LukeDuke30
Bronze Member
Hi everyone, I have been reading this forum for over a year now. I purchased a Massey Ferguson 1734e about a year ago. My wife and I purchased about 11 acres for a future home build. Since that time, I have cleared close to 250 3-8'' trees, (Mainly Bradford Pears) which seem to grow like weeds, and many small thorn tree/heavy brush patches that were the result of 15 years of
I started out by removing trees, bush hogging, burning etc. I will say this - a good chain and stump bucket are the best way I have found to get rid of small trees and stumps! The regular bucket works, but a stump bucket makes quick work of the roots and heavy clay soil.
I bought a woods RC6 rotary cutter when I bought the tractor. I paid $18,200 for the tractor and cutter. I almost upgraded and purchased the premium 1742, but it was another $8,000 and was on a larger frame. I have about 150 hours on the tractor, and have had no problems at all with the exception of a flat tire from the lovely Bradford Pear trees that have 2-3 inch thorn-like protrusions.
It is an Economy tractor so sometimes certain amenities are left off. I am not missing anything I can't live without other than a third function valve. This is also my first tractor so I really have nothing to compare it to other than a New Holland TC33D which a friend owns. I borrowed it last spring to start the bush hogging process. My Massey seems much more robust, and the loader is much more capable. Ergonomically the Massey is fine for me. I am tall, but there is plenty of room for operating.
At the end of the day, this has been one of the best purchases I could have made. It has a heavy frame, large front axle housings, and fit and finish seem very high. Within reason, it has done everything I have needed it to do! Once the house is built, I will use it for odds and ends, and probably my primary finish mower once we are ready for that. I give it a 10/10. Even my wife enjoys cutting down the tall grass! Some before and after pictures below
I started out by removing trees, bush hogging, burning etc. I will say this - a good chain and stump bucket are the best way I have found to get rid of small trees and stumps! The regular bucket works, but a stump bucket makes quick work of the roots and heavy clay soil.
I bought a woods RC6 rotary cutter when I bought the tractor. I paid $18,200 for the tractor and cutter. I almost upgraded and purchased the premium 1742, but it was another $8,000 and was on a larger frame. I have about 150 hours on the tractor, and have had no problems at all with the exception of a flat tire from the lovely Bradford Pear trees that have 2-3 inch thorn-like protrusions.
It is an Economy tractor so sometimes certain amenities are left off. I am not missing anything I can't live without other than a third function valve. This is also my first tractor so I really have nothing to compare it to other than a New Holland TC33D which a friend owns. I borrowed it last spring to start the bush hogging process. My Massey seems much more robust, and the loader is much more capable. Ergonomically the Massey is fine for me. I am tall, but there is plenty of room for operating.
At the end of the day, this has been one of the best purchases I could have made. It has a heavy frame, large front axle housings, and fit and finish seem very high. Within reason, it has done everything I have needed it to do! Once the house is built, I will use it for odds and ends, and probably my primary finish mower once we are ready for that. I give it a 10/10. Even my wife enjoys cutting down the tall grass! Some before and after pictures below
