin]

Thanks for the replies. My 1643 doesn't do all that I want. Mine has the MF loader bucket not skid steer bucket. My neighbor (great guy) has lots of skid steer implements for free use. Loader struggles to move some of the rocks that I want to move. My old MF 1240 would move these rocks easily. MF bucket is weak. Struggles to run some of my implements even though they are within MF specs for PTO power. Don't like the clutch. Has the 1643 power steering lag. One rear remote doesn't work for me and adding another one appears to be cost prohibitive. Cab layout on 1700 series seems to work better. I actually like the concept of the Tier IV since the tractor is stored in my pole barn and MF 1643 blows diesel fumes over my other equipment. I've found 2 used tractors a MF 1749 and MF 1754 with less than 100 hours each that are priced right. Are there problems with the Mitsubishi engines? Are there issues with the 1700 series tractors?

Certainly you should buy the machine you need if you have the dough. That much is true. Having said that, I'm genuinely surprised that your 1643 isn't performing at least to its specs. Not sure what to think of that, as my 1643 honestly exceeds the published specs for the tractor. We made the switch from small square bales to large round ones, and my tractor has lifted and moved bales that went up to 1,620lbs, which is far beyond what the loader is rated for (and it's a totally stock machine).

Either way, good luck with the 1700 series. As a fan of MF, I hope they turn out to be good tractors. I'm just not sold on them yet.

 

[onionfmr]

Either way, good luck with the 1700 series. As a fan of MF, I hope they turn out to be good tractors. I'm just not sold on them yet.

As a note, I'm a huge fan of Massey tractors! I've looked at several 1700 series tractors and am curious about your comment on not being sold on them yet. IMHO the 1700 series look like an upgraded version of the 1600 series. IMHO the ergonomics/seating position in the MF 1754 series cab is a major improvement in itself over the MF 1643. I ran a MF 1240 for over 10 years and felt that when I went to the MF 1643, after running it for a couple of 100 hours, the quality was just not as good. What are your concerns about the 1700 series, the Tier IV engine? Interested in your opinion. Thanks.

 

[TSO]

He may just be speaking about the tier 4 engine ... Because the 1700 series tractors are the same as the 1600, besides a few aesthetic and tech upgrades. And of course, they now use the ALO-Quicke loader instead of the Radius Steel / Soo Tractor - loaders (which is an upgrade and downgrade, depending on which points you look at).